For four decades, celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan has been at the forefront of hair trends, most famously creating Jennifer Aniston's iconic 'The Rachel' cut on Friends. Now, he's turning his expert eye to the everyday routines that could be secretly sabotaging your hair's health.
The Top Five Haircare Culprits
In a recent TikTok video that has resonated widely, McMillan outlined the 'top 5 things killing your hair'. These aren't major styling disasters, but subtle, repeated habits that gradually cause damage. UK hair experts, including those at UK Hair Transplants, confirm that such practices can lead to long-term issues like traction alopecia if left unchecked.
1. Using the Wrong Hair Brush
McMillan stresses that selecting the correct brush is a critical first step. "Diagnose your hair to use the proper brush," he advises. Brushing isn't just for styling; it stimulates the scalp and boosts blood flow. However, using a brush unsuitable for fine, curly, or thick textures turns detangling into a cause of breakage.
2. Getting Your Wash Routine Wrong
Finding the perfect balance is key. Overwashing strips natural oils, drying out both hair and scalp, while underwashing allows dirt, pollution, and product residue to build up. McMillan's straightforward guidance is to wash your hair "anywhere from 2 to 3 times a week" to maintain a healthy equilibrium.
3. Neglecting Your Scalp
Many focus solely on hair length, forgetting the foundation it grows from. "Our hair grows from our scalp. Healthy scalp, healthy hair," McMillan states. Ignoring buildup, irritation, or an unhealthy scalp condition means hair is compromised from the very start.
4. Daily Heat Styling Without Protection
With heat tools in daily use, protection is non-negotiable. McMillan offers a stark analogy: using heat without a protective product is like washing a silk blouse in bleach. This daily habit is one of the most damaging for hair's integrity.
5. Not Using Products Properly
Avoiding products for fear of greasiness is a common mistake. "If used properly, the product is your friend," clarifies McMillan. The right products add shine and, crucially, provide essential heat protection that nourishes and shields your hair.
How to Reverse the Damage
The good news is that these effects are not irreversible. McMillan and UK experts suggest small, consistent changes can yield healthier hair within weeks. Start by brushing gently with the right tool, treating heat styling as an occasional luxury, and adjusting your wash frequency if your scalp feels greasy or itchy.
For significant thinning, sore patches, or worsening breakage, seek professional advice. A thorough hair and scalp assessment is the best way to diagnose the root cause, be it styling stress, traction, or another issue. Catching problems early can prevent these seemingly harmless habits from causing long-term damage that's far harder to fix.
