Everyone has their unique hair care routine aimed at maintaining healthy locks.

Your personal hair routine will cater to your specific hair type, whether it’s curly, straight, brittle, or bleached. The market is flooded with products promising to repair and shield our hair, and everyone’s needs are different.

But a dermatologist has highlighted a significant error many commit in their hair maintenance. Doctor Aamna Adel warns that the way we dry our hair could be causing damage, and sometimes even dandruff, due to a yeast accumulation on our scalps.

Dr Adel took to TikTok to reveal three hair care blunders that might be devastating your hair without your knowledge, including a widespread hair drying method.

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

1. Heatless curls

The heatless curlers trend, which involves sleeping with your hair wrapped up, may not be as harmless as it seems. Dr Adel equates it to the harm caused by tight ponytails, suggesting it can lead to hair loss due to tension.

She explains: “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 are guilty of exiting the shower and letting our locks air dry naturally. You might think it’s a gentle approach, yet leaving your mane damp – particularly before bedtime – can actually lead to hair 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.”

And that’s not all, as she cautioned: “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

The sun’s effects aren’t limited to skin; your hair demands protection from those harsh UV rays, too. Prolonged exposure can deteriorate the keratin in your hair, resulting in damaged, brittle strands.

Dr Adel pointed out: “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.”

Numerous followers expressed gratitude for Dr Adel’s insights upon viewing her video, particularly those surprised to learn about the potential link between wet hair and dandruff.

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.”