Washing your hair seems like an easy task, yet many do it wrong. Rest assured as we’re here to help you fix that. Keep reading this to learn how to wash your hair properly and what are the most common mistakes you’re probably making when cleansing that can stop you from having shiny, healthy, and voluminous hair. Take a peep:
How to wash your hair properly
#1 Start by rinsing with hot water
Hot water will open the cuticles, which is good for removing any dirt or product accumulated in the hair. Also, if you rinse your hair with hot water before shampooing it, the oils on the scalp will loosen, and the cuticle will open, allowing better absorption of the shampoo and conditioner.
#2 Lather up the scalp
The shampoo only needs to be applied to the scalp. The hair closest to the scalp is the greasiest, while the ends are usually drier and more fragile. Do not use more shampoo than you need — a pea-size amount is enough. If your hair is particularly long or thick, double the quantity.
#3 Be gentle
Friction can damage hair, causing frizz and breakage. Hence, always wash your hair gently. Start at the root and massage the scalp to stimulate blood flow in that area. Then, go to the tips gently, avoid rubbing them or any action that could damage them. The same rule applies when you towel-dry your hair; don’t rub the towel on your hair. Just do a towel-turban and let it there for 10 minutes to absorb the excess water.
#4 Do not rinse and repeat
Another thing: there is no need to wash your hair with shampoo twice. A single application is enough. Rarely you can make an exception if your hair is filthy and you haven’t managed to get it clean after the first wash.
#5 Add mid-point conditioner to the ends
After rinsing the shampoo, squeeze a little water from the hair before applying the conditioner. Once you applied the conditioner, keep your hair out of the water with a cap or clip while washing the rest of your body, letting the conditioner soak into the hair. The longer the conditioner remains, the better it will be absorbed by the hair. Also, avoid applying conditioner to the roots, limiting it to the ends. Because of its hydrating properties, it may make your hair greasy.
#6 Finish by rinsing with cold water
Finally, rinse with cold water. It closes the cuticles and seals the outer layer, making the light reflect better and the hair shinier. You don’t have to wash your hair entirely in cold water but leave it for the wash’s final part.
Common mistakes you make when washing your hair
Keep track of these mistakes when washing your hair, so you can avoid them and have that radiant hair you’ve always wanted.
#1 Wash daily
Well, here’s some advice I’ve been giving for a while now: Don’t wash your hair every day. Why? Because excessive washing dries out and weakens the hair, leading to frizzy hair, less shiny and more prone to breakage. Need to repeat? No-no to daily hair wash. If there is one thing all the experts agree on, it’s that you should not wash your hair daily. There are two important things to consider when it comes to how often you should cleanse the hair:
- The type of skin you have — washing your hair once or twice a week is enough if your scalp is normal or dry. On the other hand, if your scalp is greasy, you should wash it more often, 3-4 times per week would do.
- Hair texture — If your hair is rough or curly, sebum will spread less easily, meaning you have to wash it more often.
#2 Skip the conditioner
Although the use of conditioner has been sometimes discouraged because it can cause dandruff, the truth is that this can only happen if you don’t rinse your hair properly or you apply it on the scalp. But using a conditioner will give your hair softness and shine, so don’t listen to them.
#3 Always use the same shampoo
Sometimes it’s necessary to change and break the routine. It’s said that hair gets used to the same product if used for too long, making it less effective. If your shampoo seems not to give the same results as before, maybe it’s time to swap it for another. Thank us later!
#4 Wash the ends of our hair very strongly
Let’s say no to brute force and yes to technique! If you focus only on the ends when washing your hair, they’ll weaken and open up more quickly. Therefore it’s easier to clean the scalp first and then go to the ends to cleanse them gently, but above all, condition them.
