You love your locks and only want the best for them. Which is why you might be surprised that some of the “normal” things you’re doing to your hair could be the very reason your hair gets damaged.

Shocked much?

So were we. Let’s look at five everything things that could be damaging your hair and what to do next.

1. Drying Your Hair with a Towel

No one wants sopping wet hair dripping down their backs after a shower. But a towel isn’t your best solution. All that rubbing and friction can cause breakage and static.

Instead, squeeze the water from your hair with your hands. Wrap your hair in a cotton T-shirt to remove excess water, then let it air dry.

2. Brushing Your Hair While It Is Wet

If you’re on a de-tangling mission, it’s best to wait until your hair isn’t wet. Wet hair is more fragile and more prone to breakage and split ends.

If you have straight hair, let it dry a bit before gently combing it with a wide-tooth comb. For textured or curly hair, always comb your hair while it’s damp using a wide-tooth comb.

3. Pulling Your Hair Back Tightly

Love your buns and ponytails? If healthy hair is your goal, you’ll want to stick to looser hairstyles. Too much tension on the hair can contribute to hair loss and breakage.

If you have to pull back your hair, do so loosely. Avoid using hair gel to hold your style in place, as this can clog your hair follicles. Try using silk hair ties or clips that glide smoothly over your hair and won’t cause tangles or tears.

4. Eating the Wrong Foods

There’s a lot of truth to the old saying “You are what you eat,” especially when it comes to the health of your hair and skin. The right nutrients will help your hair grow and maintain its shine; the wrong foods can make your hair and scalp oily, itchy, and dull.

Make sure you’re getting enough zinc, iron, and folic acid. All of these lead to stronger, healthier hair. Adequate protein is also important (your hair is made of protein!), as are antioxidants.

Whether you’re growing out your locks or just want your hair to look beautiful, be mindful about food choices. Try to stick with whole, healthy foods and avoid foods high in fats, salt, and oils.

5. Sleeping on Cotton Pillowcases

Cotton pillowcases absorb the essential oils in your hair that promote hydration. If you have naturally dry hair, cotton pillowcases can make the problem worse. And if you sweat a lot in your sleep, your hair (and face) are exposed to sweat buildup, which can cause breakouts and itchiness. Cotton can also create friction between the pillowcase and your hair, leading to dull, broken locks. A better option is to use a silk pillowcase that won’t catch or pull on your hair while you sleep. No matter how much you toss and turn, your hair will glide effortlessly over the silky surface. Plus, the silk won’t steal your hair’s natural moisture.

We’re all guilty of doing these everyday things that cause damaged hair. Luckily, knowing is half the battle. There are easy fixes to each of these so you can save your locks without having to buy expensive treatments.

For more natural hair care tips, head back to the blog.