7 hair mistakes you’re making (& how to fix them)

Don’t rely on just one brush! “Different brushes are designed for different hairstyling techniques,” Doughty explains. A brush with fewer teeth and bigger air vents, such as Brushworx Rio, is meant for loose blow-drying, while a wide tooth comb is perfect for detangling wet hair.

“I never understand why so many women do the ‘soggy dog’ – that vigorous back and forward drying movement with their towel,” Doughty laments; a technique that causes frizz and breakage. “It’s better to just squeeze the water out.” Try it with Manicare Supa Dry Towel.

Regrowth touch-up products are lifesavers when masking greys. But Doughty cautions: “Too much on the roots will appear matte.” ModelCo Hair Mascara is easy to apply with a light touch.

When buying heat tools, Doughty advises buying adjustable ones. “The temperature you’d use to style fragile hair isn’t the same as thick hair.” AbsoluteHeat EPS 25mm Titanium Hair Straightener and Silver Bullet Satin Hair Dryer get our thumbs up!

“Hitting your hair with water and shampoo all the time is just going to strip away the oils,” Doughty explains. “You’re better off reactivating the hair with a dry shampoo.” We love TRESemmé Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo.

If you’ve gone to the trouble of styling your hair, you want it to hold, so hairspray is key. Doughty says: “It’s a matter of getting the right hold product to suit the hair’s texture.” Try a product you can layer, such as Toni&Guy Casual Flexible Hold Hairspray.

Different hair types and concerns need to be treated uniquely. “Ask a stylist to recommend a specific shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair’s needs,” Doughty says. For overworked hair, try John Frieda Full Repair Strengthen + Restore range, while the Keratin Complex Colour Care range prevents coloured hair from fading.

For more hair advice from New Idea, stop by newidea.com.au

Main image credit: Getty