17 Things Your Hairstylist Wants You to Stop Doing
If your hairstylist has ever given your mane a look of disapproval (guilty), you know how sad it is to have your strands shamed. We get it—there are things we do in our daily routines that totally warrant a “yikes” look (copious styling tools, product overload, etc.), but seeing that reaction is still jarring. But while an eye bulge or a turned-down mouth often says it all, we’d like to know those things our hairstylist wants us to quit immediately. As such, we turned to the pros to gauge their honest opinions.
“Two things: Not changing up your style every so often. Try something new annually rather than the cookie-cutter hairstyle. The change doesn’t have to be drastic, but something to keep you modern and your stylist on their toes. And cutting your own bangs: Rather than [potentially] ruining your haircut, ask if your stylist offers complimentary bang trims. Most should fit you in for a two-min snip rather than having you ruin your style.” — Johnny Lavoy, Pro Beauty Tools celebrity hairstylist
“I would really want my clients to stop adding excessive heat to their hair. You don’t have to flatiron your hair every day. Doing so can change your hair’s natural texture. Instead, find an alternative way to keep a style whether it’s wrapping your hair at night, using rollers and/or flexi-rods.” — Johnny Wright, celebrity stylist and Dark and Lovely artistic director
“Hair-spray buildup is a major contributor to sticky, dull-looking hair. Make sure you are spraying at least six to eight inches away from your hair to prevent product buildup and clumping.” — Rodney Cutler, Redken brand ambassador
“Stop burning your hair! Cranking a hair dryer to the maximum heat setting doesn’t assure a quick dry but does assure heat damage to your hair. For an even, safe, and quick dry, use a hair dryer that has variable heat and air pressure. The BaBylissPro Rapido blow-dryer is the lightest, highest-performing professional dryer, with increased air power to dry hair 50% faster than high heat alone.” — Kristan Serafino, celebrity hairstylist
“Don’t brush hair when it’s wet. Hair is 50% more susceptible to breakage when it’s wet. We always recommend taking proper precaution by lightly spritzing hair when damp with a detangling spray such as ColorProof’sPureRelease Instant Detangle prior to detangling, to give hair slip, provide easy comb-through, and seal the cuticle while adding an extra layer of color and heat protection. Then, using a wide-tooth detangling comb or a flexible-tooth detangling brush, beginning at the ends and working your way up, gently comb or brush through.” — Jim Markham, celebrity hairstylist, Pureology founder, and ColorProof Evolved Color Care founder and CEO
“Over-washing is the main culprit of dry, frizzy hair. Washing your hair every other day is the ideal time frame, and using a cleansing conditioner, like Redken’s new Genius Wash Cleansing Conditioners, once or twice a week in place of your regular shampoo is a great solution!” — Rodney Cutler, Redken brand ambassador
“Four things: Stop treating your hair like it’s dispensable! You should put as much care into your hair as you do on your face, skincare, makeup, and nails. You should focus on haircare as much as hairstyling. I always recommend Infusium 23 to my clients because their Moisture Replenisher Collection helps retain moisture and shine. Stop jumping from one hairstylist to another. You need to establish a relationship with one that will really know YOURhair and that will be getting you the best long-term results. Stop using cheaphair elastics—the ones with metal parts encourage breakage. And stop using your blow-dryer without the nozzle on the end. You need the nozzle to focus the heat to the place where you need it. But more importantly, it creates a space between the heat source and your hair. The grill is the hottest part and should not be so close to your hair.” — Enzo Angileri, Infusium 23 celebrity hair expert
“Don’t set unrealistic goals. I don’t mind a photo for inspiration for a new style, but realistic expectations are key. You can’t expect to look like Beyoncé if you have short, fine hair.” — Johnny Lavoy, Pro Beauty Tools celebrity hairstylist
“Stop fighting against your natural hair texture, color, etc., and have realistic expectations of what it can do. Embrace what looks best on you and also accept that your black hair may never be platinum blond.” — Marissa Marino, celebrity hairstylist
“Stop using your grandfather’s hair wax. The goal is to achieve a hip, retro-style without all the excess accumulation of product on each of the strands of your hair that acts as a dirt magnet. Layrite Super Shine Pomade will give you separation and hold, along with texture and incredible shine, without leaving a waxy film in the hair. And it’s a water-based formula, so the product easily washes right out!” — Kristan Serafino, celebrity hairstylist
“I think the number one thing I would like my clients to stop doing is washing their hair every day. I think most of my clients realize it’s unnecessary, butevery now and then I find some women still do this. It dries out your hair, fades your hair color, and makes your hair unmanageable.” — Cristina B., hairstylist at Rita Hazan Salon
“I think clients should stop jumping from colorist to colorist. You will never get a good result that way. Do your research, have a consultation, and find a person you like. Give them at least a six-month trial—more or less—to get to know your hair, unless it’s a complete catastrophe; then you can find another colorist.” — Rita Hazan, celebrity colorist
“Stop shampooing with sulfates. Many common shampoos use sulfates and salts in their formulas as surfactants, which are extremely harsh on the hair and strip color. Be sure to choose a sulfate-free, salt-free formula for extra-gentle cleansing that won’t rough up the cuticle or strip hair of its natural oils. If you color-treat your hair, be sure to look for a sulfate-free, salt-free formula designed exclusively for color-treated hair.” — Jim Markham
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