5 Things You May Be Doing Unknowingly That Are Damaging Your Hair

Your hair might look okay at a glance—but underneath the surface, it could be struggling. Frizz, dryness, breakage, dullness… these are all signs that something’s off. The worst part? You might be the one unknowingly causing the damage.

As a stylist, I’ve seen it all—beautiful hair sabotaged by habits that seem harmless. So, let’s bring those hidden hair sins into the spotlight. Here are 5 things you might be doing that are damaging your hair (without even realizing it)—and how to fix them.

If you’re wrapping your wet hair in a towel and aggressively rubbing, stop right now. Wet hair is at its most vulnerable state—stretchy, delicate, and easily broken. Traditional cotton towels can rough up the cuticle, leading to frizz and breakage.

Fix it: Use a soft microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt. Gently squeeze out excess water—no rubbing or wringing. Your hair will feel smoother and less prone to frizz.

Whether it’s a curling wand, flat iron, or even a blow dryer—if heat is touching your strands and you’re not using a heat protectant, you’re cooking your hair. Literally.

Fix it: Always use a leave-in heat protectant spray before applying any heat. It creates a barrier between your hair and the hot tool, reducing the risk of dryness, split ends, and color fading.

We’ve all done it—starting at the top of your head and dragging the brush downward through knots. Not only is this painful, but it rips and snaps your hair in the process.

Fix it: Start at the ends and slowly work your way up. Use a detangling brush or wide-tooth comb, especially when your hair is wet, to avoid breakage and preserve your hair’s integrity.

Trying to grow your hair out? That doesn’t mean you should avoid trims. Skipping cuts allows split ends to travel up the hair shaft, causing even more damage in the long run.

Fix it: Book a trim every 8–12 weeks to keep ends clean, reduce breakage, and encourage healthy growth. Think of trims as maintenance—not a setback.

Not all shampoos are created equal. Using a formula that’s too heavy or too stripping can throw off your scalp balance, lead to buildup, or dry your strands out completely.

Fix it: Get matched with a professional-grade shampoo and conditioner suited for your hair type and goals—whether that’s volume, moisture, repair, or color protection. The right product makes all the difference.

Hair health isn’t just about treatments and masks—it’s about the small things you do every day. By adjusting your habits, choosing the right products, and protecting your strands from damage, you’ll start to see the kind of strength and shine you’ve been missing.

If any of these mistakes sound familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Start with one change at a time and watch your hair transform.

Need help figuring out what your hair actually needs? Take our FREE Hair Care Quiz to get personalized product and treatment suggestions. Your future hair will thank you!