Sometimes no matter how much we think we’re doing all of the good things for our hair, we could be damaging it without even knowing. Here are 10 ways you could be damaging your hair without even knowing.

1. Washing with hot water.

Using hot water on your hair is just as bad as using it on your skin. Hot water opens the cuticles and over time dries and dulls the hair, causing split ends in the long run.

2. Washing every day.

We wash our hair to remove oils and product build-up from the scalp. Shampoo includes sulphates and detergents to do that; washing the ends of our hair daily causes too much friction and doesn't give the hair oils to lubricate the ends.

3. Not washing enough.

On the other extreme, almost never washing creates layers of buildup of oils and debris that stumps new hair follicles from coming through the scalp.

4. Brushing your hair while it's wet.

Hair is very fragile and elastic when it's wet, so brushing it causes a lot of breakage that we don't see.

5. Not using a leave-in detangling spray.

Most professional detangling sprays include UV protection and strengthening ingredients that help the hair remain healthy.

6. Sleeping with wet hair.

Besides the fact that our hair is elastic when wet, sleeping with wet hair can create mold on the pillow and on the scalp, leading to skin issues.

7. Ripping out ponytails and high buns instead of taking them out gently.

Be gentle with your hair. Whenever you take out your bun, shake it out or gently pull the knot out instead of yanking it.

8. Using kitchen oils in place of professional treatments.

Oils like coconut oil just sit on top of the hair strand and dry out the hair over time.

9. Using a flat iron on the highest heat.

Heat styling is one of the most damaging things we do to our hair. It changes hair color and destroys the cuticle over time.

10. Using hair care that is not meant for your hair type.

I see clients using shampoos that are either too harsh or too heavy for their hair, which leaves their hair not feeling its best.