Having your hair stuck at the same length for a long period of time can be so frustrating and can make you want to completely give up on your haircare. When it comes to achieving long, healthy hair, many of us are eager to try every trick in the book. From expensive treatments to trendy hairstyles, the desperation for perfect hair can sometimes lead us down the wrong path.
In this blog post, we'll highlight 9 common mistakes that may be stunting your hair growth, and how you can avoid them to achieve healthier, stronger hair.
1. You Don’t Have a Good Routine
If you don’t have a good hair care routine, it can hinder your hair growth in several ways. Without consistent care, your hair can become prone to breakage and damage.
Regular cleansing removes dirt, oil, and product buildup that can clog your hair follicles. Using deep conditioners and leave-in conditioners helps to moisturize and protect your hair, reducing the risk of breakage and split ends.
A well-rounded routine also includes scalp care, because your scalp needs to be healthy to produce healthy hair. Regular trimming is also important for removing split ends and preventing further damage.
Overall, a consistent hair care routine is essential for maintaining healthy hair and promoting optimal growth. Figure out what works for you and stick to it.
2. You Are Not Using Good Quality Products
Low-quality products may contain harsh chemicals, fillers, and artificial fragrances that can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, brittleness, and breakage. These products may also lack the necessary nourishing ingredients to keep your hair healthy and strong.
Using good quality products, on the other hand, can help you maintain the health of your hair and promote growth.
When choosing hair products, look for those that are free from harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and silicones. Instead, opt for the ones that contain natural ingredients like ayurvedic herbs (amla, fenugreek, clove etc), essential oils, and vitamins that nourish and strengthen your hair.
By using good quality products that are gentle and nourishing, you can help to keep your hair healthy, strong, and vibrant, promoting optimal growth.
3. Skipping Regular Trims
Regular trims are great for maintaining the health and appearance of your hair, as they help to remove split, thinning and damaged ends that can lead to further damage and breakage if left untreated. Split ends occur when the hair shaft becomes damaged and splits into two or more strands, often caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, or mechanical damage.
Visiting your hairstylist every 4-6 months for a trim is recommended to remove these split ends and prevent them from traveling up your hair shaft, which can cause more damage. During a trim, your stylist will carefully trim off the damaged ends, leaving your hair looking healthier and more vibrant.
In addition to regular trims, using a hair repair serum can help to strengthen your hair and seal the cuticle, reducing the risk of split ends and breakage.
4. Overwashing Your Hair
Washing your hair too frequently can disrupt the natural balance of oils on your scalp and hair, leading to dryness, brittleness, and breakage. To maintain healthy hair, it's important to find a balance in your washing routine.
Wash your hair 2-4 times a month, depending on your hair type and lifestyle. This frequency allows your scalp to produce and distribute natural oils, keeping your hair moisturized and protected.
When washing your hair, it's very important you use a conditioning shampoo and a softening conditioner. These will prevent shower knots and tangles and keep your hair soft and hydrated.
5. Not Using a Protein Treatment
Your hair is primarily made up of a protein called keratin, and regular exposure to styling products, heat, and environmental factors can deplete this protein, making your hair weak, brittle and prone to breakage.
A good protein treatment will strengthen your hair shaft, repair damage, and improve your overall hair health by replenishing lost protein and repairing your hair's structure, making it more resilient to damage and breakage. This will improve the appearance of your hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant.
To incorporate protein treatments into your haircare routine, look for products that are specifically formulated to strengthen and repair damaged hair. A protein treatment should be done once every 6-8 weeks.
6. Your Hairstyles Are Too Tight
Doing overly tight ponytails, braids, and buns in the name of making the style last longer is very bad. It can exert excessive tension on your hairline, leading to a condition called traction alopecia. This condition causes hair loss and damage, particularly along the front and sides of the scalp. It can also lead to random bald spots.
To prevent traction alopecia, it's essential to choose hairstyles that are gentle on your hair and scalp. Opt for looser styles that don't pull too tightly on your hair.
Consider doing hairstyles that don’t involve extensions because they are lighter on your scalp and don’t cause so much tension.
If you have to use extensions, make sure your style isn’t too tight or heavy. In the case of ponytails, it’s important that you don’t pull your hair back too tightly so your hairline isn’t stressed.
Additionally, avoid using rubber bands or hair ties that are too tight, as they can contribute to hair breakage and damage.
To keep your hair moisturized and healthy, use a moisturizing hair mist to hydrate your hair, reducing the risk of breakage and damage. Seal in moisture in your hair with a softening hair cream and nourish your scalp with a soothing hair growth oil to promote healthy hair growth.
7. Rough-Handling Your Hair
Rough handling, such as aggressive brushing, pulling, or styling, can cause your hair strands to weaken and break.
Using hair accessories that are too tight or rough can also cause damage to your hair’s shaft and scalp. To prevent damage from rough handling, it's important to be gentle with your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up.
Avoid pulling or tugging on knots, as this can cause breakage. Instead, apply a bit of leave in conditioner or hair butter to lubricate the knot and make it easier to detangle.
When styling your hair, be gentle and avoid using excessive heat or tension. It's also important to choose hair accessories that are gentle on your hair. Avoid using rubber bands, as these can cause breakage. Instead, opt for hair ties made of silk or satin material that won't snag or pull on your hair.
By handling your hair with care, you can prevent breakage, allowing your hair to grow longer and healthier.
8. Not Managing Stress
Stress is a common factor that can affect the health of your hair and its growth cycle. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt your hair’s growth cycle and lead to issues like hair loss or slower hair growth. To mitigate the effects of stress on your hair, it's important to practice stress-reducing activities and take care of your mental well-being.
Activities like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. These practices can help lower cortisol levels in your body, which can in turn benefit your hair health.
Quick tip: Massaging your scalp with a soothing hair growth oil can help calm your senses and promote relaxation.
9. Poor Diet
When it comes to growing healthy hair, having a balanced diet can never be overemphasized. Your hair is primarily made up of protein, so consuming an adequate amount of protein is essential for strong, healthy hair growth. Vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, D, E, and B vitamins, as well as zinc, iron, and biotin, also play key roles in keeping your hair healthy.
To ensure you're getting enough of these nutrients, incorporate a variety of foods into your diet. Foods rich in protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and nuts. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet to get vitamins and minerals, and consider taking a daily multivitamin or hair supplement if you're not getting enough nutrients from your diet alone.
By eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, you can help promote healthy, strong hair growth.
Conclusion
Achieving healthier, resilient, vibrant hair is possible with the right approach to haircare. By avoiding these common mistakes and using the right products, you can achieve healthier, stronger hair growth and enjoy it’s benefits.