Cos Sakkas, global creative director for a renowned UK hair styling brand, stated that weak, tangled, or dull hair largely stems from incorrect daily washing habits, rather than solely from hair care products.

To protect your hair, here are eight common mistakes you need to change:

Always wet your hair completely and use about two teaspoons of shampoo for long hair. Photo illustration: Mirror

Not detangling before washing

Wetting tangled hair can cause strands to tighten, leading to severe breakage during washing. Experts recommend using a wide-tooth comb to detangle the ends first, then gradually comb up to the roots. This step also helps remove dirt, allowing for a deeper cleanse.

Washing hair with excessively hot water

Hot water disrupts the pH balance, opening the hair cuticles and causing a loss of natural moisture, as well as fading hair color. High temperatures also lead to dry, brittle hair and a flaky scalp. Ideally, wash with lukewarm water and finish with a cool rinse to seal the cuticles, promoting shinier, smoother hair.

Using too much shampoo

Many people tend to use a large amount of shampoo if their hair produces little lather. In reality, this often happens because your hair is not fully wet. The ideal amount of shampoo is about two teaspoons for long hair and a small coin-sized amount for short hair. Simply massage to create lather at the roots; when rinsing, the lather will naturally flow down and clean the ends.

Vigorously scratching your scalp

Using your fingernails to scratch your scalp vigorously does not make it cleaner; instead, it can scratch hair follicles and stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Use the pads of your fingertips to gently massage in circular motions, which helps improve blood circulation.

Rinsing too quickly

Many people rinse superficially, leaving shampoo and conditioner residue behind. This can clog pores and slow down hair growth. Dedicate at least two to three minutes to thoroughly rinse under running water to remove all chemicals completely.

Applying conditioner incorrectly

Conditioner should only be applied from the mid-lengths to the ends of the hair, which are the driest and most fragile parts. Never apply it to the scalp or roots, as this can lead to greasiness and dandruff. Allow the conditioner to sit for at least one to two minutes before rinsing.

Tightly wrapping hair with a towel

When wet, hair is at its most fragile and vulnerable state. The habit of tightly twisting or rubbing hair with a coarse towel creates pulling force, causing hair breakage. Instead, use a soft cotton towel or a microfiber towel to gently blot and absorb excess water.

Immediately blow-drying hair

High heat from a blow dryer directly impacts the open cuticles of wet hair, causing structural damage. After blotting, let your hair air dry for a while before blow-drying on a low or cool setting. Remember to spray a heat protectant before styling.

Bao Nhien (According to Dailymail)