This Surprising Habit Could Be Damaging Your Hair

Who doesn’t want lush, bouncy locks, right? But there are certain habits, which often seem harmless and inconsequential, that contribute to hair thinning and damage.

At least that’s what Francis Catanese at Art and Autonomy in New York City revealed to Yahoo Health.

One of their stylists revealed a new trick to save hair from breaking or shedding: being mindful of how you sling on your bag.

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Yes, you read that right.

The wear and tear of bag straps pull on strands, making hair follicles weaker and, in some cases, yanking them out completely.

One way to keep this from happening is to use tote bags, which are luckily increasing in popularity when you aren’t planning to bring a lot of things.

But, if you do need to lug around a larger bag, be mindful of keeping hair from getting stuck under the strap.

Move your hair out of the way or clip a section of it before slinging a bag over your shoulder.

It’s as simple as that.

Over time, hair can become brittle and prone to breakage if not cared for properly. Dry hair leads to fraying and split ends. This is a common problem which can be corrected by changing three simple things in your grooming routine.

Change the Products You Use

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Opt for a shampoo that suits your hair type. If your hair is brittle, make sure you choose a gentle shampoo that will maintain your hair’s natural oils.

Dry hair is more prone to breakage.

Shampoo with oils like shea butter, argan oil, or almond oil are excellent choices. These types of shampoo trap water against your hair shaft and helps hair stay hydrated and healthy.

If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, make sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo; sulfates are harsh chemicals which strip your hair of its natural oils.

Use a hydrating conditioner

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Hydrating conditioners replenish the oils hair loses after shampooing. It doesn’t matter what kind of shampoo it is; all shampoos dry hair but in varying degrees.

Remember to use silicone-free conditioners. Many brands contain silicone because they hold moisture in. However, they need extra-strong shampoos to wash them out thoroughly.

Go for gentle conditioners such as those with aloe and other natural hydrators.

Deep condition at least once a week with Moroccan hair oil, coconut oil, or olive oil.

Avoid products with harsh chemicals

Many styling products that are out in the market are formulated with chemicals, such as alcohol and fragrances, that aren’t good for your hair.

So, trade in your commercial hairspray, gel, and mousse for natural products such as flax seed, coconut oil, and argan oil. They not only lock in moisture, but they also smooth your hair out giving you an effortlessly polished, sleek look.