10 Everyday Habits Damaging Your Scalp and Hair

Lustrous hair is often considered the epitome of beauty, but what if your daily habits are unknowingly sabotaging your hair health? The relationship between daily practices and the well-being of your scalp and hair is intricate. Often, without understanding the repercussions, we indulge in habits that could be detrimental to our hair. Using effective and good quality products such as gentle shampoos and dry scalp serums helps target specific hair concerns.

In this article, we delve into the impact of daily routines on hair health and explore ten common habits that might be silently wreaking havoc on your scalp and strands.

Can daily habits and practices affect your scalp and hair?

The answer is a resounding yes. Our daily routines play a crucial role in determining the health of our scalp and hair. From the way we wash our hair to the tools we use, every action can have lasting effects. Unfortunately, many of us engage in practices without understanding their implications, leading to issues like dry scalp, hair breakage, and increased hair fall. Hence it’s essential to educate ourselves on these matters to make informed choices and preserve the vitality of our hair.

Here are 10 everyday habits that may be damaging your scalp and hair:

1. Overwashing

Despite the temptation to have squeaky-clean hair, overwashing can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Using harsh shampoos and hot water exacerbates the problem, making your hair more susceptible to breakage. Opt for a mild, nourishing shampoo like Kérastase’s Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant shampoo for Normal to Oily Hair, formulated to strengthen and hydrate without causing dryness. This sulphate-free solution is enriched with Edelweiss Native Cells and Ginger Root, promoting a healthy scalp and resilient strands. It also has a second variant formulated for dry hair, the Genesis Bain Nutri-Fortifiant Shampoo for Normal to Dry Hair.

2. Tight Hairstyles

That sleek ponytail or tight bun might look chic, but constant tension on the hair follicles can lead to traction alopecia. Loosen up your hairstyles to reduce stress on your strands, allowing your scalp and hair to breathe. Alternating between updos and loose styles prevents long-term damage, maintaining the integrity of your hair.

3. Heat Styling Without Protection

Excessive use of heat-styling tools without protective measures can cause irreparable damage. Invest in a quality heat protectant and consider reducing the frequency of styling. Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale Serum acts as a shield against heat damage, providing nourishment to your hair. Enriched with a blend of precious oils, it adds a luxurious shine while protecting your strands from thermal stress.

4. Ignoring Regular Trims

Avoiding regular haircuts can result in split ends and breakage. Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to maintain its health and vitality. This simple habit prevents the progression of damage and encourages the growth of strong, resilient hair.

5. Wet Brushing

Hair is most vulnerable when wet, and aggressive brushing can cause breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently work through knots, starting from the tips and moving upwards. This minimises stress on the hair shaft, preventing breakage and split ends.

6. Using Harsh Towels

Roughly drying your hair with a towel can lead to friction, causing breakage and frizz. Instead, opt for a microfiber or soft cotton towel to gently blot excess water from your hair. This reduces damage and promotes a smoother texture.

7. Incorrect Pillowcases

Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair, contributing to dryness. Switch to silk or satin pillowcases to minimise friction and retain your hair’s natural oils. This small change can make a significant difference in maintaining the health of your hair.

8. Product Overload

Using excessive styling products can lead to product buildup, weighing down your hair and clogging the scalp. Choose products wisely and use them in moderation to avoid compromising the health of your scalp and hair.

9. Skipping Scalp Care

Neglecting your scalp is a common oversight. Invest in a dry scalp serum or a gentle exfoliating scalp treatment to remove impurities and promote a healthy environment for hair growth. Kérastase products offer targeted solutions like the Genesis Anti-Hair Fall serum which boosts resistance at the scalp.

10. Poor Diet and Hydration

What you eat directly impacts the health of your hair. A diet lacking in essential nutrients can result in dry, brittle hair. Stay hydrated and include a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, and proteins in your diet to nourish your scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

Tips to combat hair damage

Now that we’ve understood all the mistakes we make in our daily routine, let’s look at some things we can do right. Here are some tips to prevent hair damage.

1. Incorporate a hydrating serum like Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale for intense nourishment. It is a versatile, leave-in serum for all hair types. Infused with a blend of precious hair oils – Marula oil, Camellia oil and Argan oil, this hydrating serum instantly smoothes your hair while also offering heat protection.

2. Use hair products that target specific hair concerns instead of going for a regular shampoo. For instance, if you’re looking for a hair fall shampoo that suits your hair type, try Kérastase’s Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant or Genesis Bain Nutri-Fortifiant shampoo, depending on your hair type.

3. Implement a regular deep conditioning routine to keep your hair hydrated and resilient. Incorporating a hair mask once a week will give your hair that added dose of moisture and deep nourishment. The Genesis Masque Reconstituant Mask is a fortifying mask that strengthens dry, weakened hair that is prone to falling due to breakage.

4. Protect your hair from UV rays and pollution by wearing a hat or using a protective spray.

Preserving the health of your scalp and hair requires conscious effort and informed choices. By avoiding damaging habits and embracing a thoughtful hair care routine, you can ensure that your hair remains vibrant and resilient. Explore the range of Kérastase products designed to cater to your specific needs, and take the first step towards achieving luscious, healthy hair. After all, a little care today ensures a head full of gorgeous hair tomorrow.