When we’re constantly trying to balance a healthy lifestyle with a fast-paced workload, sometimes the little things, like our own hair, sit on the back burner. It’s hard to wait for our hair to dry when we’re always on the go, but it just maybe a little more important than you think.

Here are a few things you need to start avoiding in order to ensure a healthy head of hair!

1. Detangling

It may seem like a good idea to brush out freshly washed locks, but our hair is at its weakest state when wet. As each strand is most prone to breakage and split ends when wet, this is the time when the most damage can actually be caused.

Most stylists suggest avoiding the detangling and brushing process until it is 90% dry. However, if it is absolutely needed, a leave-in conditioner like Hair La Vie’s Nº 77 Leave-In can help hydrate and protect the hair. Also, a brush specifically manufactured for wet brushing helps due to bristles that are naturally softer than those of a typical brush.

2. Rough towel-drying

Rough towel drying with a normal towel can change the overall texture of your hair and cause various forms of damage, including breakage and split-ends. Using a microfiber towel has been shown to develop softer, healthier-looking hair in those that made the switch.

3. Heat styling

Applying heat to wet or damp hair may seem like a quick fix in a jam, but it can really mess up the health of your hair. Even the slightest amount of manufactured heat can burn the cuticle.

In those unavoidable instances when heat styling is needed, use heat-protecting products to combat the frying, damaging, and dulling of the hair. You can also apply a hair oil the night before.

A hairdryer on a low setting without heat is also an option that will get similar results with significantly less damage caused to the hair.

4. Pulling your hair back

Tight buns and ponytails can make a gorgeous style statement, but you might want to save those looks for when your hair is thoroughly dried. Putting your wet hair in a bun can not only cause breakage, flyaways, and dried-out ends, but it can also lead to eczema and other skin irritations due to an inadequate amount of air to dry the hidden layers.

5. Air-drying in public

Did you know that stepping out into the world with wet hair can have a drastically different effect on those luscious locks of yours than just air drying at home? It’s because of the various differences in air quality.

From air pressure to weather and wind, these variations in the air can cause an uneven dry as well as completely alter the texture of the look you were going for. However, if you truly must run out in that freshly washed hair, try adding Hair La Vie’s Serum for a smoothing effect that will shine all day long.

6. Sleeping in It

Sleeping in wet hair may be unavoidable at times, but try to refrain from it as much as possible. Otherwise, the strands may dry in fixed positions that don’t flow well.

Thanks to involuntary movements, hair can also become matted and tangled while you sleep, necessitating a heavy brushing the next morning that can pull out hair.

A little-known hair ailment that comes with sleeping in wet hair is an influx of dandruff. Since bacteria that come with dandruff thrive in warm, dark, and moist conditions, a wet pillow is a hotbed for more bacteria to spread.

In the same vein, do not wrap your wet hair in a towel for extended periods of time; it will promote the growth and spread of microorganisms.

Final thoughts

Taking care of your hair can be hard and time-consuming, but it can also be very easy. Give your hair a little extra love and care to ensure that it stays looking its best. Hair La Vie's Nº 77 Leave-In is a great way to touch up your hair without having to add damaging heat, and your hair will love you for the extra keratin and vitamin B5. You might also try to work an earlier showering time into your busy schedule to give you a little extra air-dry time. 

It will have both you and your hair feeling beautiful!