Beautiful, healthy hair does not depend only on genetic or salon visits – it begins with how you treat your hair every day. Dr. Hanan Dermatology Specialty and Trichology Clinic, we regularly treat patients dealing with chronic hair fall, dandruff, thinning and scalp conditions – all are often caused by the same thing: simple but avoidable hair care mistakes.
In this blog, we reveal the top 10 hair care mistakes that you did not know that you were making specialized solutions to help create a better routine and re-achieve your hair health..
Washing Your Hair Too Frequently or Too Rarely
Many people believe that washing your hair daily keeps it clean and healthy. In fact, over washing can snatch your scalp of natural oils, which can cause dryness, breakdown, and even increase in oil production. On the other hand, not washing enough can cause product buildup, irritation and dandruff.
What’s the ideal frequency?
Many people believe that washing your hair daily keeps it clean and healthy. In fact, over washing can snatch your scalp of natural oils, which can cause dryness, breakdown, and even increase in oil production. On the other hand, not washing enough can cause product buildup, irritation and dandruff.
1. Oily scalp: Wash every 2–3 days
2. Dry or curly hair: Wash twice a week
3. Active lifestyle (sweat/dust): Consider rinsing with water or using a mild shampoo
Use sulfate-free, pH-balanced shampoos tailored to your hair type.
Using the Wrong Shampoo for Your Scalp Type
Most people choose shampoos based on fragrance, packaging or trends. But each scalp is different-some are dry, some oily, some dandruff-prone-and each requires a specific type of care.
Shampoo types:
Dry scalp: Look for moisturizing and hydrating shampoos with ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera.
Oily scalp: Choose a clarifying or balancing formula with ingredients like salicylic acid.
Dandruff: Use shampoos with zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or coal tar.
Remember: Hair type (straight, curly, thin) matters, but scalp type is what decides your shampoo.
Skipping Conditioner or Applying It to the Scalp
Conditioner helps maintain moisture, reduce frizz and prevent tangling – especially important for damaged or dried hair. But many people are afraid of lubrication or accidentally apply it to the scalp, which can clog pores.
Correct Usage:
1. Apply from mid-length to tips
2. Choose a light conditioner if you have fine hair
3. Use deep conditioners or hair masks weekly if you have chemically treated hair
Avoid applying conditioner to the scalp unless it’s a scalp-specific product.
Rough Towel-Drying or Brushing Wet Hair
Your hair is the most fragile when wet. Rubbing with a regular towel, twisting, or brushing it, brushing it, wetting can cause major breakdown and split ends.
Correct Usage:
1. Blot your hair with a microfiber towel or soft cotton T-shirt
2. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb after applying conditioner
3. Let it air-dry naturally without aggressive rubbing
Avoid brushing entirely when your hair is soaking wet—unless it’s with a wide-tooth comb and conditioner applied.
Excessive Heat Styling Without Protection
The blow dryer, straightener, and curling iron are often used without any heat protection, which damages the hair cuticle, reduces elasticity, and leads to dryness and breakdown
Best Practices:
1. Always apply a heat-protectant spray before using any tool
2. Keep tools on medium heat settings
3. Limit styling to 1–2 times a week
4. Let your hair air-dry naturally whenever possible
A single session of high-heat straightening can cause lasting protein loss in the hair shaft.
Wearing Tight Hairstyles Too Often
Braids, ponytails, or buns that are tightly pulled back can look clean, but they stress your hair follicles, causing traction alopecia, a form of hair loss that can be permanent.
How to fix it:
1. Wear loose hairstyles often
2. Avoid tight elastics or rubber bands
3. Let your scalp rest between tight styles
4. Switch up your parting occasionally
Signs of early damage include scalp tenderness and short, broken hair near your hairline.
Neglecting Your Scalp Health
Your scalp is like a soil where your hair grows – if it is not healthy, your hair will not be either. Nevertheless, most hair routines focus only on strands, ignoring the scalp.
Common scalp issues:
Build-up from products and oils
Fungal infections or dandruff
Clogged hair follicles due to pollution and sweat
Solutions:
1. Exfoliate the scalp using scrubs or salicylic acid shampoos once a week
2. Use a mild clarifying shampoo monthly
3. Treat dandruff or itching early with dermatologist-recommended products
Visit a trichologist if scalp issues persist.
Using DIY Hair Remedies Without Research
DIY masks made from kitchen ingredients such as lemon juice, baking soda, onion juice, or eggs can look natural and harmless. But some of these can disrupt the pH of the scalp, cause irritation, or even damage the hair shaft.
Risky DIY ingredients:
1. Lemon juice: Too acidic; can irritate and dry scalp
2. Baking soda: Abrasive; strips natural oils
3. Egg masks: Can clog pores and cause bad odor if not rinsed properly
Better alternatives:
1. Use dermatologist-approved products
2. Choose masks with biotin, keratin, or niacinamide
3. Consult before trying new DIY solutions, especially if you have sensitive skin
Avoiding Haircuts to Grow Hair Longer
Many people delay trimming their hair so that it grows rapidly. But not cutting the split loops causes them to travel upwards, resulting in frizz, breakage and a thin appearance over time.
Hair health routine:
1. Trim every 6–8 weeks to prevent split ends
2. Use split-end sealing serums in between visits
3. Avoid excessive brushing or pulling
Hair growth starts at the scalp—but maintaining healthy ends is key to visible length.
Overusing Styling Products
Serum, spray, mousse, dry shampoo, hair oils – using many of these can prevent hair follicles, increase residue buildup, and block natural growth.
Simplify your routine:
1. Use only 1–2 leave-in products daily
2. Wash hair regularly if using dry shampoo
3. Avoid alcohol-based sprays that dry out hair
Choose non-comedogenic, lightweight formulations
Bonus Tip: Stress, Diet, and Lifestyle Matter Too
Hair health is influenced by internal health. If you’re following a good hair routine but still facing issues, look at:
1. Nutritional Deficiencies (iron, biotin, zinc)
2. Thyroid Imbalances or PCOS
3. High Stress Levels or poor sleep
Include a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and regular exercise to support hair growth from within.
When Should You See a Dermatologist or Trichologist?
If you’re experiencing:
1. Sudden or excessive hair fall
2. Bald patches or thinning hair
3. Chronic dandruff or itchy scalp
4. No results despite following a good routine
it’s time to consult an expert. Early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can prevent long-term hair loss.
Conclusion:
Hair care does not need to be complicated. Just avoiding these 10 normal hair care mistakes, you can improve your hair quality, strength and glow over time.
Every strand matters – and healthy hair starts with a healthy routine. If you are constantly struggling with hair issues, then we are here to help.
Book Your Consultation Today!
For Personalised Treatment visit Dr. Hanan Clinic. Feel confident and proud with our expert care.
