7 Everyday Habits That Secretly Damage Your Hair

In 2025, hair‑care experts are shifting focus from just “what you apply” to “how you live”. At The Hills BKK, we’ve observed clients who follow great routines yet still suffer breakage, dullness or thinning. The reason? Everyday habits that quietly damage hair over time. Let’s dive into seven of them and how to correct them for healthier hair.

1. Brushing hair when it’s soaking wet Wet hair is more fragile because moisture causes the hair shaft to swell and stretch, making it vulnerable to breakage. The fix: after washing, gently blot the hair with a microfiber towel, use a wide‑tooth comb, and delay high‑tension styling until it’s partially dry.

2. Over‑washing or using harsh sulfates  As the 2025 trend shows, over‑washing and harsh cleansing formulas are being replaced by gentler, scalp‑balance routines. The fix: Wash your hair 2‑3 times a week (depending on your scalp) and look for sulphate‑free, pH‑balanced cleansers.

3. Tight hairstyles and constant pulling – Pulling your hair back into high, tight ponytails or slicked‑back buns may look polished, but it subjects your hairline and follicles to constant tension. The fix: Choose looser styles, use soft scrunchies, and vary your parting to relieve stress on the same areas.

4. Excessive heat styling without protection – With the “skinification” of hair trends and heatless techniques gaining ground in 2025, frequent high‑heat tools without good protection are a major culprit of damage. The fix use a good heat‑protectant, limit high‑heat styling, and alternate with heat‑less styling methods (braids, air drying, rollers) when possible.

5. Skipping scalp care / ignoring buildup – A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Yet many neglect scalp care, allowing buildup, oil or dead skin to impair follicle function and damage hair. The fix: incorporate a gentle scalp‑exfoliating scrub or treatment once a week, massage your scalp on wash days, and use products targeted at scalp health.

6. Poor diet, hydration or sleep Hair health isn’t just external. Nutrition, hydration, and sleep impact your hair’s strength, growth and shine. The fix: Ensure you drink enough water, eat enough protein/omega‑3s/vitamins, and sleep 7‑9 hours.

7. Using wrong products or harsh chemicals Colouring, bleaching, and treatments may give instant results but can leave hair brittle or thin in the long run. The fix: Adopt treatments that emphasise strengthening (bond‑repair, peptides, ceramides), go for more natural colouring or low‑maintenance styles, and work with your stylist at The Hills BKK for tailored care.