For many, wearing wigs is not just for looking good, but to escape the reality of their natural hair. These ones don’t just have ‘bad hair days’–they’ve been having ‘bad hair years’. Why? They have consistently done what they should never have done to their hair.
Whether you have gravity-defying hair from the ancestors or you’ve done some manipulation, you still need to take care of your hair like it’s your crown– because it is. Or so they say.
There are many resources on what to do to make your hair healthy and long, but here are things you should never do to your hair. 
1. Use Harsh Heat Styling Tools Without Protection
Your afro-textured, curly, or coily hair is already prone to dryness and has no business with high heat, girl! High heat from flat irons, blow dryers, or hot combs can permanently damage the hair shaft.
When the hair shaft is damaged, it can lead to dryness, breakage, and loss of curl pattern. So, if you must use heat, don’t do it without a good heat protectant. Air-drying or low-heat diffused styling is better.
2. Detangle or Brush Your Dry Hair
Dry detangling causes massive breakage and split ends. Only detangle when hair is mildly wet and saturated with conditioner or a slippery detangler.
Also, when you want to detangle, always work from the ends up with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Never start combing from the root to the tip if your hair. Small-tooth combs or brushes on dry natural hair are a no-no-no.
3. Styling With Tight Rubber Bands
Rubber bands and tight ponytails or buns, especially in the same spot repeatedly, causes traction alopecia. Traction Alopecia is a term used to describe hair loss around the hairline and edges.
Always use soft scrunchies or satin/silk ties. Avoid tight hairstyles and pulling hair too tightly, too. You don’t want to be bald at 50.
4. Skip Regular Trims
Split ends don’t just make your hair look thin and unhealthy; they also cause it to break easily. When you trim every 8–12 weeks (or as recommended by your hairstylist), you keep your hair strong and retain length over time. Yes, trimming is for length retention. Avoiding trims out of fear of “losing length” is a common mistake.
5. Use the Wrong Products (e.g., heavy butters/oils as moisturizers)
Avoid products with heavy silicones or irritants that don’t suit your hair’s porosity. If your hair absorbs water quickly and dries out quickly, you should use hair butter to seal in moisture after using your water-based leave-in-conditioner.
Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo periodically to wash off product build-up on your scalp.
Healthy natural hair thrives on consistency, low manipulation, and moisture. What works best can vary by hair type and porosity, so listen to your hair.
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