Hair care

14 Hair "Rules" You Have to Break

Want to know the real reason for your bad hair days? It's probably because you followed some of this really bad advice

by Sarah Carrillo

8 of 15

Break This Rule: Switch up your shampoo so your hair doesn't "get used to" it It's a common problem: After a few weeks of using a shampoo and conditioner, your hair just doesn't look as good as it first did and it seems like your hair has gotten "used to" the products. In reality, hair doesn't actually get used to anything, says New York City hairstylist Danielle Irene.

What really happens is one of two things: Either your shampoo has too many surfactants (foaming agents that consequently dry out your hair), or it has ingredients that are coating your hair. Umberto Savone, creator of the Umberto Beverly Hills hair care line, says that if you often deal with flyaways, your shampoo is likely over-drying your hair; if your hair is flat it's being coated.

The solution is not to switch off between shampoos but rather to switch completely. Savone says that a good shampoo will do neither of these things to your hair, no matter how many times you use it. Look for sulfate-free products to minimize dryness and steer clear of silicone, which can coat your hair. Or, if you really can't give up your current products, Irene suggests using a clarifying shampoo every few washes to clear off any product build up.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Break This Rule: You should get a trim every six weeks

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Older comments

good list

by brianna121791 Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 08:00PM Report as inappropriate

Love this article!

by ReannaLynn Friday, March 8, 2013 at 11:01AM Report as inappropriate

Good thing I don't have hair highlights.

by jamaicah_jones Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 04:53PM Report as inappropriate

I didn't know a lot of these!

by ACClique Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 08:04AM Report as inappropriate

good tips!Knowing when I find a shampoo and cond that works I should stick with iT!

by chawkins7 Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 07:25AM Report as inappropriate

My hair has had a lot of static lately, so I guess I need to switch shampoos.

by Chris213 Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 05:49PM Report as inappropriate

that's a good list

by LittleBunny Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 10:35AM Report as inappropriate

yes, a good haircut can last 3 months, but if you have really long hair, the ends still start looking and feeling a bit dry even if you moisturize diligently. I find it best to trim more often- hair gets much healthier really soon then.

by venenumletalis Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 08:51AM Report as inappropriate

THX

by aishak55 Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 07:38PM Report as inappropriate

While I still think is it better to just not color my hair at all, at least when I get bored with it and decide to switch it up I won't feel so guilty. Thanks to Wen, I don't have super dry and brittle hair anymore so many of the other items are no longer a problem either!

by bride040612 Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 04:02PM Report as inappropriate