We all know there’s something therapeutic about having a good shampoo and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the feeling of clean, shiny hair? But often we take for granted the routine that goes into making sure our hair is healthy and looks its best. Whether you wash your hair every day or once a week, we all want to avoid the damaging effects of aggressive cleaning habits. To give your locks the love they need, here’s a handy guide to the dos and don’ts of the right way to wash your hair.
1. Soaking Up the Secrets of Hair-Washing Success
Create an Ideal Environment
Creating the perfect environment for hair-washing success can be the key to achieving a great hair day every time. When you’re about to shampoo, make sure the room is comfortable and you’re very relaxed. Keep the temperature of the water at a pleasant, lukewarm level and if you’re in the bathtub, make sure the water is well draining. Finally, use your favorite shampoo and conditioner and you’re ready to go!
Shampoo the Scalp with Ease
When you’re ready to get into the shampoo business, start by squeezing the product gently into your scalp. Use your fingertips to massage the shampoo into your scalp, not your fingernails. Move your fingers from the middle of your hairline all the way to the back of your neck. Rinse out the product thoroughly and start the conditioning process.
Condition for Maximum Potential
Conditioning is key in achieving a great hair day. Use a generous amount of conditioner and equally distribute it throughout your strands. Leave it on for about two minutes before rinsing it out completely. To speed up the process, use a shower cap and let the conditioner soak in while you take care of the rest of your body in the shower.
Finishing Touches
To truly maximize hair-washing success, make sure you’re getting the most out of your products by using the right finishes. For a balanced rinse, add a bit of cider vinegar and a tablespoon of honey to the last rinse. This will sooth your hair and add a gorgeous healthy shine! After that, just add a bit of styling cream, depending on your desired look, and you’re done!
2. Tips to Ensure Thorough (and Not Too Frequent) Hair Washing
The frequency of hair wash determines the health and texture of your crowning glory. Too infrequent washes can breed sweat, dirt, skin oils, scalp oils, and dust that damage your hair cuticles, leaving them dry and brittle, while washing your hair too often can leave it looking dull and feeling greasy. Here are a few tips to ensure you maintain the right balance:
- Choose a mild shampoo: Hair that’s prone to grease or build-up should be washed with a mild shampoo to avoid over stripping it of its natural oils.
- Condition: Conditioner helps maintain the moisture of your hair and seal the cuticle so it looks shinier. Use a moisturizing conditioner that doesn’t weigh down the hair.
- Wash your hair less often: Use a dry shampoo or little baby powder to help keep the hair clean between washes. Also, avoid over styling your hair, especially with heat.
On the other hand, if you have dull and dry hair, it may need more frequent washes to bring life to your locks. Use a rich and creamy shampoo and conditioner specifically made for dry hair, as a moisturizing shampoo helps protect and replenish the cuticles.
You also need to factor in your lifestyle, location, and activities. If you live in a humid environment or do physical activities as your daily routine, you may need to wash your hair more often—in that case, you need to use something like a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to restore moisture.
3. Master the Art of Conditioning for Soft and Shiny Strands
We all want beautiful, soft and shiny hair. But the road towards hair that looks healthy, feels nourished and behaves obediently is laden with potholes — so it is essential to know the right techniques when it comes to conditioning. Here’s all you need to know about conditioners and conditioning your strands:
- Choosing the right conditioner — Not all conditioners are made equal, so it is crucial to choose the one that is tailored to your hair type. For those with dry and thick hair, a heavier and creamier conditioner formula works best; while those with thin, fine hair should use a lightweight one.
- Modify the application — Depending on how damaged your hair is, make necessary modifications to the application of the conditioner. If your hair is severely dehydrated, apply the conditioner after shampooing and leave it on until the next shampoo session
- Using pre-shampoo conditioners — Pre-shampoo conditioners can be used to infuse hair with intense hydration and to increase softness and manageability. To make the most out of it, leave it on for twenty minutes before shampooing for extra nourishment.
- Tailoring extra conditioning — For very dry or damaged hair, it’s important to add extra conditioning in the form of deep-conditioning masks, hair oil treatments or hot oil treatments to replace lost moisture and strengthen hair.
By investing time in mastering the art of conditioning can help restore and revive hair — leaving you with soft, shiny and healthy strands!
4. Pitfalls to Avoid for Healthy Tresses All Around
Healthy tresses are the key to that fabulous head full of hair. But without proper care, it won’t take long before your efforts start to go down the drain. Here are four :
- Bitter Pill: Some shampoos can be a bit too harsh on your hair. Look for ones that are less so, and check for sulfates. They may make the lather nice and bubbly but they will also strip your hair of its natural oils.
- High Temperature: Heat styling can be really damaging to your hair. The high temperature does make your hair look great immediately after but it does wear out the hair in the long run.
- Over Brushing: Brushing your hair is a great habit – it makes sure your scalp remains clean. But over-brushing can lead to hair breakage and split ends. Don’t brush any more than necessary.
- Small Sacrifices: A healthy diet and regular exercise will help keep your appetite-coated hair happy. Try to give up on the bad eating habits and get moving. This will give you results in the long run.
With these tips in mind, you can easily keep the locks of your dreams. Be sure to stay familiar with some habits that will help you get the best out of your hair – the most important of all being proper care and regular hydration.
From how to properly lather up to unique tips for substituting shampoo, now you have the resources for healthier, cleaner strands. With the right approach to washing your hair, your gorgeous mane will shine even brighter.
