Do You Make These Simple Mistakes With Your Hair?
Staring at a bad hair day in the mirror, wondering where things went wrong. Maybe your curls are frizzy, your color looks brassy, or your bangs refuse to cooperate. But what if the problem isn’t your hair itself—it’s the sneaky mistakes you’re making in your routine?
From overwashing to ignoring split ends, small habits can add up to big damage. Let’s break down six common blunders and how to fix them—so you can finally get the healthy, Instagram-worthy hair you deserve.
Biggest Hair Mistakes
1. Having The Wrong Hairstyle
The Mistake: That trendy blunt bob or beachy balayage might look amazing on your favorite influencer, but does it work for your face shape, hair texture, or lifestyle? A hairstyle that fights your natural texture or clashes with your face shape can leave you frustrated.
Why It Matters: Hair that’s too heavy for fine strands can look limp, while tight curls forced into a sleek ponytail might lead to breakage. According to BYRDIE’s guide to face shapes, oval faces can pull off most styles, while square faces benefit from layers that soften angles.
The Fix:
- Ask your stylist for a cut that works with your natural texture. Wavy hair thrives with layers, while thick curls need weight removal to avoid triangle-head syndrome.
- Use apps like Style My Hair to “try on” styles before committing.
2. Product Overload
The Mistake: Layering three serums, two mousses, and a dry shampoo might seem like a recipe for perfect hair, but overdoing it can lead to buildup, greasiness, or even scalp irritation.
Why It Matters: Product buildup suffocates hair follicles, leading to dullness and thinning over time. A 2022 study in Cosmetics found that excessive silicones in styling products can weaken hair shafts.
The Fix:
- Simplify your routine: a lightweight leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, and one styling product (e.g., mousse or gel) are often enough.
- Clarify monthly with a sulfate-free shampoo like Ouai Detox Shampoo.
3. Hair Dyeing Mistakes
The Mistake: DIY box dye might save money, but it’s easy to misjudge development time or overlap color, leading to patchiness or breakage.
Why It Matters: Bleaching at home often results in uneven lift or “hot roots.” If you are all set to DIY hair color then check this guide before grabbing the box dye How To Color Your Hair At Home Like A Pro – Hair Dye Tips.
The Fix:
- For major color changes, see a pro. For touch-ups, use a brush to only apply dye to regrowth.
- Invest in a color-depositing conditioner, like Overtone, to refresh tones between salon visits.
4. Drying Your Hair Wrong
The Mistake: Roughly towel-drying or blasting sopping-wet hair with high heat can cause frizz and split ends.
Why It Matters: Wet hair is fragile—rubbing it with a towel creates friction, while high heat evaporates moisture too quickly. A 2011 study found that using a hairdryer at 15 cm distance causes less damage than air-drying (surprise!).
The Fix:
- Pat hair gently with a microfiber towel or old cotton T-shirt.
- Use a heat protectant (we love Living Proof Perfect Hair Day) and dry hair on medium heat, holding the dryer 6+ inches away.
5. Not Cutting Enough
The Mistake: Skipping trims to “grow out” hair often backfires, as split ends travel up the shaft, leading to more breakage.
Why It Matters: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends trims every 6–8 weeks for most hair types. Even if you’re growing it out, dusting ends prevents mid-shaft splits.
The Fix:
- Ask for “dusting” trims (removing ¼ inch or less) to maintain length while eliminating splits.
- Learn to spot-trim at home with sharp shears (no kitchen scissors!).
6. Styles With Bangs (That Fight Your Hair Type)
The Mistake: Blunt bangs on oily hair = greasy forehead vibes. Curly bangs cut too short? Hello, awkward puffball phase.
Why It Matters: Bangs require daily styling. If your hair doesn’t naturally cooperate, you’ll waste time, fighting cowlicks or frizz.
The Fix:
- Oily scalp? Try piecey, side-swept bangs.
- Curly hair? Opt for longer, layered bangs that blend with your curls.
Common Hair Mistakes at a Glance
| Mistake | Why It’s Bad | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong hairstyle | Unflattering, high-maintenance | Match cuts to face shape & texture |
| Product overload | Buildup, scalp irritation | Simplify routine; clarify monthly |
| DIY dye disasters | Patchy color, breakage | Leave major changes to pros |
| Rough drying | Frizz, split ends | Use microfiber towels + heat protectant |
| Skipping trims | Splits travel upward | Trim every 6–8 weeks |
| Bangs mismatch | Daily styling struggle | Choose bang styles that suit hair type |
Final Thoughts
Your hair isn’t just an accessory—it’s a reflection of your habits. By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll save time, money, and frustration. And if you’re craving more tips, dive into our guide on The Secrets of Healthy Hair for deep dives on scalp care and nutrition.
Remember: Great hair isn’t about perfection. It’s about working with what you’ve got—not against it.
Ready to Transform Your Routine? Start with one change this week—maybe swap your towel or book that trim—and watch your hair thank you.
FAQs
Q: What are the common hair care mistakes to avoid?
A: Common hair care mistakes to avoid include wrong hairstyle, product overload, wrong hair color choices, roughly towel drying, and not trimming split ends.
Q: Why did my new hairstyle ruin my hair?
A: A new hairstyle can sometimes lead to damage if the techniques used—such as excessive heat styling or harsh chemicals—aren’t handled with care. Understanding your hair’s needs is essential to avoid potential harm.
Q: Can using too many styling products cause damage?
A: Excessive use of styling products can potentially lead to damage. When too many products are applied, they can build up on the hair, leading to a variety of issues such as dryness, breakage, and an overall lack of luster. It’s important to find a balance and ensure that hair is regularly cleansed to prevent product buildup and maintain its health.
Q: Will using too much dry shampoo cause damage to my hair?
A: While dry shampoo can be a convenient way to refresh your hair, using too much can lead to scalp issues and dryness. It’s best to use it sparingly and balance it with regular washing.
Q: What mistakes to avoid while coloring hair at home?
A: When coloring hair at home, avoid common pitfalls like skipping patch tests, not following instructions closely, or using the wrong products for your hair type. These mistakes can lead to uneven color and damage.
Q: Can a new hairstyle trend look as good on me as on a celebrity?
A: It’s natural to wonder if a trending hairstyle will suit you as it does a celebrity. Factors such as face shape, hair texture, and personal style play a crucial role in determining suitability.
Q: If I don’t cut split ends what will happen to my hair?
A: Failing to trim split ends can result in more extensive damage as they continue to split further up the hair shaft. Regular trims can help maintain healthy hair.
Q: What will happen if I towel-dry my hair?
Rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel can cause breakage and frizz. Instead, gently pat or squeeze your hair with a towel to remove excess water, ensuring minimal damage.
