21 Popular Mistakes That Prevent Hair Growth: How to Achieve Healthy Hair

Don't let these simple mistakes stall your hair growth.
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Last Updated
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May 7, 2023
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This article is about how you can achieve healthy hair, by avoiding these mistakes that prevent hair growth. You will learn a lot in this post!

Do you have problems with hair growth? If so, you're not alone. Many people make mistakes that prevent them from achieving healthy hair growth.

If you're looking for ways to achieve healthy hair growth, you're in luck. In this article, we will discuss 21 of the most common mistakes that most people make that prevent their hair growth. We'll also provide solutions so you can start seeing results! 

1. Not taking care of your scalp

Your scalp is the foundation for your hair, so if you're not taking care of it, you may be preventing hair growth. A healthy scalp is free of dandruff, dryness, and irritation.

Solution: Make sure you're using a good shampoo and conditioner that are designed for your scalp type. You should also use a scalp massage oil or balm to keep your scalp healthy.

2. Washing your hair too often

Washing your hair too often can be a major mistake when it comes to hair growth. Most people think that they need to shampoo their hair every day in order to keep it clean, but this is actually not the case. In fact, over-washing your hair can actually strip it of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and hair loss.

Solution: Try to shampoo your hair only two or three times a week, and make sure you use a gentle shampoo that won't strip your hair of its natural oils. You can also try using a dry shampoo in between washings to help absorb any excess oils.

3. Using the wrong shampoo

Not all shampoos are created equal. In fact, some shampoos can actually be damaging to your hair. If you're using a shampoo that contains harsh chemicals, sulfates, or other harsh ingredients, it can strip your hair of its natural moisture and oils, which can lead to dryness and breakage.

Solution: Look for a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that won't strip your hair of its natural moisture. You may also want to consider using an all-natural or organic shampoo to help keep your hair healthy and strong.

4. Crash dieting

Crash dieting can be a major mistake when it comes to hair growth. When you're on a crash diet, your body is not getting the nutrition it needs in order to grow healthy hair. This can lead to hair loss and thinning hair.

Solution: If you want to lose weight, do so gradually and healthfully. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help ensure that your body has the nutrients it needs to grow healthy hair.

5. Overusing styling products

Styling products such as hair spray, mousse, and gel can be a major mistake when it comes to hair growth. These products often contain harsh chemicals that can damage your hair and cause it to break.

Solution: Try to use styling products sparingly, and make sure you choose products that are free of harsh chemicals. If you must use styling products, make sure you wash them out thoroughly to avoid buildup.

6. Using heat styling tools too often

Heat styling tools such as curling irons and hair straighteners can be a major mistake when it comes to hair growth. These tools can damage your hair and cause it to break.

Solution: Try to avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible, and if you must use them, make sure you use a heat protectant spray. You should also try to let your hair air dry whenever possible.

7. Not drinking enough water

Not drinking enough water is one of the worst mistakes you can make when it comes to hair growth. Water is essential for keeping your hair hydrated and healthy.

Dehydration can cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and weak. This can lead to hair loss and slowed hair growth.

Solution: Make sure you're drinking at least eight glasses of water per day. You can also drink fruit juices and herbal teas, but avoid drinks that are high in sugar.

8. Brushing wet hair

One of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to hair growth is brushing their hair when it's wet. When your hair is wet, it is more prone to breakage and damage.

Solution: Wait until your hair has dried completely before brushing it. You should also use a gentle brush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your hair.

9. Wearing tight hairstyles

Wearing tight hairstyles such as ponytails, buns, and cornrows can also be a major mistake when it comes to hair growth. These styles can put unnecessary stress on your hair, which can also lead to breakage and damage.

Solution: Try to avoid wearing tight hairstyles, and if you must wear them, make sure you take breaks in between to give your hair a chance to rest.

10. Not getting enough protein

If you are not getting enough protein in your diet, you may be preventing hair growth. Hair is made up of proteins, so if you are not getting enough protein, your hair will not grow as quickly or as thick as it could be.

It is also essential for hair cell growth and repair. Without enough protein, your hair can become weak and brittle.

Solution: Make sure you're eating plenty of protein-rich foods such as lean meats, eggs, nuts, and beans. You can also talk to your doctor about taking a protein supplement if you think you're not getting enough protein in your diet.

