weeklyBEAUTY
HAIR HELPERS: ghd Helios hairdryer, $320
When it comes to our hair, some habits may seem harmless but they could actually be stressing your strands more th than you realise.
From fast-drying hairdryers that do less damage, to tools that comb through wet hair without snagging: here are the latest in hair-friendly picks. Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil, $55
Hard habits to break!
Tracy Davis BEAUTY EDITOR
WetBrush Pro Detangler Hair Brush, $28
Slip silk scrunchies, $59 for 3
Schwarzkopf Extra Care Hair Repair Blonde Purple Shampoo, $11.99
BAD HABIT # #1 1
TYING IT UP TOO MUCH Why it’s bad: Pulling hair back tightly all the time can put too much tension on the scalp and ultimately cause a condition called traction alopecia. Especially common around the hairline and temples, it can lead to permanent hair loss. Break the habit: Avoid wearing the same hairstyle, especially if it’s tight. Alternate hair-up days with wearing your hair out and loose.
BAD HABIT #2 B
USING THE WRONG HAIR TIES Why it’s bad: Hair ties that have no give in them, are joined with a metal clasp, or have no slip (aka rubber bands), can actually create tiny fractures in the shaft that can weaken it and lead to breakage. Break the habit: The softer and more flexible the hair tie, the better. And try not to wear your hair tied in the same place a all the time.
BA AD HABIT #3
Never brush wet hair. Instead, detangle with a wide-tooth comb.
HE EAT-STYLING DA AMP HAIR Why it’s bad: The exxtreme heat from a sstraightening iron orr curling wand on ha air with moisture in it literally has a bo oiling effect – th hat’s why you’ll offten see steam. The only way back from burnt hair is to o have it cut off. Break the habit: Always make sure hair is 100% dry before heat-styling because even a heat protectant w won’t shield it if itt’s damp.
Ahhh Shampoo Bar Chamomile & Grapefruit, $12.99
BAD HABIT #4
NEVER WASHING YOUR HAIRBRUSH Why it’s bad: Brushes can quickly build up with dead skin cells, oil and styling product residue, not to mention hair. If it’s not removed, all that gunk ends up being brushed back onto your clean hair and scalp. Break it: Remove excess hair and wash your brush once a week in a basin of warm water that has shampoo or antibacterial liquid soap added. Leave it to air dry, bristles down, or use the cool setting on your hairdryer to get rid of moisture.
BAD HABIT #5
NEVER GETTING A TRIM Why it’s bad: As the ends of your hair age, they can look untidy and fray. If any splits are not cut off, they can travel further up the hair shaft. Break the habit: Book in for a regular trim every six weeks, depending on your style, to keep ends healthy and strong.
BAD HABIT #6
HOT SHOWERS Why it’s bad: Yes, we all love a hot shower, but when it comes to your hair, hot water can fade colour and dehydrate your strands, as well as your scalp.
Break the habit: Instead, wash hair in lukewarm water, adding a blast of cold water for your final rinse to help seal the cuticles for extra shine.
BAD HABIT #7
TREATING WET HAIR BADLY Why it’s bad: When hair is wet, it’s in a very fragile state, so if you vigorously towel dry, squeeze, or God forbid – brush it while it’s wet, you’ll not only encourage frizz by roughing up those cuticles, but you’ll potentially damage it as well. Break the habit: Gently blot excess moisture from your hair with a towel, and detangle with a wide-tooth comb. If blowdrying, rough-dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry before using any sort of brush to continue styling with.
BAD HABIT #8
TOO MUCH ‘DRY’ CLEANING Why it’s bad: Your scalp needs to be freed from product build-up, sweat, oils and dead skin cells so it can breathe and flourish, so too much dry shampooing can be harmful. Break the habit: Substitute only one real wash per week with dry shampoo, and invest in a scalp scrub to use every few weeks to eliminate any build-up.
