Top 10 hair care mistakes

Having been absolutely passionate about hair for almost 30 years, I have seen an immense amount of change.  Techniques have improved, fashions have evolved and hair care products have improved. In the salons our tools always consisted of scissors and comb, but nowadays the young hairdressers, consider the palette of products to be as important as their scissors and comb and hairdryer for sure. You need volume? Then this product is for you, you need shine? Then its this one… You like a smooth glossy feel, then use this or if you like dry texture, then this is your thing. Its actually a lot harder for young hairdresser as they have to much more knowledgeable to be able to give clients the best advice possible.

However good your salon and stylist are, you still need to do your bit to keep your hair in top condition and avoid the common mistakes that can lead to problems.  Based on all my experience, here are my top 10 biggest hair care mistakes:

1. Not regularly trimming hair because you are trying to grow it. It is important not to avoid the hairdressers for long periods because you are trying to grow your hair, but this can lead to split ends and frizzy hair over time.  It is much better to have a regular gentle trim to keep hair in good shape and condition as it grows.
2. Not using conditioner because you think it will make hair greasy.  Daily conditioning can make your hair shinier, smoother and less frizzy.
3. Using the wrong shampoo for your hair type.  Different hair types and textures require different products such as shampoos and conditioners. It is imperative that you make use of only those products that are ideal for you. Consult with your stylist or look at the product specifications and recommended hair types so you will be able to make an informed decision.
4. Not emulsifying shampoo before rinsing, ( makes hair dull and lifeless – see our how to cleanse hair video)
5. When colouring, not understanding the effects of the undercoat colour. Permanent colours work in  layers. First there is an undercoat, which would typically be lighter and warmer than the desired finished result. A professional colourist takes into account when applying the “top coat”  to achieve the desired colour.  If you don’t understand how coluring works, there is a genuine risk of your colour being quite different from what you expect. When going for a new colour, its probably worth using a professional hairdresser whenever possible.
6. When colouring at home; not just matching the roots, but continually colouring ALL the hair.  If you apply colour all over the hair each time you colour your hair, the hair can become unnecessarily dry and damaged. By applying the colour product only at the roots or the areas where it is needed, ‘over processing’ can be avoided,
7. Brushing long hair from the roots first.  It is much better to start at the ends and then work back to the roots as the hair becomes les tangled.  Avoid over brushing and use a detangle product if you have a lot of knots after your shower. Brushing too vigorously from the roots can not only tear hair out but it really damages your hair’s cuticles.
8. Not using sun protection for the hair whilst swimming in highly chlorinated water, sea water, or just spending a lot of time in direct sunlight.
9. Using the wrong type of styling products to try and achieve certain styles
10. Using very hot water for rinsing out shampoo / conditioner ( this often aggravates the scalp (again see our essential cleanse dvd)

About the author

Sean Hanna is the founder and owner of the Sean Hanna chain of hairdressing salons and is in demand world-wide for inspirational hair styling and hair care shows and seminars. He is a member of the British hairdressing Hall Of Fame

Get Sean’s DVDs of professional salon advice on Essential Styling and Essential Cleansing here:
http://www.looksgorgeous.com/acatalog/essential-styling-dvd.html