We're very pro-hair products here at BEAUTYcrew. You'll never find us telling you to toss your beloved bottles of shampoo, serum or spray; they all serve powerful purposes in an effort to make our hair look as glossy, smooth and swishy as possible.

What we're not here for is using these products for evil instead of good. Sounds dramatic, sure, but according to Danielle Louise (leading hair stylist on the Fresha app, the top-rated booking platform for hair salons), many of our common product application habits are doing more harm than good, solely because of the way we're applying the formulas.

“People often blame their hair type or genetics for dryness and breakage, but in reality, it’s the way they’re using their products," Louise shared. “You can have the best shampoo in the world, but if you’re applying it wrong, you’re damaging your hair every wash day.”

You don't have to ditch them, you just might need to correct your method. Here's everything you need to know around using your trusty hair products to enhance your hair (instead of accidentally sabotaging it)...

Hair product mistakes you might be making

Mistake #1: Spraying dry shampoo like hairspray

Solution: Focus on the roots

"Most people coat the top of their hair, which builds up residue and leaves strands brittle," says Louise. "[Instead], focus on the roots, leave it to absorb for 30 seconds, and then massage through before brushing out."

Shopping for a dry shampoo (to use correctly)? We've rounded up a few of our favourites:

Ouai Cape Town Super Dry Shampoo ($54 at Sephora)

JVN Perfect The Essential Dry Shampoo ($51 at Sephora)

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat & Ceramideᴸᴵᴷᴱ ($10.69 at Chemist Warehouse)

Mistake #2: Applying conditioner to the scalp

Solution: Take solely from mid-lengths to ends

"The conditioner should never go near your roots; it clogs follicles and causes greasiness," Louise notes. "Apply from mid-length to ends only, then rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the cuticle."

Make sure you're using a quality conditioner, like these options:

John Frieda Volume Lift Weightless Conditioner ($20.99 at Priceline)

Typebea G3 Strength & Length Conditioner ($40 at Sephora)

Nuxe Hair Prodigieux Conditioner ($49 at Myer)

Mistake #3: Applying shampoo first

Solution: Emulsify the product before applying

"Without mixing with water first, shampoo can strip certain areas and dry out the scalp, [so you want to] emulsify the product in your palms before applying evenly across your scalp," Louise explains.

Here are the shampoo formulas we're fans of: 

TRESemmé Lamellar Shine Shampoo ($8.50 at Woolworths)

L'Oreal Elvive Hyaluron Pure Shampoo ($5.49 at Chemist Warehouse)

QV Nourishing Shampoo ($14.99 at Chemist Warehouse)

Mistake #4: Using heat protectant too late

Solution: Start with it before styling

"Spraying protectant after styling does nothing to prevent damage. Always use before any heat tools, even for blow-drying," Louise confirms.

If you need a new heat protectant (and we're fairly certain you do), these are some standouts:

got2b Guardian Angel Heat Spray ($9.99 at Chemist Warehouse)

Redken Extreme Playsafe Heat Protection Treatment ($38.99 at Chemist Warehouse)

Make Styling Heat Protect Spray ($29.95 at Hairhouse)

Mistake #5: Brushing wet hair incorrectly

Solution: Use a comb instead

"Brushing from the roots when hair is wet causes instant breakage," says Louise. "Use a wide-tooth comb and start from the ends, working up gently."

The quality of your comb is everything. Try these editor-approved options:

evo Fabuloso Detangling Comb ($14 at Adore Beauty)

MCoBeauty Wide Tooth Comb ($5.60 at Big W)

MP Cosmetics Wet & Dry Detangling Shower Comb ($4.99 at Priceline)

Mistake #6: Leaving hair masks on too long

Solution: Stick to the suggested time length

"Leaving a mask on for hours can overload hair with protein or moisture, leaving it limp or brittle," Louise shares. "Stick to the time on the label — usually between 5–10 minutes."

Here are a few of our most beloved hair masks:

Wella Professionals Invigo Balance Senso Calm Sensitive Mask ($40 at Oz Hair & Beauty)

Nouvelle Genius Repair Repairing Mask ($29.95 at Hairhouse)

ColorWow Money Masque ($80 at Sephora)

Mistake #7: Finishing with heat, not cool air

Solution: Seal with a cool shot

"Many people “set” styles using hot air, which seals in frizz," Louise clarifies. "Finish with a cool shot to lock in shine and smoothness."

Hunting for a hair tool that offers a cool shot? These ones are elite:

Remington AIRvive™ Digital Hair Dryer ($199.95 at Amazon Australia)

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System ($399.99 at Oz Hair & Beauty)

Mermade Hair Ionic Hair Dryer ($299 at Myer)

Main image credit: @melissa.hernandez

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