11. Bleaching the hair

Bleaching your hair can also be a bad mistake that prevents your hair growth. When you bleach your hair, you are damaging the proteins in your hair, which can lead to breakage and damage.

Solution: If you want to lighten your hair, try using a natural lightener such as lemon juice or chamomile tea. You should also avoid bleaching your hair if it is already damaged.

12. Rubbing your hair with a towel

One of the worst things you can do for your hair is rub it vigorously with a towel after washing it. This can cause your hair to break and become damaged.

Solution: Instead of rubbing your hair with a towel, try patting it gently to dry it. You should also avoid using heat styling tools on wet hair, as this can also lead to damage.

13. Not using conditioner

Conditioner is essential for healthy hair growth. It helps to keep your hair hydrated and prevents it from becoming dry and brittle.

If you don't use conditioner, your hair will be more prone to breakage and split ends.

Solution: Not sure what kind of conditioner to use? Look for one that is specifically designed for your hair type. If you have oily hair, look for a lightweight conditioner. If you have dry hair, look for a deep conditioning treatment.

Conditioner should be used every time you shampoo your hair. Be sure to leave it in for at least three minutes before rinsing it out.

14. Putting on conditioner on the scalp

Now you know that using the conditioner is good for hair growth. But, we really wanted you to know that it is not good when you apply it directly to the scalp.

When you put the conditioner on the scalp, you are removing the natural oil at the roots of your hair and that practice can cause your hair to dry and lead to slow hair growth.

Solution: According to this study, many experts recommend applying the conditioner from the mid-length to the tips of your hair only. When you do this, you are protecting the chemicals of the conditioner from going to the scalp and that is it! You are on the road to achieving a healthy hair growth process.

15. Not getting enough sleep

If you are not getting enough sleep, you may also be preventing hair growth. One of the main functions of sleep is to allow your body to repair the damage that has been done during the day.

Solution: Make sure you're getting at least eight hours of sleep per night. You should also try to avoid working or studying too late into the night, as this can also lead to fatigue.

16. Coloring the hair too often

When you color your hair, you are damaging the proteins in your hair. This bad habit can cause your hair to become weak, dry, and brittle.

This is because the chemicals in hair dye can strip your hair of its natural oils, which are essential for keeping it healthy and strong.

Solution: If you want to color your hair, try using a semi-permanent or temporary color. You should also avoid colors that are too harsh or that contain bleach.

17. Washing your hair the wrong way

Washing your hair the wrong way can also prevent hair growth. When you don't wash your hair properly, it can strip your hair's natural oils, which can lead to dryness and damage.

Solution: Next time, massage your scalp gently with your fingertips to loosen any dirt or oil. Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Be sure to use a conditioner after shampooing to keep your hair hydrated.

18. Perming the hair

Perming the hair can also sabotage your hair growth journey. This is because the chemicals in perm solutions can weaken your hair and make it more susceptible to breakage.

Solution: If you want to curl your hair, try using a curling iron or hot rollers instead. These methods are less damaging and will still give you the curly hair you desire.

19. Combing your hair too much

Combing your hair too much can also lead to hair loss and bald patches. This is because when you comb your hair, you are pulling out the healthy hair along with the damaged ones.

Solution: Try to limit the number of times you comb your hair each day. Instead, try using a wide tooth comb to gently detangle your hair.

When you're done, use a hair serum or oil to seal in the moisture and protect your hair from further damage.

20. Avoiding haircut

A lot of people think that avoiding haircuts will make their hair grow faster. Unfortunately, this is not the case. When you avoid getting a haircut, you are actually damaging your hair.

Solution: Get a trim every six to eight weeks to get rid of split ends and keep your hair healthy.

If you want to grow your hair out, try asking your stylist for a layered cut. This will help to prevent your hair from becoming too heavy and looking weighed down.

21. Sleeping with wet hair

You may have heard that sleeping with wet hair can be bad for your hair, and there’s some truth to that. When your hair is wet, it’s more susceptible to damage from things like combing and brushing.

That’s because the water makes the hair shaft swell, which can lead to breakage. When your hair is wet, it's more prone to breakage. That's because the moisture makes it more elastic, and therefore more susceptible to snapping.

Solution: Make sure your hair is completely dry before you go to bed. You can also try using a silk pillowcase to protect your hair from friction.

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