Hair Care: Avoiding Damaging Practices
Healthy and beautiful hair is a cherished asset for many, and proper care is crucial to maintain its luster and vitality. In this article, we’ll discuss common haircare practices that can harm your hair. From the way you dry your hair after washing to the type of hairdryer you use, understanding and avoiding these damaging behaviors can help you achieve and maintain healthy locks.
- Blow-Drying Wet Hair Directly
One common mistake people make is using a hairdryer on freshly washed, dripping wet hair. The sudden exposure to high heat can be damaging to your hair. Instead, after washing your hair, gently pat it dry with a towel or let it air dry until it’s damp rather than soaking wet. Avoid vigorously rubbing your hair with a towel, as this can cause breakage and frizz.
- Keeping the Hairdryer Too Close to the Scalp
In an attempt to expedite the drying process, many people bring the hairdryer too close to their scalp, sometimes even touching it or using a brush to wrap hair around the dryer’s nozzle. According to Dr. Rebecca, a dermatologist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, this approach can cause severe damage to your hair, especially the ends. To protect your hair, maintain a reasonable distance between the hairdryer and your scalp while using it.
- Drying One Side for Too Long
It’s a common habit for some to focus on drying one side of their hair before moving to the other. However, this practice can cause your hair to overheat and potentially become damaged. Particularly for individuals with concave head shapes, such as East Asians, this can be problematic. To evenly dry your hair without overheating it, divide your hair into sections and use your hand to shield your scalp while directing the dryer toward the inner layers of your hair.
- Not Understanding the Purpose of Cold Air
Many hairdryers come with various temperature settings, and understanding when to use cold air can be beneficial. In general, it’s recommended to use the highest temperature setting for coarse and thick hair and lower temperatures for finer hair. However, after about 8 minutes of drying, switch to the cold air setting. This step is particularly useful in humid and hot climates like Taiwan, where hair can become unruly quickly. Cold air helps close the hair cuticles and softens the hair, making it more manageable and less prone to frizz. After using cold air, you can further style your hair using hot air for a sleek finish.
- Using Cheap Hairdryers
Investing in a high-quality hairdryer is essential for hair health. Older models of hairdryers may not have temperature control, leading to overheating that can damage both your hair and scalp. Multi-speed hairdryers with adjustable temperature settings are ideal as they cater to different hair types and textures. While it might seem like an initial expense, investing in quality hair tools, including hairdryers and brushes, not only adds shine and reduces damage but also ensures your styling tools are long-lasting and reliable.
Conclusion
Proper hair care is essential for maintaining healthy, beautiful hair. By avoiding damaging practices such as blow-drying wet hair directly, keeping the dryer at a safe distance from the scalp, evenly drying both sides, utilizing cold air effectively, and investing in quality hairdryers, you can protect your hair from harm and ensure it remains vibrant and strong. Remember, a consistent and mindful hair care routine is the key to achieving and maintaining the hair you desire, so take the time to care for your locks properly.
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