10 Common Hair Mistakes That Cause Damage (and How to Fix Them This Winter)

Chicago winters are beautiful, but between the cold wind, indoor heat, and extra styling for holiday events, your hair can take a beating. At Vous Salon & Spa, we see it every year: dryness, breakage, frizz, and lackluster color that often comes from a mix of seasonal stress and everyday hair habits.

Here are 10 common mistakes that damage hair—and most importantly, how to fix them from some of our favorite brands: Bumble and bumble, Kérastase, and Moroccanoil.

1. Skipping Heat Protection

The mistake: Blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can reach 400°F+—without protection, that’s a recipe for split ends.The fix: Always use a thermal shield. We love Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer, a lightweight mist that protects up to 450°F and adds softness.

2. Over-Washing Your Hair

The mistake: Daily shampooing strips natural oils, especially in dry Chicago winters.The fix: Wash 2–3 times per week and refresh with Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-Powder Dry Shampoo on off days. For hydration, rotate in Kérastase Bain Satin Shampoo—gentle, nourishing, and always a winter favorite.

3. Using Hot Water in the Shower

The mistake: Steamy showers feel great in winter but dehydrate your scalp and roughen cuticles.The fix: Rinse with lukewarm water and finish with a cool splash. Then follow up with Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner to restore moisture. (Psst. We have some reeaaally good Moroccanoil Gift-with-purchases going on)

4. Skipping Deep Conditioning

The mistake: Chicago’s dry heat indoors pulls moisture out of your strands. Without regular deep treatment, hair becomes brittle.The fix: Apply a weekly mask like Kérastase Masquintense Thick Hair Mask or Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask for a boost of softness and shine.

5. Brushing Wet Hair with the Wrong Tool

The mistake: Wet hair is fragile and prone to breakage when brushed aggressively.The fix: Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush, starting from the ends up. Pair with Bumble and bumble Bond-Building Repair Styling Cream to strengthen strands as you detangle.

6. Ignoring UV Protection (Even in Winter)

The mistake: UV rays reflect off snow and windows, dulling color and weakening hair fiber.The fix: Apply Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil UV Protective Primer before heading out. Lightweight and protective all season long.

7. Over-Styling with Tight Ponytails or Buns

The mistake: Constant tension causes breakage and even hairline thinning.The fix: Rotate hairstyles, use silk scrunchies, and strengthen strands with Kérastase Genesis Serum Fortifiant to reduce fall-out from breakage.

8. Skipping Regular Trims

The mistake: Waiting too long between cuts lets split ends travel up the hair shaft.The fix: Book trims every 6–8 weeks. Even in winter when you’re growing length, removing split ends keeps your hair healthier overall.

9. Neglecting Scalp Care

The mistake: A dry, itchy scalp in winter leads to flakes and weak roots.The fix: Treat your scalp like skin! Try Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment to rebalance and soothe. Healthy hair starts at the root.

10. Using the Wrong Products for Your Hair Type

The mistake: Grabbing whatever’s on sale at the drugstore often means sulfates, silicones, or heavy waxes that weigh down your hair.The fix: Professional formulas are tailored to your needs. For fine hair, Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoobuilds body. For thick/coarse hair, Moroccanoil Treatment Original smooths and tames frizz. For heat-styling lovers, Bumble and bumble Bond-Building Repair Shampoo & Conditioner repair and protect.

💆‍♀️ We’re Here to the Rescue!

This Fall, we’re making it even easier fix any of these 10 common hair mistakes with a special promotion on all in-salon hair treatments.

✨ Normally up to $40 — now just $25 each!

Choose from our most-loved restorative treatments:

• Kérastase Fusio-Dose – a custom blend to instantly target your hair’s exact needs (shine, strength, hydration, or density)

• L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular – rebuilds the hair’s inner structure for deep repair

• Metal Detox – removes harsh mineral buildup from water and lightening services, leaving hair soft and healthy

• Kérastase Première Treatment – perfect for reversing calcium buildup and strengthening fragile or damaged strands

💫 Bonus: You can purchase these treatments in packages so your hair stays nourished and healthy all through the winter months.

Don’t let the cold air and indoor heating sabotage your hair. By avoiding these 10 common hair mistakes you’ll protect your strands and keep them looking vibrant all season.

✨ Ready for a winter hair rescue? Add your favorite hair treatment to your next cut or color service and ket the healing begin. Your healthiest hair starts here.