Dandruff and Hair Washing

The best way to improperly rinse out shampoo is to give your hair a quick, half-hearted rinse, running your hands over your head just a few times. Because mornings are busy, and it’ll have to do.
Except—it won’t.

By not rinsing out shampoo properly, we end up causing exactly what we’re trying to avoid in the first place. Leftover shampoo dries on the scalp and begins to flake off (and ironically, dried shampoo “flakes” are often larger than actual dandruff). Additionally, an itchy scalp will have you scratching, which only helps to release and highlight these flakes even more. On top of that, your hair may appear greasy—especially if you’ve used a nourishing shampoo or haven’t properly rinsed out the conditioner.

How Should You Properly Rinse Out Shampoo?

First and foremost, ensure that water reaches every part of your head. When washing in a sink, pay special attention to the neck and nape area (these areas are often neglected, even in the shower).
Start by rinsing shampoo from the lengths of your hair, gently massaging them between your fingers. Only after that should you focus on your scalp. (If you do it the other way around, shampoo residue from your lengths could wash back onto your freshly rinsed scalp, undoing your work.)

Once the shampoo is out of the hair itself—recognizable by the slightly squeaky texture when running your fingers through it—use circular motions with your fingertips to thoroughly cleanse your scalp. The key here is to take your time, be thorough, and make sure you don’t miss any spots.

The most commonly forgotten areas include the nape, behind the ears, the ears themselves (where shampoo can visibly dry), the temples, and, surprisingly, the area above the forehead and along the hairline.

If, even after reading this, you feel unmotivated to properly rinse your shampoo, here’s some encouragement: even a gentle scalp massage helps improve circulation, which in turn promotes hair growth.

Final Rinse with Cold Water

We recommend finishing your wash with a cold water rinse. Just as warm water and hot air open the hair cuticle (like a pine cone opening up), cold water and cool air help seal it shut. This makes hair smoother, shinier, and more resistant to external damage.
(So please, don’t blow-dry with hot air afterward—it would just reopen the cuticles!)

If cold water sounds unbearable, here’s a trick:
– If you have medium-length hair, skip rinsing your scalp and only run cold water over the mid-lengths and ends (which need this care the most).
– If you have short hair, instead of letting cold water flow directly from the tap onto your scalp, scoop it into your hands first and gently apply it to your head. This will make the chill feel less intense.