The One Thing Hairstylists Wish You’d Stop Doing
True to form, these pros are holding nothing back.
By Hannah Morrill
It’s easy to get into a routine with your hair—you wash it, you brush it, you dry it, you style it, maybe sometimes you throw it in a ponytail or whip up a braid. The problem with some of our little habits is that they make our hairstylists’ heads spin—because these are the things that are keeping us from having the lush, healthy, shiny hair we keep begging them for.
Ten of the country’s top celebrity hairstylists sound off on what you need to stop doing if you want prettier strands. Find out what you’re guilty of—and the effective tweaks to remedy your routine.
You’re… Pulling on Split Ends
“You wouldn’t believe how many women I see pulling on their split ends. Yes, you may momentarily get rid of it, but you’re actually shredding the hair, and creating a more uneven split end that’s harder to fix. Instead, snip it off with very sharp scissors. Then it’s gone forever. And you can make an appointment to get a haircut.” — Michael Dueñas, who works with Padma Lakshmi and Zoe Levin
You’re… Styling Wet Hair with Heat
“Women use heated styling tools when their hair is still wet, which literally fries the hair. In order to use heat without damage, the hair has to be completely dry. If you finish blow-drying and the hair feels cold, that’s a sign that there’s still moisture in it—so keep going.” — Bobby Eliot, who works with Hailee Steinfeld and Jena Malone
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You’re… Brushing Wet Hair
“It’s not a good idea to brush wet hair with any old brush. A wide-tooth comb is a better bet, but my new favorite is the Tangle Teezer ($20). It’s shaped like a little foot and fits snug in your palm. It doesn’t pull or tug on the hair and can be used on any texture or length.” — Kelly Hunt, who works with Amber Valetta and Karina Smirnoff
You’re… Sleeping in a Ponytail
“Sleeping in a ponytail causes breakage right at the crown of the head, or wherever the elastic is placed. If you like your hair off your face, sleep in a loose braid off to the side, secured right at the end as loose as you can.” — Johnny Stuntz, who works with Anna Kendrick and Kelly Osbourne
You’re… Spraying Too Close to Your Head
“I constantly see my friends, family and clients mist aerosol products like dry shampoo and hairspray, but with the can two inches from their heads—and then wonder why they’re left with a big white patch or slick spray spot. Instead, give the can a good shake for better product distribution, then extend your spraying arm out all the way and spray away. Aerosol products work best when they’re exposed to air before they reach the head.” — John D, who works with Amy Adams, Lea Michele and Drew Barrymore
You’re… Still Using Regular Elastics
“Rubber bands snag the hair when you loop it around too many times, and tears it when you take it out. Instead, I like these great hooked hair ties called Bungees ($7). Hook one side into the ponytail while you’re still holding your hair in your hands, then wrap the bungee around the ponytail and clasp the ends together.” — Lacy Redway, who works with Olivia Palermo and Gillian Jacobs
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You’re… Brushing from Roots to Ends
“My biggest pet peeve is when people start at the root when brushing or combing. You can literally hear the hair breaking. Instead, start at the ends and remove the tangles there first. Then work your way up towards the root. That way, you’re reducing split ends and frizzy broken bits.” — Michael Long, who works with Lizzy Caplan and Alexandra Daddario
You’re… Cutting Your Hair to Make It Grow
“I have so many clients who believe that cutting their hair helps it it grow. For every few inches you’re trimming, you’re actually adding months to your growing time. Instead, try fewer washings, less heated styling and blowdrying, and more deep conditioning. Hair looks longer and fuller when it’s healthier and stronger.” — John Ruggiero, who works with Kate Beckinsale and Gigi Hadid
You’re… Using Clarifying Shampoos
“I think clarifying shampoos are actually damaging since they literally strip away all the good oils and make your scalp overproduce—essentially making your hair greasy all over again. Instead, I like a volume-enhancing shampoo and conditioner like Matrix Biolage Volumebloom Shampoo ($16) and Redken Body Full Light Conditioner ($16), which degrease without stripping out the good.” — Kelly Hunt, who works with Amber Valetta and Karina Smirnoff
You’re… Towel-Drying Your Hair
“It drives me crazy when clients towel-dry their hair by messing it up in every direction, which just roughs-up the delicate cuticle. When the cuticles are closed, they reflect light and hair appears smooth and shiny. When they’re open, hair looks dry, dull and coarse. Instead, when you’re towel-drying, wring your hair out, moving downwards from root to ends.” — Toni Chavez, who works with Bella Thorne and Nicola Peltz
You’re… Using Too Much Dry Shampoo
“If you use dry shampoo or texturizing spray more than twice a week, you’re likely dehydrating your scalp, which can make the hair weaker and more prone to breakage.” — Sunnie Brook, who works with Katie Lowes and Ana Farris
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