Bad Hair Habits to Ditch in 2026, According to Pro Stylists

New year, new habits—especially when it comes to the daily routines that quietly undo your best hair intentions. In a recent round-up, professional stylists flagged a handful of common mistakes they’re hoping clients will leave behind in 2026: overdoing heat, being rough with wet hair, and letting dry shampoo and product residue build up over time. None of these are “you’ve ruined your hair forever” situations, but they can contribute to dullness, breakage, limp roots and unreliable styling.

For UK readers, these habits often show up in very real, everyday contexts: rushing a blow-dry before the school run, tying hair up tightly on wet commutes, or relying on dry shampoo between back-to-back office days and gym sessions. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s knowing which few changes can deliver the biggest difference, with minimal effort.

1) Heat styling without a strategy (or protection)

Heat tools are brilliant for shaping hair quickly, but stylists repeatedly point to “casual” heat use as one of the fastest ways to rack up damage over time. This typically isn’t about one dramatic styling session—it’s the accumulation: daily straightening passes, high-temperature blow-dries, and refreshing with hot tools on hair that’s already dry and stressed.

Many stylists recommend treating heat like a tool with boundaries: use the lowest effective setting, keep a consistent distance when blow-drying, and avoid repeatedly passing over the same sections. Heat protectant is also a common professional baseline, particularly when hair is coloured, lightened, naturally dry, or fine.

• Set a “heat budget”: choose 2–4 heat days a week (depending on your hair type) and embrace no-heat styles for the rest.
• Choose technique over temperature: good sectioning, the right brush, and controlled tension often beat turning the dial up.
• Mind the ends: they’re older, weaker, and take the brunt of repeated passes.

Practical next step: this week, pick one heat styling habit to change—either dropping your temperature slightly or committing to a heat-free refresh method (such as a smooth bun, twist, or rollers overnight) on one day.

2) Being too rough on wet hair

One of the most persistent “bad habits” experts call out is rough handling when hair is wet: aggressive towel rubbing, yanking through knots, or brushing from root to tip in one go. Hair is generally more fragile when wet, and while UK weather can push us into fast fixes—towel turban, tight ponytail, dash out the door—this is exactly when strands can be most vulnerable.

Instead, stylists often advise switching to gentler drying and detangling habits. Think: squeeze, don’t scrub; detangle in sections; and start from the ends, working upwards. If your hair tangles easily (especially textured, curly, long, bleached, or fine hair), patience in those first five minutes after washing can pay off across the whole week.

• Swap the towel technique: blot and squeeze water out rather than rubbing.
• Detangle with intent: work in small sections from ends to roots.
• Be careful with tight styles: avoid pulling wet hair into very tight elastics or clamps.

3) Over-relying on dry shampoo (and letting buildup win)

Dry shampoo is a modern essential—particularly in busy routines—but stylists frequently point out the downside of “stacking” it day after day. Product residue can accumulate at the roots and scalp, leaving hair looking less fresh over time even if it initially feels revived. You may also notice that volume drops, the scalp feels congested or itchy, and styling becomes unpredictable.

It’s worth noting that scalp discomfort has many possible causes; if irritation persists or worsens, dermatologists often suggest seeking personalised advice. From a haircare perspective, the key is balance: use dry shampoo as a strategic refresh, not a replacement for cleansing.

• Use it earlier: applying a light amount to clean or day-two hair can perform better than trying to “rescue” day five.
• Brush thoroughly: distribute product and remove excess so it doesn’t sit in patches.
• Reset regularly: schedule a proper wash (and occasional clarifying cleanse if your hair tolerates it).

Practical next step: pick one day this week to do a “reset wash” (shampoo twice if needed), then keep dry shampoo to 1–2 refresh days before washing again.

4) Missing the ‘boring’ basics that protect length

Stylists can usually tell when a client is doing the glamorous bits—curling, blowing out, glossing—without the protective basics that keep hair resilient: regular trims, mindful brushing, and gentle day-to-day handling. In 2026, the shift many professionals want to see is less “fix the damage” and more “reduce the friction that causes it”.

In UK salons, this often shows up as clients wanting to grow hair longer while also keeping it lightened, straightened, or frequently styled. That’s possible for many people, but it tends to require routine consistency: smaller, regular trims; protective styles when it’s windy or raining; and fewer repeated stressors at the ends.

• Trim cadence matters: small regular trims can help prevent splits travelling up the shaft.
• Reduce mechanical stress: be mindful with brushing, backcombing, and tight ties.
• Sleep counts: friction overnight can contribute to tangles and snapping for some hair types.

Key Takeaways

• Heat damage is often cumulative—use a lower temperature, fewer passes, and treat heat days as a deliberate choice.
• Wet hair is more fragile; blot-dry, detangle gently in sections, and avoid tight styles when hair is soaked.
• Dry shampoo works best as a short-term refresh—excessive layering can lead to dullness and root buildup.
• Consistency beats hero fixes: trims, gentle handling, and reduced friction protect length and shine.
• Your most realistic upgrade: change one habit for seven days, then build from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use heat tools if I’m trying to grow my hair?
There’s no single rule, but many stylists suggest reducing frequency and focusing on technique: fewer passes, lower heat, and a protectant each time. If you’re noticing increased breakage, scale back and prioritise gentle, low-tension styles between heat days.

Is it really bad to brush hair when it’s wet?
Wet hair can be more prone to stretching and snapping, especially if you pull through tangles. If you need to detangle, go slowly, work in sections, and start at the ends. Many people find detangling easiest with a conditioner slip in the shower, then minimal brushing afterwards.

How do I know if I have dry shampoo buildup?
Common signs include roots that feel coated, hair that looks dull even after refreshes, product that “flakes”, and styles that fall flat quickly. A thorough wash and fully brushing out product between applications can help.

Do I need to clarify my hair?
If you frequently use dry shampoo, styling products, or live in a hard-water area, an occasional clarifying wash can help remove residue. If your hair is coloured or dry, choose a gentle option and follow with conditioning to keep hair feeling balanced.

What’s the quickest habit change that makes hair look better fast?
For many people, it’s gentler wet-hair handling (less towel rubbing and less aggressive detangling) and reducing excess product at the roots. These changes can immediately improve smoothness and reduce breakage over time.