UPDATE: |Dermatologist shares hair drying mistake that could be giving you dandruff News

A dermatologist has revealed the three biggest hair mistakes that could be “absolutely wrecking” your tresses, and one of them is something almost all of us are guilty of

We all have our unique hair care routines aimed at maintaining healthy locks. The market is flooded with products that promise to repair and shield our hair from a variety of elements, and you can put together a complete routine no matter what hair type you have – from curly to straight to damaged from bleaching.

But a dermatologist has highlighted a common error many people make in their hair maintenance routine. Doctor Aamna Adel warns that the way we dry our hair could be causing damage, leading to breakage and potentially dandruff due to “fungus” accumulation on our scalps.

In a TikTok video, Dr Adel outlined three hair care blunders that might be unknowingly ruining your hair, including a widespread method of drying hair.

Her video caption advised: “If you want to grow your hair long and healthy, then you need to stop doing these.”

1. Heatless curls

The trend of overnight heatless curlers may seem harmless, but Dr Adel equates it to the damage caused by tight ponytails, which can lead to hair loss.

She explained: “We all know that the slicked-back buns and tight ponytails are literally making your edges weak, but why is no one talking about heatless curls?

“Having your hair pulled tightly around them for literally hours overnight is going to cause traction alopecia. So little word of warning, don’t do them every single day.”

2. Air drying

Many of us are guilty of stepping out of the shower and letting our hair do its own thing. You might think that you’re doing what’s best for your locks by avoiding heat from a hairdryer, but leaving your hair wet – and especially going to bed with it wet – could actually be causing damage.

Dr Adel warned: “All of us are guilty of this, I know I am. Going to bed with your hair wet or air drying your hair [is bad]. Your hair is the most fragile when it is wet. The risk of you causing breakage is really high.

“Not to mention that a moist environment can cause an overgrowth of yeast, which can lead to flaky dandruff. Which none of us wants.”

3. Sun damage

You might not think it, but your hair needs protection from the sun just as much as your skin does. UV rays can severely damage the keratin in your hair, resulting in dry and brittle strands.

The dermatologist advised: “I don’t know why more people don’t talk about this, but protecting your hair from UV [is so important]. UV literally breaks down the melanin and keratin bonds in your hair, which basically leaves your hair feeling dry, brittle, and just breaking way more easily.

“So make sure you’re using haircare products that also protect against UV, and get yourself a cute little summer hat.”

Viewers of Dr Adel’s video expressed their gratitude for her insights, with many admitting they were unaware that wet hair could contribute to dandruff issues.

One individual queried: “Wait, so don’t air dry your hair? I thought that was the best way to avoid any heat damage!” To which the dermatologist replied: “Air drying is worse for your hair and scalp! Low heat with heat protectants is the way to go.”