How to Properly Wash Your Hair?

Proper Hair Care Starts with the Basics – Washing Your Hair

Although it may sound simple, using the wrong technique or products can lead to damaged hair, dry scalp, or faster greasiness. In this article, I’ll guide you step-by-step, from choosing the right shampoo to properly washing your hair.

1. Choosing the Right Shampoo

Not all shampoos are the same, and it’s important to choose one that suits your hair type and scalp needs.

• For Oily Hair: Opt for a shampoo with cleansing properties to regulate oil production. Look for shampoos with tea tree, citrus, or mint extracts.
• For Dry and Damaged Hair: Choose moisturizing and nourishing shampoos containing oils (e.g., argan or coconut), glycerin, or keratin to restore your hair.
• For Fine and Flat Hair: Use shampoos that don’t weigh your hair down and add volume. Light formulas with protein or collagen can help boost volume and strengthen hair.
• For Colored Hair: Look for a shampoo that protects your color while hydrating your hair. Products with UV protection and sulfate-free formulas are ideal.
• For Sensitive Scalps: Choose gentle shampoos without fragrance, sulfates, or silicones to avoid irritation.

2. Preparing Your Hair Before Washing

Before wetting your hair, it’s important to brush it thoroughly. This helps reduce tangles during washing and minimizes mechanical damage to the hair.

1. Brushing: Detangle dry hair with a gentle brush or wide-tooth comb. This helps remove leftover styling products and loosen any knots.

3. Wet Your Hair

Before applying shampoo, wet your hair thoroughly. The water should be warm but not hot—warm water helps open hair cuticles, allowing shampoo to penetrate better, while overly hot water can dry out your hair.

• Tip: If you have long or thick hair, gently squeeze your hair with your fingers to ensure water reaches the roots.

4. Applying Shampoo

The amount of shampoo depends on the length and thickness of your hair, but generally, less is more.

1. Quantity: Usually, an amount the size of a coin is enough (use more for longer hair).
2. Application: Rub the shampoo between your palms, then apply it to your scalp. Focus mainly on the roots, where most oil and dirt accumulate.
3. Massaging: Gently massage your scalp with your fingers (never with your nails) to stimulate circulation and remove impurities. Ideally, the massage should last 2–3 minutes.

• Tip: Avoid aggressive scrubbing, as this can damage your hair structure and cause breakage.

5. Rinsing the Shampoo

Rinse your hair thoroughly to remove all shampoo residue, which could weigh down your hair or irritate your scalp.

1. Water Temperature: Use warm water until all the shampoo is removed.
2. Check Thoroughly: Ensure you’ve rinsed areas like the nape of your neck or temples completely.

6. Using Conditioner

Conditioner is an essential step to soften and seal the hair cuticle, leaving it smooth and shiny.

1. Application: Apply conditioner mainly to the lengths and ends of your hair. Avoid the roots to prevent weighing down or making your hair greasy.
2. Let it Work: Leave the conditioner on for at least 2–3 minutes to nourish and hydrate your hair.
3. Rinsing: Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water to seal the cuticle and enhance shine.

7. Final Rinse

For extra shine and reduced frizz, do a final rinse with cold water. This helps close the hair cuticles, leaving your hair smoother.

8. Drying Your Hair

Proper drying is key to minimizing damage.

1. Towel: After washing, wrap your hair gently in a towel without rubbing. Simply press the towel lightly to absorb excess water.
2. Comb: While your hair is still damp, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle. Hair is more fragile when wet, so be gentle.
3. Blow-Drying: If you must blow-dry, set the dryer to a medium temperature and use a diffuser or dry from a distance. Always use heat protection products!

Bonus Tips:

• Washing Frequency: Wash your hair based on its needs. Oily hair can be washed more frequently (2–3 times a week), while dry and curly hair requires less washing (1–2 times a week).
• Dry Shampoo: If you have oily hair and need a quick refresh, dry shampoo is a great alternative between washes.

Conclusion

Proper hair washing is the foundation of healthy and beautiful hair. By choosing the right shampoo, applying it with the proper technique, and giving your hair the care it needs during drying, your hair will reward you with a healthy, shiny, and strong appearance.