Are you guilty of jumping in the shower, wetting your hair, and then haphazardly applying a product before you lather up and rinse it out? Many think that washing our hair is basic knowledge we mastered during childhood. However, there’s a little more to it, especially if you want healthy, luscious locks. Here’s the correct way to wash your hair.
Washing your hair the right way starts before you even set foot in your shower by choosing the right products. It’s easy to get distracted by the fun fragrances and colors, but you should truly be finding the right shampoo for your hair type and goals. For example, dyed or highlighted hair needs a color-safe shampoo. In contrast, bleached hair can benefit from a clarifying shampoo that removes unwanted brassy tones. Thick, coarse, curly, fine, frizzy, oily…all these hair types have products designed to address hair concerns and get results! Think outside the box (or should we say shower), too, picking out post-wash treatments that will help you reach your hair goals when you’re done shampooing and conditioning.
It is as simple as wash, rinse, and repeat, though there are minor considerations along the way.
To start, get your hair really wet, not just damp. Depending on its length and thickness, you may need a minute or more to thoroughly soak your hair. Using lukewarm water (it helps prepare and open the cuticle), work your fingers through your hair until it is evenly wet.
Next, pick up your shampoo and squeeze enough to adequately saturate your hair. Short-haired individuals may only need a nickel-sized amount, while those with super long or thick hair could need up to a palm-sized dollop. Working from the top down, lather the shampoo into your scalp, then your crown, and slowly to the ends. The tips of your hair really don’t need any shampoo or cleansing, so don’t worry if you run out along the way. Return to your scalp and give yourself a nice massage for around three minutes. Don’t scratch with your nails or move in patterns that could tangle hair.
Rinse all of your shampoo out, taking at least a minute or two to completely wash away all the product. Leaving any shampoo in your hair can lead to buildup. Then it’s on to the conditioner. You only need enough to cover your hair mid-way to the tips this time. Avoiding the crown, gently work it into your locks before letting it sit, usually anywhere from 3 to 7 minutes. Feel free to use a wet brush or wide-tooth comb to release tangles during this time. Finally, rinse it again, really, really well.
Voilà, the hard part is over! Dry your hair with a microfiber towel (or even a t-shirt) by patting or squeezing to help cut down on frizz. Depending on your routine, you may want to apply a leave-in conditioner or heat protectant before styling. But remember, letting your hair air dry and go au naturel a couple days a week is recommended to boost hair health.