Break the Cycle: 5 Expert Haircare Mistakes to Avoid

Moisturised, soft and shiny – that’s hair everyone dreams about. We’re not just saying this. Australia’s haircare market is worth $1.66 billion in 2025 alone, and is predicted to grow at 2.51% every year from 2025 to 2030.

If you’re doing everything you can to get your hair healthy and glossy, only to feel like your routine isn’t working, we’ve got you covered. From frizz that won’t quit to strands that feel dry no matter how much conditioner you use, let’s untangle the 5 common haircare mistakes, and what you can do instead.

Sneak Peek

• Your scalp deserves the same love your skin gets.
• Overwashing or underwashing can mess with your hair’s natural balance, so tune in to your texture.
• Heat protectants are a must-have to keep your strands moisturised.
• Sleeping on damp hair invites breakage and bacteria.
• Use the right tools, your hair will thank you.

1. Skipping Scalp Care

Out of all the haircare mistakes to avoid, neglecting your scalp takes first place in our books. A scalp that’s out of balance can mean flaking, excess oil, or even hair fall.

The “skinification” of hair is all about treating your scalp and strands with the same care you’d give your skin. Just like skin, your scalp can get dry, oily, sensitive or congested. Multiple factors affect its health: stress, sun exposure, humidity, hormonal changes, diet and hydration… the list goes on.

To care for your scalp, treat it to a gentle scrub weekly before your usual shampoo and conditioner. Work your products in with a massage to promote blood circulation. When it needs a deeper reset, try a clarifying shampoo, and use treatments or masks for specific issues. Ingredients like niacinamide and panthenol are great for soothing and calming, while salicylic acid can help with buildup or flakiness.

BeautyWorks offers a dedicated selection depending on your hair type, from thick hair products to curly hair products.

2. Washing Too Much or Not Enough

Overwashing can strip your hair of its natural oils, causing excess sebum production, while washing too little can lead to product buildup and dullness. The trick is to find the sweet spot based on your hair type and scalp condition. 

Personalise your routine to your hair texture and porosity. Low-porosity hair often needs deeply hydrating and lightweight options with light humectants, while high-porosity strands require ingredients that lock in moisture.

Our edit of curly, thick, and frizzy hair products makes it easier to find your match.

3. Not Using Heat Protectant

Heat hurts your hair cuticle, resulting in frizz, split ends and dry, brittle strands. That doesn’t mean you have to swear off styling, but make sure you’re using heat protection – it’s like sunscreen for your hair.

Skipping a quick spritz is one of the most common haircare mistakes. Even on low settings, hot tools or curling wands can weaken your hair’s protein structure. A heat protectant helps keep the moisture in and distributes heat evenly, so all your hard work in the shower doesn’t go to waste.

Go for sprays with additional benefits, whether that’s giving your locks a glossy finish or helping with detangling. Embracing your natural texture? Try protective styles, throw in a curl cream for extra hydration, or gently dry with a diffuser for minimal damage.

4. Sleeping with Wet Hair

We get it, life gets busy, and sometimes you just want to jump in bed after a shower. As tempting as that sounds, this habit needs breaking.

Sleeping with wet hair is stressful on your strands. Damp hair is more elastic and prone to stretching. Add tossing and turning to the mix, and it’s a recipe for frizz, breakage, and tangling. Plus, a damp scalp is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria – a huge no.

Dry your hair before bed is a non-negotiable, but you turn it from a chore to some well-deserved me time. Throw on a face mask, blast your favourite music and start drying from the roots. Your locks will be dry before you know it! 

BeautyWorks Tip: Use a silk pillowcase or wrap your hair in a silk bonnet to cut down friction and protect your texture overnight.

5. Using the Wrong Tools

From plastic brushes that tug to thick towels that rough up the cuticle, the wrong tools can cause drama your hair doesn’t need.

One of the easiest haircare mistakes to avoid is detangling incorrectly. Start from the ends and work your way up, removing any knots with a detangling brush. As for drying, swap your cotton towel for a microfibre towel so your strands stay smooth and less vulnerable to damage.

The brushes you’re using need to match your hair type too. Boar bristle brushes are best for straight and fine hair, whereas thicker, textured hair usually needs a mixed bristle brush. 

Your Healthy Hair Reset Starts Here

Still chasing shine, strength, or bounce even with a multi-step routine? It’s time to take a step back and see if you’re falling victim to any of these common haircare mistakes. A routine that works for you should be built on consistent habits and listening to what your strands need – even the smallest shifts can help your hair go from lifeless to lustrous.

Need help figuring out what your hair’s craving? Book a free 15-minute consultation with BeautyWorks!