Top Hair Care Mistakes to Avoid for Stronger, Healthier Hair
Your daily hair routine may seem simple—but even well-meaning habits can cause damage over time if not done properly. Whether you're washing too frequently, skipping heat protection, or brushing your hair the wrong way, these small mistakes can lead to dryness, breakage, and dullness. At Hair By GV in Etobicoke, we help clients get the most out of their hair by teaching them how to avoid these common pitfalls. In this guide, we’ll cover the top hair care mistakes you might be making—and how to fix them for stronger, shinier, and healthier hair.
1. Overwashing Your Hair
Why it's a problem:
Washing your hair too frequently strips away natural oils that keep your scalp and strands moisturized. This leads to dryness, frizz, and in some cases, overproduction of oil as your scalp tries to compensate.
How to fix it:
For dry or curly hair: wash 1–2 times a week
For oily or fine hair: 2–3 times a week
Use sulfate-free shampoos to avoid harsh cleansing
Refresh with dry shampoo between washes if needed
At Hair By GV, we recommend a personalized wash schedule based on your hair type, lifestyle, and scalp condition.
2. Using the Wrong Products for Your Hair Type
Not all hair products are created equal—and what works for one person may not work for you. Using heavy products on fine hair can weigh it down, while lightweight products may not moisturize coarse or curly textures enough.
What to do instead:
Determine your hair type (straight, wavy, curly, coily) and porosity
Use lightweight, volumizing products for fine or flat hair
Choose hydrating, richer products for thick, curly, or dry hair
Avoid alcohol-based products if your hair is prone to dryness
Need help? Book a product consultation at Hair By GV—we’ll guide you toward the best products for your unique needs.
3. Brushing Your Hair When It’s Wet (Incorrectly)
Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage. If you’re brushing with a fine-tooth comb or harsh bristles right after showering, you could be damaging your strands.
How to brush correctly:
Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush
Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots
Apply a leave-in conditioner to make detangling easier
If your hair tangles often, consider protective styling at night
4. Skipping Heat Protection
Flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers are staples in many routines—but using them without protection can weaken the hair shaft, cause breakage, and fade colour.
Simple fix:
Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum before styling
Use tools with adjustable temperature settings and stick to medium heat
Limit heat styling to 2–3 times per week if possible
Try heatless styling like rollers, braids, or overnight twists on off-days
5. Not Getting Regular Trims
Many people believe that avoiding trims helps hair grow longer, but in reality, split ends travel upward, causing more damage over time. This results in thinner, frizzier hair.
Why you need trims:
Remove split ends before they worsen
Promote healthier, stronger growth
Keep your style looking polished and fresh
At Hair By GV, we recommend scheduling a trim every 6–8 weeks, especially if you heat-style regularly or colour your hair.
6. Towel-Drying Too Roughly
Rubbing your hair with a towel after washing creates friction that roughens the cuticle, causes breakage, and leads to frizz—especially for curly or fine hair.
Better alternatives:
Use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to gently squeeze out moisture
Avoid rubbing or wringing hair
Let hair air dry when possible, or use a diffuser on a low heat setting
7. Ignoring Scalp Health
Many people focus solely on their strands, forgetting that healthy hair starts at the root. A neglected scalp can lead to dryness, itching, excess oil, and even hair thinning.
What to do instead:
Exfoliate your scalp once a week with a gentle scrub
Use a scalp serum or massage oil to nourish and stimulate circulation
Don’t overload the scalp with styling products
Book a professional scalp detox treatment at Hair By GV for a deep cleanse
8. Applying Conditioner Incorrectly
Conditioner is essential for hydration and detangling—but applying it to your scalp or roots can cause buildup and weigh hair down.
Best way to apply conditioner:
Focus on the mid-lengths and ends
Leave it in for 2–3 minutes before rinsing
Use a wide-tooth comb in the shower to distribute evenly
Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and add shine
9. Using Too Many Styling Products
More isn’t always better. Overusing serums, sprays, gels, and creams can create residue buildup, flatten your style, and make your hair harder to manage.
Less is more:
Choose multi-purpose products like 2-in-1 leave-ins
Use small amounts and layer gradually
Clarify your hair every 2–4 weeks to remove buildup
Let your stylist at Hair By GV recommend a minimal, effective routine
10. Not Protecting Hair at Night
Many clients unknowingly damage their hair while sleeping—especially those with curls, long hair, or extensions. Cotton pillowcases cause friction and dryness, leading to frizz and breakage.
Nighttime hair care essentials:
Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase
Wrap hair in a satin scarf or bonnet
Braid or twist your hair to prevent tangles
Use a light oil or leave-in spray before bed for added moisture
How to Fix Hair Damage Once It’s Done
If your hair is already showing signs of damage—such as excessive shedding, split ends, or rough texture—don’t worry. There are still options to bring it back to life:
Book a deep conditioning or moisture repair treatment
Get a customized trim or reshape to remove damaged ends
Switch to gentler products tailored to your hair’s current condition
Get a personalized plan from your stylist at Hair By GV to rebuild strength and shine
Your hair deserves consistent care—and the right knowledge makes all the difference. By avoiding these common mistakes and committing to better hair habits, you can preserve your salon results, prevent long-term damage, and enjoy healthier, more manageable hair every day.
Visit Hair By GV in Etobicoke for expert advice, personalized treatments, and high-performance products that keep your hair looking and feeling its best. Book your appointment today at hairbygv.com or call 647-390-1254.
