8 Hair Mistakes You May Be Making

[Marilyn. 340]

Always Fastening Your Ponytail in the Same Spot

Because strands tend to get caught — and broken — in bands, it's a good idea to alternate the fastening point. "Move it up a half inch one day, then down the next," says celebrity stylist Richard Marin. Using seamless elastic bands, like Goody Ouchless Elastics, will further minimize damage.

Combing Wet Hair from Roots to Ends

A comb is easier on fragile wet hair than a brush is, but tugging it from scalp to tips can cause breakage. First, smooth out knots with a leave-in detangler. Then, says Marin, start to comb at ends, working up in sections.

Brushing Your Hair for Shine

All you need is a few strokes to style hair and spread the natural oils from roots to ends. "Anything more than that is unnecessary friction, which can lead to breakage," says Amy J. McMichael, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Blow-Drying Hair That's Dripping Wet

Not only will this make it difficult to style your hair, it will cause a ton of heat damage. "A blow dryer should be used on damp — not wet — hair for 20 minutes, tops," says stylist Peter Coppola, creator of a QVC hair-care line. Before applying heat, wrap hair in a towel for five minutes, then let hair air-dry for another five.

Ignoring Your Scalp

To grow healthy hair, your scalp needs nourishment. "Massaging your head with your fingertips will stimulate blood flow," says Christopher Mackin, a trichologist (hair expert) at the Gil Ferrer Salon, in New York City. For extra care, use a leave-in scalp treatment.

Using the Wrong Brush

The incorrect brush can not only ruin your style, it can get snagged in your hair. Generally, the longer your locks, the larger in diameter your brush should be (basically, more hair, more brush). To create volume, use a round brush; to smooth hair, a paddle shape is best.

Avoiding Hair Spray

It's gotten a bad rap, but hair spray contains a polymer that actually locks out humidity, says Cheri McMaster, senior scientist for Pantene. And contrary to popular belief, it's not harmful. "It's the polymer, not the alcohol, that dries on your hair," she says. "The alcohol evaporates before it hits your head." Use just enough to hold your style.

Masking — Not Treating — Dandruff

Trying to nix flakes with moisturizing stylers like oils and pomades is only a temporary fix: Dandruff is actually an inflammatory scalp disease unrelated to dryness, says Dr. McMichael. The cure? A shampoo with salicylic acid, zinc, selenium sulfide or tar to eliminate flakes.

http://lifestyle.msn.com/beautyandfashion/...0&GT1=10615

[♥JP♥ 5]

Wow..I'm proud of myself. I do everything it says on the list!

[Nessa 23]

I don't have patience to massage my scalp for too long, I don't use hair spray and I don't have a dandruff problem, the rest I'm good

[Ladylethal 12]

I never blow dry my hair, I never use hair spray, I always massage my scalp with a tar shampoo even though I don't have dandruff (I do have sensitive scalp and even sweat makes my head itchy, meaning I do wash my hair every single day).

[JeanneVictoria 55]

I think i'm good...

[Marilyn. 340]

I never blow dry my hair, I never use hair spray, I always massage my scalp with a tar shampoo even though I don't have dandruff (I do have sensitive scalp and even sweat makes my head itchy, meaning I do wash my hair every single day).

I never blow dry my hair or use hair spray either...

when I go for a hair cut they do blow dry my hair and it takes them about 45 minutes

I use head and shoulders because i have had a problem with dandruff lately ... I haven't had dandruff since I was a kid maybe it has something to do with the water here

i was scared to use Head and Shoulders at first because when I used it has a kid it smelled really bad and it ate my hair but I guess they have changed the formula since then

[♥JP♥ 5]

Has anyone here tried Sap Moss shampoo/conditoner by Aveda? Its the best

[Jasman0717 9]

Always Fastening Your Ponytail in the Same Spot

Not in about 20 years

Combing Wet Hair from Roots to Ends

Not in about 20 years

Brushing Your Hair for Shine

Who me?

Blow-Drying Hair That's Dripping Wet

Who me

Ignoring Your Scalp

Ok, maybe every now and then

Using the Wrong Brush

There is a "wrong" brush

Avoiding Hair Spray

I a gel man

Masking — Not Treating — Dandruff

No flakes here

[MissStacey 1]

Has anyone here tried Sap Moss shampoo/conditoner by Aveda? Its the best

Sap Moss was great for me in Alberta winter but now that I live in a warm humid climate it is too heavy.

I am a hairstylist and have always worked in an Aveda salon.

[wishbone 0]

I think I did three of those mistakes everyday, now I know. Thanks.

[natty bumppo 297]

And ....

Please don't do the comb-over

[one...two...tree 2,762]

And ....

Please don't do the comb-over

The man who took the comb-over to new heights. Thank God he finally gave up. Now if he can convince Donald Trump to do the same.

[Amby 490]

I never blow dry my hair. When I get it cut it takes 2 people about 45mins to an hour to blow dry it. I have too much hair! I had 9" cut off about 2 months ago though so it doesn't take as long. I never realized my hair was so long. I am guilty of putting my hair up in the same spot though. I just put it all up on my head and go. Can't wear my hair down since I'm a chef.

[trailmix 77]

Ok so I'll throw this out to you hair experts.

My friend (yes it really is my friend haha) - her hair has been breaking off.

It started about a year ago. Nothing had really changed except that she moved to a new house. She does color her hair - but has for years. She has tried everything:

- New shampoos/conditioners (she says her hair feels gunky sometimes after she washes it)

- clarifying shampoo/conditioner

- Satin pillowcases

- Leave in conditioners

Anyway, it's really bothering her, it looks like she has a little bowl cut on the top part of her hair (hair is shoulder length).

One thing she has noticed is she wakes up in the middle of the night sometimes and she is moving her head back and forth on the pillow

The strangest thing is the hair is all breaking off in pretty much the same place, ie about 5 inches from the top of her head.

Obviously not ALL of it is breaking off - luckily she has very thick (straight btw) hair - but it's enough to be very noticable!

Anyone ever heard of this, any suggestions?

Edited November 9, 2007 by trailmix

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

What about keeping your hair-style from the 80's (or before)?