From split-ends to dullness, various hair concerns are preventable. Abandoning a few bad habits, adopting better practices, and visiting a hair salon for restorative treatments can make your mane much healthier. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid and alternative solutions for achieving lush locks. 

What Habits Can Harm Your Hair?

1. Rubbing Wet Tresses with a Bath Towel

After washing your hair, don't rub it dry with a towel. When wet, proteins in the hair form weaker hydrogen bonds. This makes the strands more susceptible to breaking when scrubbed with a rough towel. 

To prevent major breakage, press on the hair one section at a time instead of rubbing. A microfiber cloth is preferable to a bath towel because it's softer, which will prevent damage to your mane in its weakened state and absorb excess moisture quickly.

2. Neglecting Sun Protection

The ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight can wreak havoc on your strands. Exposure to UV light causes hair fibers to lose protein, which can leave locks dry and brittle. Ultraviolet light also deteriorates the chemical bonds in dyes, potentially causing your hair color to fade. 

Although you can correct the problem by receiving protein treatments and color correction at the hair salon, you can prevent the issue in the first place by simply putting on a hat before going outside. If you prefer to leave your hair exposed, spritz it with an SPF spray formulated for hair. 

3. Sleeping on the Wrong Pillowcase

Hair damage can occur while you're sleeping. The fibers in a cotton pillowcase could be too rough for your locks, causing the strands to split and unravel when rubbing against the fabric. The material can also absorb the oils in your hair, which will leave your locks dry. 

To prevent these issues, you should switch to a silk pillowcase. Your hair will move against the smooth material without creating the friction and knots that lead to breakage. The silk won't take in moisture from your hair, either. 

If you need treatments to restore the health of your hair, contact Bloom Beauty Lounge in New York City. The Chelsea-based stylists use formaldehyde-free and organic hair solutions to prevent issues like breakage and scalp irritation. Visit the hair salon online to browse their available services, find ideas for your next haircut and color on Instagram, or call (212) 255-9355 to schedule an appointment.