Banishing Bad Hair and Beauty Habits

The problem with bad habits is that they come in all shapes, sizes, nuances and strains. And all too often, we’re not even aware of when we’re committing these cardinal beauty sins. But once you recognise exactly what you’re doing wrong, it becomes infinitely easier to address the problems and better your practices (or as I like to think of it, “admitting it is the first step”). So when you make the giant leap from Ms to Mrs, use this life-changing moment to toss out your rotten routines and replace them with constructive ones.

(Courtesy theiemummy.com)

We’ve put our heads together to come up with a list of the commonest hair and makeup no-nos- including those we know we probably shouldn’t do, and those many have no idea are actually counterproductive. So if you find yourself nodding your head in silent agreement to any of these issues, consider it time for a beauty revolution.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

We all know what it feels like to wake up with bed hair (the unsexy version), where the only way you’ll face the day is by wearing a hat. Or a headscarf. Or 26 bobby pins and a can of hairspray. Say goodbye to tousled tresses and hello to luscious locks with these easy tips.

Washing hair with heated water

– The problem: Hot water removes natural oils which then leaves hair dehydrated and prone to frizzing.
– The solution: Use lukewarm water and (perhaps only in summer!) finish with cool or cold water as this closes hair cuticles, seals in moisture and makes your hair shine.

Manhandling wet hair

– The problem: Just-washed hair is weak and strands can break easily.
– The solution: Use a wide tooth comb – not a brush – and work from the ends up. Don’t rub vigorously with a towel- pat it instead, and let hair dry loose instead of tying it up.

Over applying products

– The problem: Continually using sprays, serums, gels and mousse can weigh down your hair, making it dull and oily.
– The solution: Ease up on products so you can avoid a build-up and let your locks breathe! If you absolutely must use a certain amount, use it where it’s needed only- generally the ends of your hair are the most dry, damaged and in sorest need of a bit of TLC.

Heat damage

– The problem: Using hot tools everyday depletes the moisture and strips away protective oils which results in dry, frizzy hair and breakages.
– The solution: Give your hair the day off at least once a week and use a deep conditioning treatment to replace essential nutrients. Turn down the heat on tools and don’t forget to use heat protection products.

Using a dirty brush

– The problem: A brush matted with hair looks unsightly but what you don’t see is the oil and product build-up which is a happy breeding ground for bacteria.
– The solution: Give your brush a monthly bath in warm water and baking soda.

Saving Face

An occasion skin sin is excusable but if your slip-ups are becoming the norm rather than the exception, it’s time to re-evaluate your rituals. Here are a few beauty regime pointers that you might have forgotten about.

Going to bed with makeup on

– The problem: You’re too tired or tipsy to remove your makeup. This clogs pores which can lead to dreaded breakouts, while your eye makeup can irritate your eyes and weaken lashes.
– The solution: Force yourself to spend a few minutes following your normal washing routine but if you really, really can’t then facial wipes literally take seconds to use.

Using old makeup

– The problem: All makeup has a shelf life and old products can contain bacteria which you’re then (innocently but liberally) applying to your face.
– The solution: Replace mascara every 3-6 months and other products within 1-2 years at the most.

Dirty makeup brushes

– The problem: Brushes accumulate bacteria and dirt which is then (you guessed it…) transferred onto your skin.
– The solution: Clean brushes once a week using mild shampoo and then allow to air dry.

Over exfoliating

– The problem: Excessive scrubbing can make skin sensitive, cause broken capillaries and can leave you with very unwanted whiteheads.
– The solution: Use a gentle product and restrict your exfoliation to once a week only.

(Courtesy chickrx.com)

Skimping on sunscreen

– The problem: Too much sun causes wrinkles, age spots and raises the risk of skin cancer.
– The solution: Apply a good SPF every day to protect against sun damage, even if the day isn’t sunny. The sun’s UV rays actually tend to very strong in overcast weather!

With a little bit of enthusiasm and persistence you can make a big transformation, proving that even though bad habits happen to good people, it’s never too late to change!