From oiling to hair wash, here are expert-backed do’s and don’ts for a healthier everyday hair care routine

Think you’re taking good care of your hair? Hair expert shares everyday habits you should follow and avoid.

Beautiful, healthy hair is well within reach, and it usually comes down to a handful of small, thoughtful habits practised consistently over time. Most of us already have what we need close at hand — the difference lies in knowing which everyday choices help and which quietly work against us. Once you understand why a habit helps or hurts, choosing the gentler path begins to feel less like effort and more like instinct. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Clelia Cecilia Angelon, hair expert, founder and CEO of Surya Brasil, shared hair care tips and tricks for better hair health.

Wash with intention, not by habit

It is easy to wash hair daily simply out of habit, rather than because the scalp calls for it. Clelia Cecilia advises letting your scalp's own condition set the pace. If you wash it too often, it loses its natural sebum; the scalp then responds by producing even more oil, and that only pulls you back into washing daily.

If you wash it too often, it loses its natural sebum. (Pexel)

Temperature matters too. “Lukewarm water helps the cuticle lie smooth, and a cool rinse at the end locks that in, so hair holds onto more of its shine,” added Clelia Cecilia. Hot water does the opposite — it lifts the cuticle, and frizz and moisture loss tend to follow.

Handle wet hair with patience, not haste

According to Clelia Cecilia, wet hair calls for a gentler hand. A wide-tooth comb, used slowly from the ends upward, works with the hair rather than against it. A brush straight out of the shower feels efficient but is one of the most common causes of avoidable damage — wet hair swells, and its bonds loosen briefly, leaving it elastic yet prone to snapping. The same goes for drying: a gentle blot with a soft towel does the job without stress, while a tight towel-wrap strains weakened strands.

Protect against heat and sun, rather than risk them

“A heat protectant, paired with a gentler styling temperature, makes a noticeable difference over time, and a little shade on a bright afternoon is just as worthwhile,” said Clelia Cecilia. Both are easy to skip, since a quick pass of the straightener or an hour in the sun rarely feels harmful at the moment.

But tools used above roughly 180°C alter the keratin proteins responsible for hair's strength, and the damage builds quietly. Sun has a comparable effect on pigment and protein, so hair often looks a little duller once summer has stretched on for a while. A scarf, a hat, or simply a leave-in with UV protection helps hold that shine in place.

Choose plant-based formulations over harsher alternatives

More people are turning to plant-based hair care these days. Botanical oils and extracts tend to be gentler on the scalp's natural barrier — harsh synthetic surfactants, by comparison, can strip away oils the scalp genuinely needs. Clelia Cecilia highlighted that plant-derived ingredients nourish rather than cleanse, and they often suit various hair types.

Plant-derived ingredients nourish rather than cleanse, and they often suit various hair types. (Pexel)

Care for the small rituals, not only the big decisions

Products tend to get most of the attention, but the quieter habits matter just as much. A satin or silk pillowcase softens the friction that a rough cotton one creates — and that friction does more damage overnight than it usually gets blamed for.

A tight ponytail pulls at the scalp through the night; a loose braid is much gentler. Trims help too, since regular ones keep split ends from travelling further up the strand. Diet and hydration play their part as well — hair, much like skin, tends to show what's going on underneath.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.