7 Things You Do that Are Ruining Your Hair

Here's a complete guide to common hair moves you should avoid.

By Carly Cardellino

 "There are a lot of things you do on a daily basis that can wreak havoc on your hair," says celebrity stylist Harry Josh, who tends to the hair of Gisele, Rose Byrne, and a ton of other A-listers. 

 According to Josh, here's what you might be doing that is totally trashing your hair: 

1. Trying to bleach your hair yourself.


"If you're trying to do ombré look or give yourself highlights at home,
and your hair comes out looking more yellow than what you were going
for, call your stylist," he says. "If you go out and buy another box,
thinking you're going to give it another go, think again. You could end
up frying off your hair and making it fall out in the end, which would
be terrbile and unfixable."

2. Using a hair tie that rips your hair out.

 "You might still be using an elastic with the metal fasteners that
hold the hair tie together, or god forbit an office rubberband to put
your hair up, but these types of hair binders will only rip out your
hair when you try to take them out," Josh says. "Instead, get one that
is made entirely out of fabric or one that isn't held together with a
small metal piece. And NEVER use an office rubberband to pull your hair
up - they're your hair's worst enemy." Try Emi Jay Hair Ties. 

3. Pulling your hair up in the same ponytail position.

 "If you normally put your hair in a ponytail in the exact same
spot every day, you can actually cause surface breakage in that area,"
he says. "What happens over time is that your hair will start to get
weaker and break off in that spot and you'll be left with a bunch of
flyaways you'll have to spray back with hair spray."
To avoid this strand situation, change up your ponytail placement so
you don't wear out your hair at the crown of your head, for example. 

4. Copying ballerinas and pulling your hair back too tightly.


"Over time this can cause breakage to the hairline, since you're
essentially putting a lot of tension on your hair at the root," he
explains. "If you have a frail hairline, opt for looser styles that
don't give an instant facelift as soon as you pull it back."

5. Skipping heat protectant products when you style.

 "These types of products nourish as they style and put a barrier
between the plates of the hot tool and your inner core of your hair shaft that keeps it strong," says Josh.
"Some even contain UV filters, which help shield UV rays from sun
damage that makes your hair porous, which makes it feel rough and look
dry." Try John Frieda Frizz-Ease Heat Defeat Protective Styling Spray. 

6. Brushing your hair with boar bristle brush when it's wet.


"You always want to use a paddle brush or wide-tooth comb when you're
trying to detangle your hair after you shower," Josh warns. "Go for one
with bristles set far apart; otherwise, using a boar bristle brush will
yank your hair out since it's bristles are so close together."




7. Never brushing your hair.


"Brushing your hair invigorates the blood in your scalp, bringing it to
the follicle," he says. "And the healthier the follicle is, the
healthier and more lustrous your hair will look."