8 Hair Basics Professionals Get Wrong All the Time

This post is all about the best healthy hair basics professionals get wrong.

So, this post has been a long time coming.

I’ve been holding it in, because I don’t want to offend any hairdressers.

For that reason, I’m going to try my best to keep my frustrated tone at a minimum…but it still has to be said.

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Hair Basics: Professionals & The Hair Growth Loop of Failure

There are so many people that are stuck in the loop of trying to grow their hair out.

And a lot of it comes down to the fact that they are not privy to these crucial basics.

They are trusting haircare professionals with their hair (as you should be able to do).

But, unfortunately, I’ve found that most stylists don’t actually

1. Fully understand what it takes to grow out long healthy hair
2. They want to hurry through their appointments and be as efficient as possible, so alot of the basics aren’t being followed and causing alot of damage to peoples hair
3. (I hope this one isn’t the case) They want to keep people coming back for trims frequently, so they don’t stress the importance of hair maintenance outside the salon.

Why Are Professionals Getting Hair Basics Wrong?

While there’s many different reasons it could be, I truly think that most people, professionals included, are a little lax or lazy when it comes to hair growth strategy.

This is especially true for people such as myself with difficult hair types, like wavy/curly/coarse/thick hair.

Extra precautions and steps have to be taken to maintain and keep these hair types healthy, and I’m convinced it’s not taught in hair school.

I also have a theory.

I think that people with difficult hair types have grown up hating their hair and spending so many countless hours trying to get their own hair to “behave.”

Given this, the the last thing they want to do for a career is do other peoples hair all day.

Read on if you want to hear about the haircare basics that professionals get wrong.

What Are the Actual Haircare Basics Professionals Get Wrong?

1. Wet hair should be handled with EXTREME care

This is being placed as the first point because it’s the most important, and the one I have found most hair stylists do not do!

Any time your hair is in a wet state, it is 10 times more fragile and more likely to snap off and break.

You can see why this would be problematic for those trying to maintain hair health or their hair longer.

It is a huge red flag for me if a stylists handles wet hair aggressively.

There should be no pulling on the hair when it is wet.

2. Trims are not necessary every few months

If you maintain your hair properly, EVEN if it bleached, regardless of what you may have heard, you do not need to get your hair trimmed every few months.

In fact, this will actually halt your hair growth.

You have to give your hair a chance to actually grow, and this is done all while treating your hair with the utmost kindness during your time away from the salon.

Click HERE to read up on all the ins and outs of growing your hair; including lots of tips that you haven’t already heard before!

3. Certain hair cuts make it easier to grow out hair

Most styles won’t tell you this, and most may not even know, but if you have certain hair styles, it will make it easier to grow out your hair.

Hair that is all one length or keeping a very thick bottom layer in your hair will make growing hair out a lot easier.

I’m not sure the science behind it, but it’s something I have noticed time and time again in my own hair as well as others. The thinner the layers, the harder it is to maintain any growth.

4. Hair (with NO EXCEPTIONS) should be combed out starting at the bottom

I just want to scream this one from the rooftops!

It is imperative when combing hair out or detangling to work your way up slowly, starting at the very bottom.

I don’t know if it’s due to rushing through or just not caring but you should never rake a comb through your hair starting mid to the top, ever!

If I notice a stylist is combing my hair in a damaging way, I speak up and say “Hey would you mind if I comb out my own hair? I’m very particular about the way it is detangled.“

If I’m paying for a service, there’s no way I would sit silently through something that is damaging my hair.

5. Hair should not be dried full force with a blowdryer from its wet state

A rough dry is always needed first in order to not fry your hair.

If you have an unexperienced stylist skip this step, it should raise concern.

I recently got up and walked out of a blowout appointment when a stylist didn’t listen to me when I asked for this done.

It seems like a no brainer to me, but concentration of high heat on wet hair will cause breakage so this should be avoided.

6. Teasing is very damaging

I know that teasy lighting is a common method when it comes to highlighting, but the reality is it is very damaging.

Teasing hair in general is damaging because it’s essentially pushing the hair follicle up in the opposite direction and disrupting the hair laying down smooth.

If a stylist sees that you already have compromised hair, this should not be done.

However, it usually still is!

7. Lived-in highlights should be favored & suggested more

I think more stylists should suggest lived-in highlights or balayage.

This is a hair coloring technique where lightener or color is hand-painted onto the hair.

It creates a graduated, natural-looking effect, that is low maintenance

Not only do they save you hundred in hair appointments throughout the year by stretching out your time in between appointments, but it further maintains your hair integrity.

The less times you bleach or process your hair throughout the year, the more you give your hair a break in between and the less damage is done in the long run.

8. The Type of Comb or Brush Matters

A lot of times, hair stylists use the same comb or brush on everyone.

This is problematic because certain hair types require different combs.

It’s important to use wide tooth combs, like the one below, especially initially, for wavy or curly hair types.

This ensures minimal damages.

Unfortunately, I see stylists using the wrong comb or brush types all the time.

How To Weed Out Unknowledgeable Hairstylists

Look at Reviews

Before you commit to a stylists, do you research.

Check out the stylists previous work via Instagram, Facebook, etc.

Do they have returning customers?

What do their before and afters look like?

Do they specialize in the type of hair texture or color you have?

All of these questions are important vetting questions when choosing a stylist.

Look at the hairdresser’s hair

I know they say don’t judge a book by it’s cover.

But honestly, I am a little concerned if I walk in and the person who is touching my hair looks like their hair has been through it.

You have to first know how to take care of your own hair before you can do the same for others.

Book appointments in advance

This one is the hardest for me.

I am a spur of the moment type of girly.

That or a DIY-grab-the-scissors-yourself kinda gal.

But regardless, patience and prep can really pay off.

Reputable salons typically are fully booked and don’t do walk ins.

Keep this in mind and always schedule appointments in advance at trusted salons.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been to a hair appointment recently, have you experienced a stylist not following the basics noted above?

I definitely have. And that is where a lot of my frustration of the hair salon industry lies.

There is a serious lack of information, or misinformation, being handed out by professionals.

If you truly want to grow or maintain healthy hair, keep in mind the above. Especially at hair appointments!

Some of what is noted may seem like common knowledge, but these are hair basics professionals get wrong all the time.

A lot of hair damage actually takes place in salons, and it pays to be your own educator and advocate!

You might also like:

• How to Train Hair to Wash Less – Even When You Workout
• How to Style Thick Wavy Hair: Easy Weekly Styling Routine (For Sleek Hair)
• How to Grow Hair Faster in a Month: The 13 Dos and Don’ts of Hair Growth

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This post was all about healthy hair basics professionals get wrong all the time.