Why Your Hair Hates You: 7 Everyday Habits That Wreck Textured Hair
Textured hair is beautiful, versatile, and expressive—but it’s also delicate. Whether you rock coils, curls, kinks, or waves, your hair has unique needs that require thoughtful care. Unfortunately, many of us unknowingly sabotage our strands with everyday habits that lead to hair damage, dryness, and breakage.
If your hair feels brittle, won’t retain moisture, or seems to be stuck at the same length, it might be trying to tell you something. In this guide, we’ll break down seven common habits that wreck textured hair—and how to fix them using smart techniques and high-quality textured hair care products from Annie.
1. Skipping Protective Styling
The Problem:
Leaving textured hair exposed to wind, sun, friction, and manipulation leads to split ends, tangles, and breakage.
The Fix:
Use low-manipulation styles like braids, twists, buns, or wraps to shield hair ends and retain moisture.
Product Pick:
Try the Ms. Remi Silky Braid & Dreadlocks Closed Cap for overnight protection or the Ms. Remi Satin Pillow Cover to reduce friction on hair at rest. [annieinc.com], [annieinc.com]
2. Using Harsh Tools and Accessories
The Problem:
Metal clips, rough elastics, and generic brushes snag and tear textured strands, thinning edges and causing breakage.
The Fix:
Use seamless combs, flexible-bristle brushes, and snag-free accessories made for textured hair.
Product Picks:
- Annie Ergo Detangling Brush 9-Row is ergonomically designed with flexible bristles that glide through curls gently. [annieinc.com]
- Annie Vented Detangler Brush Medium 8-Row aids quick detangling with vented airflow. [annieinc.com]
- Annie Pearl Shine Wide Tooth Comb reduces stress on strands. [annieinc.com]
3. Overwashing or Underwashing
The Problem:
Washing too often strips essential oils, while too little causes buildup, weakening follicles and increasing hair damage.
The Fix:
Wash weekly or biweekly using sulfate-free products. Clarify monthly to reset your scalp.
Pro Tip:
Refresh between wash days using a spray bottle to hydrate strands.
Product Pick:
The Ozen Continuous Spray Bottle 11 oz delivers even mist with low effort. [annieinc.com]
4. Neglecting Nighttime Care
The Problem:
Sleeping on cotton pillowcases leads to friction, moisture loss, and hair breakage prevention becomes harder.
The Fix:
Switch to satin or silk bonnets, wraps, or pillowcases to protect your strands while you sleep.
Product Pick:
The Ms. Remi Silky Top Knot Pre-Tied Turban is comfortable, stylish, and gentle on hair. [annieinc.com]
5. Heat Styling Without Protection
The Problem:
High heat from flat irons or dryers damages textured hair’s protein structure and protective layers, leading to breakage.
The Fix:
Use adjustable heat tools and always apply a good heat protectant. Keep max temperature below 375°F for curls and coils.
Product Pick:
The Hot & Hotter Gold Ceramic Electric Flat Iron 1 in heats to 400°F but uses ionic ceramic technology to reduce frizz. For detailing work, the Hot & Hotter Pencil Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron 3/10 in is perfect for edges. [annieinc.com] [annieinc.com]
6. Ignoring Moisture Balance
The Problem:
Textured hair is naturally dry—neglect hydration and it becomes brittle, prone to hair damage.
The Fix:
Use the LOC or LCO method: Liquid (water or leave-in), Oil, Cream to lock moisture in.
Product Pick:
The Annie Ozen Series Applicator Bottle 4 oz helps evenly distribute leave-ins and oils. [annieinc.com]
7. Rough Detangling
The Problem:
Yanking through knots with the wrong tool increases hair breakage and causes scalp pain.
The Fix:
Detangle in small sections, starting at the ends. Use a wide-tooth comb or gentle detangling brush—never rush.
Product Picks:
- The Annie Wet & Dry Detangling Hair Brush performs well both in and out of the shower citeturn4search18.
- Annie Effortless Detangler Pocket Comb (Orange) offers a no-damage option for styling on the go. [annieinc.com]
Bonus Tips for Breakage Prevention
- ✂️ Trim regularly — every 8–12 weeks to remove split ends.
- 💆🏼♀️ Deep condition weekly — helps with elasticity and manageability.
- 🎀 Protect your ends — tuck them into buns or wraps when sleeping.
- 🚫 Avoid tight styles — tension contributes to traction alopecia.
- 💧 Stay hydrated — moisture-rich diet = healthier hair.
Your Hair Deserves Better—And So Do You
Textured hair is a crown, but it’s also a responsibility. By breaking these bad habits and embracing intentional care, you’ll see stronger, longer, and healthier hair over time. Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’re a seasoned naturalista, Annie has the tools, accessories, and products to support your textured hair care routine.
Explore the full range of Annie products designed for textured hair care, hair damage prevention, and breakage control. From styling tools to protective accessories, we’ve got everything you need to love your hair back to life.