Hair mistakes and how to avoid them

We all know that pulling out grey hairs or cutting our own fringes can make us look frightful, but you’ll be surprised to hear the other things we do that have stylists tearing their hair out! Scottish Hairdresser of the Year Paul Ralph told us a little more about our most common hair mistakes…

1 Not Using Heat Protection

“When hot tools come into play without proper protection they can strip the hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, brittleness and breakage,” explains Paul.

“Heat protection products act as a shield from the direct impact of high temperatures and prevent the cuticle from opening up and losing vital moisture.”

2 Asking For The Wrong Technique

“A common mistake is the request to thin out hair,” explains Paul. “While the intention may be to achieve a lighter feel, excessive thinning can lead to styling challenges. It removes substantial weight, resulting in fullness at the roots and wispy ends.

“This not only complicates your day-to-day styling process, but also diminishes the overall manageability of your hair. Instead of thinning, consider layering,” he suggests.

“This distributes the weight effectively, ensuring a balance that makes styling a breeze.”

3 Avoiding Conditioner

“This a common misconception, particularly among those with fine hair,” explains Paul. “While concerns about flatness are valid, choosing the appropriate product is crucial. Conditioner isn’t a luxury, it’s a protective necessity for your hair.

“It serves as a barrier, closing the cuticle to shield your hair from environmental stressors and it prevents weakening and breakage. For those with finer hair, there are conditioners which come in the form of a foam rather than the heavier alternative of a cream now.”

4 Over-Using Toning Shampoos

“The temptation to ward off yellow tones with silver or blonde shampoos is understandable, but using these excessively can render your colour dull,” says Paul.