10 Things Your Should Absolutely Never Do to Your Hair

Your hair goes through a lot, whether it’s endless styling, experimenting with new products, or just surviving everyday wear and tear. And while most of us do our best to keep it healthy, some common habits could be working against all that effort. I’ve been there—thinking I was doing the right thing, only to find out later that I was causing more harm than good.

If you’re trying to grow out your hair, keep it shiny, or just stop dealing with constant damage, it might be time to rethink some of your routines. The truth is, a few simple tweaks can make all the difference. Let’s talk about the things you absolutely want to avoid so your hair can look and feel its best every day.

Stop Washing Your Hair Too Often

I used to think washing my hair every day was the best way to keep it clean and healthy, but it turns out I was doing more harm than good. Over-washing strips away the natural oils, or sebum, that your scalp produces to protect and moisturize your hair. Without these oils, my hair became dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage—especially the ends.

Now, I listen to my hair. If it doesn’t feel oily or dirty, I skip the shampoo that day. Letting your scalp’s natural oils work their way down your strands makes such a difference, especially if your hair is curly or wavy. You’ll notice your hair feels softer and looks shinier when you give it a little breathing room between washes.

Don’t Condition Your Scalp

I used to slather conditioner from root to tip, thinking more was better. Big mistake. Conditioning your scalp can actually clog the pores and mess with the natural sebum your scalp produces, which already works as a built-in moisturizer. It’s your ends that need the extra love—not your roots.

Now, I focus on the mid-lengths to the ends of my hair. That’s where the strands tend to dry out the most, especially if you’re dealing with heat styling or color treatments. Avoiding the scalp will make your hair feel cleaner longer and will help with reducing buildup.

Stop Rubbing Your Hair With a Towel

I used to rub my hair dry with a towel like I was scrubbing a countertop—big mistake. It turns out, wet hair is way too fragile for that kind of rough treatment. Every time you rub, you’re basically inviting breakage, frizz, and split ends to move in. I didn’t realize how much damage I was causing until I changed my routine.

Now, I just wrap my hair in a soft towel or even an old T-shirt (seriously, it’s so much gentler). It soaks up the extra water without all the drama, and then I let it air dry as much as I can. My hair has been so much healthier ever since.

Be Careful Brushing Wet Hair

I’ll admit it—I used to yank a brush through my wet hair because I thought it was the easiest way to detangle. Spoiler: it wasn’t. I ended up with more split ends than I could count, and my hair always looked stressed out.

Here’s what works for me now: if my hair’s straight, I let it dry a little first and then use a wide-tooth comb to detangle gently. If you’ve got curls or textured hair, keep it damp and use a wide-tooth comb right after washing.

Pick the Right Brush

We’ve all grabbed the closest brush and gone to town, but using the wrong brush can secretly sabotage your hair. Those stiff, synthetic bristles are basically tiny bullies for your strands, causing unnecessary breakage and even scratching your scalp.

A softer, natural bristle brush feels so much better and is way kinder to your hair. Plus, it helps spread your scalp’s natural oils, which is like free conditioner built right into your head.

If your hair is wet, swap that brush for a wide-tooth comb. Trust me, your hair deserves it—and you’ll thank yourself when your strands look shinier and healthier.

Be Gentle When You Brush

Yanking a brush through your hair like you’re trying to win a race? We’ve all done it, but your hair isn’t a battlefield. Going too hard can leave you with breakage, a sore scalp, and regret. Brushing should feel like a little scalp massage, not an attack.

When your hair is wet, it’s super delicate, like a soggy tissue, so grab a wide-tooth comb and take it slow. For dry hair, use a soft brush and start at the ends, gently working your way up.

Don’t Skip the Heat Protectant

Using heat styling tools without a heat protectant is like frying food without oil—it just doesn’t end well. Whether you’re curling, straightening, or blow-drying, heat protectants create a shield between your hair and the intense heat, minimizing damage. Without it, you’re leaving your hair exposed to breakage, dryness, and that dreaded straw-like texture over time.

Choose a product that suits your hair type, whether it’s a lightweight spray or a serum with added benefits. Apply it evenly to damp or dry hair before reaching for your hot tools.

Turn Down the Heat

Even with a heat protectant, cranking your styling tools to their highest setting is asking for trouble. Those extreme temperatures can fry your hair, causing split ends and making it more prone to snapping. Plus, too much heat can strip away moisture, leaving your hair dull and lifeless.

Most of us don’t need the max temperature setting, even if our hair is thick or unruly. Start with a lower temperature and only go higher if absolutely necessary. Many tools now come with adjustable heat settings—use them!

Stop Scrubbing Shampoo Into Your Hair

Rubbing shampoo into the length of your hair might feel like the right way to clean it, but it’s actually doing more harm than good. The friction from scrubbing can weaken your hair, causing unnecessary breakage and split ends. Plus, your scalp is where the cleansing really matters since that’s where oil and product buildup happen. Your hair strands don’t need a full-on scrub session.

Instead, focus on gently massaging the shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips. When it’s time to rinse, let the water carry the suds through the rest of your hair. This way, your strands still get cleaned without the extra wear and tear.

Always Use Conditioner

Skipping conditioner might save you a few minutes in the shower, but it’s a shortcut you’ll regret later. Conditioner helps smooth and strengthen your hair, sealing the cuticle to protect it from damage. Without it, your hair is left more vulnerable to dryness, tangles, and frizz, especially if you’re heat styling or exposing it to the elements.

Make it a habit to use conditioner every time you shampoo. Focus on applying it from the mid-lengths to the ends, where your hair needs the most moisture. You don’t have to overdo it—just a small amount can make all the difference in keeping your hair soft and healthy-looking.