Halloween is just around the corner and people are already searching for outfits, hair and makeup inspiration.

In fact, there have been 33,000 Google searches in the past month for ‘Halloween hair’, a 230 percent rise in the last month alone.

But while altering your appearance can be fun, some changes can be harder to fix than others.

Here are some things to avoid this spooky season:

Dying hair bold colours

Unless you’re planning on visiting a professional, step away from the
semi-permanent shop-bought hair dyes.

While it might seem like a good idea to dye your hair bright red or orange, it can be extremely harmful to your hair.

Chemicals such as ammonia or peroxides found in dyes can cause strip the hair of moisture and leave it feeling dry and brittle as they penetrate the hair’s cuticle
and gain access to the cortex, to alter the hair’s pigment.

Plus, if you have high porosity hair (chemically processed or colour treated),
you could be waiting months before the colour fully comes out.

Instead, opt for a temporary wash-in, wash-out colours or even hair chalk if changing the colour of your hair is a must for your spooky look.

Seasonal hairsprays

You might think that hairspray is a safer option than box dyes but think again, as the coloured hairsprays on offer can be problematic if used on the wrong hair
types.

When used on chemically, colour-treated or dry hair types, the hairspray entering the hair follicle will break up the keratin in your hair, making it overly porous,
frizzy and brittle. And, similarly to hair dye, it could take a while to come out.

While other hair types may be able to handle extreme styling, it’s important to ensure your hair is
in peak condition by retaining shine and moisture with a good haircare routine and reducing product build-up before putting it under pressure, even for one night.

Altering the hair’s structure

Watch out for Halloween hairstyles that require you to change your natural hair too much from its original height,
volume or length.

For example, some hairstyles require you to backcomb your hair to achieve
crazy and dishevelled locks. However, backcombing goes against the direction of the hair’s cuticle and creates friction, which can chip away at the cuticle and promote dryness and breakage. Teasing it for volume also makes it more matted, which could be a
nightmare to get out and result in hair loss.

Meanwhile, keeping your hair in place throughout the night can be tricky, but don’t be tempted by hacks that tell you to use glue to keep it in check, as it can
cause irreparable damage to the scalp, block your scalp pores, damage your hair follicles and burn/dry out the hair.

And
if it’s a different length you’re after, don’t make the mistake of cutting your hair, as it can take a while to grow back.

Instead, opt for
clip-in extensions
for a stylish, temporary solution to longer hair or invest in a wig which will allow you to cover up your natural locks and step out in a completely new look.

Sleeping in your hairstyle

To avoid further damage to your hair,
avoid sleeping in your hairstyle.

Ensure to take your hair out of any tight-fitting styles, remove accessories, and wash your hair thoroughly before going to sleep to rid it of any harsh chemicals.