Most hair damage doesn’t happen overnight. It’s usually the result of small habits we repeat without thinking about them. Heat here, rough brushing there, skipping care between salon visits… it all adds up. The tricky part is that a lot of these habits feel normal until your hair starts breaking, thinning, or feeling dry all the time. Let’s walk through five common things that damage hair and what you can do differently.
Using too much heat
Heat styling is one of the biggest contributors to hair damage, especially when it becomes part of your daily routine. Blow dryers, straighteners, curling irons, and hot brushes all work by removing moisture from your hair and temporarily changing its structure. When that happens too often, hair becomes dry, brittle, and more likely to break.
The problem isn’t the heat itself; it’s how frequently it’s used and how hot the tools are set. Repeated use of high heat without protection strips away natural oils and weakens the hair shaft. Over time, this leads to split ends, frizz, and loss of shine.
Cutting back doesn’t mean giving up heat completely. Simple changes like lowering the temperature, using heat protectant every time, and letting hair air dry partway before styling can significantly reduce damage while still giving you the look you want.
Not taking care of your hair at home
Salon visits help, but they’re not enough on their own. Hair needs ongoing care between appointments, just like skin or teeth. Skipping conditioning, neglecting moisture, or failing to protect hair at night can undo salon results quickly.
At-home care doesn’t have to be complicated. Regular washing, conditioning, deep treatments, and gentle detangling make a noticeable difference. Covering hair at night, minimising friction, and keeping it hydrated all help prevent breakage.
Handling hair too roughly
Hair is far more delicate than most people realise, especially when it’s wet. Aggressive brushing, yanking through knots, rough towel drying, or rushing detangling can all cause unnecessary breakage.
Many people assume hair is strong enough to handle force, but in reality, rough handling weakens strands over time. This is especially true for textured, curly, or chemically treated hair, which tends to be more fragile by nature.
Being gentler can dramatically improve hair health. Using wide-tooth combs, blotting hair dry instead of rubbing, and taking your time all help reduce stress on the hair. Treating hair with care every step of the way adds up over time.
Using damaged tools
Hair tools wear out over time. Cracked combs, rough brushes, damaged plates on straighteners, or faulty blow dryers can snag hair and tear the cuticle. It’s worth regularly checking your tools and replacing any that are worn or damaged. Smooth, well-maintained tools reduce friction and help hair glide rather than snag.
Overusing relaxers
Chemical treatments like relaxers permanently alter the hair's structure. When overused or applied incorrectly, they can cause severe damage, scalp irritation, and hair loss. Spacing your treatments appropriately, following the correct application guidelines, and prioritising moisture and protein balance are all key to keeping your hair healthy when you’re using chemicals.
Relaxed hair requires extra care and should never be rushed. If you are looking to relax your hair, consider asking a professional to do it and how to care for your hair once it’s done. The same goes for dying your hair. Many people dye their hair without knowing exactly how to care for it afterwards or what products to even use.
Not protecting your hair from the weather
Believe it or not, the sun and wind can also damage your hair. UV rays can weaken hair and fade colour, while wind and friction can roughen the cuticle and cause tangling. Chlorine and saltwater can also strip moisture and leave hair feeling brittle. Using protective products, covering hair when exposed to harsh conditions, and rinsing hair after swimming can help minimise this type of damage and keep hair feeling softer and stronger.
Find the right hair care products here
Using the right products makes everything easier. Gentle tools, protective styling products, and heat-friendly options like hot air stylers can help reduce damage when used correctly. Choosing quality products designed for your hair type supports healthier styling and long-term strength.
Final thoughts
Most hair damage comes down to habits, not bad luck. Heat overload, rough handling, neglect, and worn-out tools slowly weaken hair over time. The good news is that small changes can make a big difference. Be gentler, stay consistent, and pay attention to what your hair is telling you. Healthy hair isn’t about perfection; it’s about care.
