INTRODUCTION
Let’s face it guys, hair is a battlefield. From confusing product labels to bad styling habits it’s easy to fall into common pitfalls. But don’t worry, this guide will teach you how to avoid them and take your game to the next level.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Your Hair Type & Face Shape
The first step is to understand your hair type. Are you fine or coarse? Straight or curly? Do you have oily or dry hair? Knowing what your hair type is is the key to selecting products and styling styles that suit you. The second step is to think about the shape of your face. If you have a rounder face, you can add height and volume to the top of your head. If you have longer hair, you can add textured cuts to your hairstyle. If you have square face, you can go for softer, side swept styles. And if you have an oval face, you can be as versatile as you want. If you don’t think about your face shape, you’ll end up with a style that doesn’t match your features.
Mistake #2: Overusing (or Underusing) Styling Products
Products are your friends, but using too many or too few can cause issues. Too much product can make your hair feel heavy and greasy, while too little can leave your style uncoordinated and lack hold. The key is to start small and build up. Choose lightweight formulas that are appropriate for your hair type and style. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your barber for advice.
Mistake #3: Neglecting Hair Health
- Having healthy hair is the cornerstone of any successful hairstyle. Just as you wouldn’t build a house on shaky ground, you can’t have a polished look if your hair is damaged. Here are some things you need to know about healthy hair:
- Regular trims: Split ends run the length of the hair shaft and cause frizz and discoloration. Trim your hair every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain healthy hair.
- Scalp care: A well-maintained scalp helps your hair grow naturally. Use a mild shampoo & conditioner that will nourish your scalp and your hair type. Try a weekly scalp scrub to get rid of product residue and encourage circulation.
- Conditioning: Conditioner keeps your hair moisturized and manageable. After shampooing, apply conditioner to mid-length and ends of hair, avoiding the scalp at the roots.
Mistake #4: Forgetting the Power of a Good Haircut
A good barber is worth its weight in gold. You don’t need to spend a lot of time styling your hair to look great. Look for a barber who knows your hair type, your face shape, and what style you’re looking for. Don’t be afraid to bring reference photos for inspiration.
Mistake #5: The One-Size-Fits-All Shower Routine
Washing your hair on a daily basis can strip your hair of its essential oils, causing it to dry out and irritate. Try to wash your hair at least 2-3 times per week, depending on the type of hair you have and how active you are. Once a week, use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of product residue.
Mistake #6: Towel Turbulence
Wrap your hair in a towel and gently pat it dry. This can cause hair frizz and damage. Instead, use a towel or microfiber, which is softer on hair.
Mistake #7: Heat Styling Without Heat Protection
Heat styling tools such as blow dryers, hair straighteners, curling irons, etc. can cause damage to your hair if you don’t use them correctly. Always spray your hair with a heat protectant before using a heat styling tool. Heat protectants act as a barrier between heat and your hair.
Mistake #8: The Comb-Over Conundrum
Comb-overs, on the other hand, are a red flag that your hair is starting to fall out and rarely look great. Take pride in your hairline. Try shorter styles that match your falling hairline or talk to your dermatologist about hair loss treatments.
Mistake #9: The Hat Hair Horror
Hats can make your hair look flat and leave visible hat marks. Minimize hat hair by wearing loose fitting hats or using texturizing spray after removing your hat.
Mistake #10: Skipping the Update
Trends come and go, and so does your hairstyle. Don’t be afraid to try new haircuts and styles to stay trendy and modern. Ask your barber what’s popular and what would look good on your hair and face type. By avoiding these common hairstyle mistakes and following these easy tips, you’ll be on the way to a stylish and easy-to-maintain hairstyle that you can wear with pride. After all, what’s more important than confidence?