Everyone wants gorgeous hair. We all have products and styling tools we use to make our tresses look as glam as we can make them. But what if some of your favorite hair tips and tricks are damaging your strands? The scary truth is that some products and styling habits aren’t as good for your hair as your thought. You might be inadvertently making your hair weaker, thinner, or duller just by doing your daily routine. The good news is that you can turn your hair habits around. Picking different products and changing up your styling routines might be all you need to get back on the road to the hair of your dreams.

Blow drying

Heat is not your hair’s friend. Blowing hot air at your tresses can dry them out over time. Dry hair is prone to split ends, dullness, and breakage. You can avoid blow-out burnout by using a cooler temperature setting while you dry your hair. You can also try a diffuser attachment for gentler airflow.

Flat ironing

Your flat or your curling iron more heat styling tools that can damage your locks. The temperature and pressure will dull and break strands. Trying cutting back on the number of days you straighten your locks to give them some days off from the heat. You can also try a heat protectant product on days you do pull out the heat stylers.

Bleach

Blondes have more fun, but blonde hair has more damage. Bleach is a basic ingredient for many hair coloring products, but it can lead to breakage and brassiness. Colored hair needs extra care to heal over-processing and keep color fresh. Try a deep conditioning treatment and color-protecting shampoo to protect your colored locks.

Too much shampoo

Over-washing can dry out your hair and scalp. People with curly hair or dry scalp might find daily shampooing is too much for their tender heads. Your hair might look limp, and your scalp might get flaky or itchy. If that happens to you, try going a day or two between wash days. You can always refresh with a little dry shampoo to deal with oily roots and give your volume a boost.

Tight ponytails

Pulling hair back too tight is a no-no. That sleek-looking updo or tight ponytail you do at the gym might make your follicles weak from all the pulling, which can lead to a kind of hair loss called tension alopecia. You’ll find your hairline creeping back, and you might have baby hairs where you once had long tresses. Loosen your locks to prevent loss. Beachy waves are cute and easy on the hairline. Try a headband to keep your hair back while you work out.

Your purse

Does your shoulder bag trap your hair under the strap? Yanking hair free can damage your ends — but only on one side. Your hair might get more frazzled and damaged on the side where your carry your purse. Don’t let your tote ruin your tresses. Be aware of the problem and lift your hair out of the way before you toss your bag over your shoulder.

Drying products

Products are a crucial part of any styling routine. But some products can cause damage after a while. Check the ingredients on your styling products. Alcohols and sulfates can dry out your strands. If you rely on sprays or styling creams that dry your hair out, be sure to use extra moisturizing conditioners to make up for it. Try a deep conditioning hair masque to replace lost moisture.

Product build-up

Products with lots of silicones and synthetic oils can build up on tresses. The residue makes hair look dull and limp. Switch out your heavy products with lighter ones that have natural ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. These ingredients are easier to rinse out with water or gentler cleansers. For serious build-up, try a clarifying shampoo to strip grime away. Your hair will come back shiny and fresh.

Dry brushing

If you have curls or fine hair, keep that brush put away! Brushing dry hair can break off strands and lead to a big, frizzy mess. Instead, detangle your hair while it’s wet and loaded up with conditioner. Use a leave-in conditioner while it’s damp to protect strands while you finishing styling your hair. Once your hair is dry, use your fingers to detangle any snarls gently.

Extensions

Extensions add length and volume. They also add weight and tension to hair, which can damage follicles. If you’re looking for glue-in or sew-in hair extensions, go to a pro. Make sure you ask how to care for your extra hair to avoid damage. That way, the hair you started with stays healthy, even after taking the extensions out.