Taking care of your hair sounds simple. A little shampoo, a quick blow-dry, maybe a DIY trim when you’re bored on a Sunday. But according to pro stylists, some of the things we think are helping our hair might actually be ruining it. With 2026 around the corner, it’s time to say goodbye to the rituals that are secretly sabotaging your strands.
Purple Shampoo Isn’t Your Best Friend Anymore
It used to be the go-to savior for blondes. Just a few drops of purple shampoo and brassy tones would disappear. Except it doesn’t always work that way. Overusing purple pigment can actually dull the brightness you’re aiming for. Instead of that sun-kissed blonde, you’re left with a muted, silvery wash that sucks the life out of your hair. Why? Because purple pigments build up fast and can make your color look flat and lifeless, especially when you’re chasing that creamy, luminous blonde.
Experts are clear: these types of products should be treated as occasional treatments, not daily must-haves. The beauty trend in 2026 is all about smarter care, not just more products. Think about switching to softer ingredients like chamomile or fruit-based enzymes that brighten without freezing out your natural glow. If you’re dreaming of healthy shine again, the answer isn’t more purple.
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DIY Haircuts Are Not The Quirky Flex They Used To Be
Cutting your own bangs at midnight, trimming one annoying strand before a meeting, or giving yourself layers with kitchen scissors might feel empowering for a moment. But hairstylists are practically begging: let this habit go.
At-home trims and viral video tutorials rarely consider your type, texture, or natural growth patterns. One uneven cut can throw off an entire hairstyle, making it harder to style or even to grow out properly. Hair that is curly, coily, or textured needs extra care, not rushed experiments. Add to that the overload of homemade treatments using oils and random ingredients, and you’ve got a recipe for long-term frustration.
Stylists are calling for a mindset shift. Hair is not a one-size-fits-all project, and treating it like a TikTok trend won’t help it flourish. Let go of the idea that a YouTube tutorial can replace a personalized consultation.
Your Scalp Is Screaming For Attention
We talk a lot about the ends of our hair and heat damage, but very little about the foundation of it all: the scalp. This often forgotten area holds the key to strong, shiny, and lasting hair. A neglected scalp leads to issues like flakes, excess oil, itchiness, and even thinning. Yet it only gets attention once something starts going wrong.
Your scalp should be treated like facial skin. It needs cleansing, hydration, gentle stimulation, and sometimes targeted ingredients like botanicals or probiotics. Many people skip this step entirely, focusing only on lengths and ends.
And while we’re breaking habits, let’s talk about air drying. Wet hair stretches more than dry and is especially fragile. Letting it stay damp for too long puts pressure on the strands and can lead to breakage. Instead of wrapping it in a towel for hours, opt for a gentle towel-dry followed by a protective blow-dry.
