The question arises how to wash hair without damaging it? it’s easy to forget that this ritual can impact our hair’s health. Many people still stick to the ABCs of hair care, but neglecting the right frequency and temperature of water can lead to damaging results like hair loss and an itchy scalp.
From my experience, starting with a good shampoo is key, and it’s best to avoid common mistakes like using too much product or scrubbing too hard. Recently, I polled a few professional hairstylists and found that many recommend co-washing to help maintain moisture without heavy suds. Remember, everyday washing should focus on the roots, while the ends should be treated gently to avoid unnecessary tangling.
By learning to balance these small details, we can improve our hair care routine and keep our locks healthy and vibrant. Here are common hair washing mistakes!
1. You shampoo too often, or not enough.
One of the most common mistakes people make is that they either shampoo too often or not enough. This can lead to itchy and irritated scalp conditions. Experts suggest that the right frequency of washing depends on factors like hair texture and lifestyle. For example, if you have fine or oily hair, you might need to wash it every day.
However, people with a normal or curly head of hair can often stretch their washing routine to one or two times a week at most. Paul Wintner, a professional hairstylist from Alterna Haircare, emphasizes that washing too often can strip your hair of natural oils, causing it to produce even more oil to compensate. To avoid these issues, it’s best to find a routine that works for you and stick to it.
2. Overdo on dry shampoo.
One mistake many people make is overdoing dry shampoo, which can be a godsend for greasy, second-day hair. However, if you keep using it too often, you might end up with buildup that leaves your strands looking limp and your hair follicles clogged. Wintner recommends using dry shampoo only one or two times between washes to avoid this issue.
Instead, to extend the time between your washing days, consider trying something like Alterna Meltaway No Rinse Micellar Cleanser. This no-rinse cleanser uses micellar technology to effectively trap oil and sweat, allowing you to easily brush it away and keep your hair feeling fresh without the weight of excess product.
3. You’re not completely wetting your hair first.
One easy mistake many people make is not completely wetting their hair before applying shampoo. If you’re an impatient shower taker, like a chronic alarm snoozer, you might rush this step. However, to achieve a deep clean, every strand of hair needs to be soaking wet.
When your hair isn’t fully wet, it becomes difficult to spread the product evenly, which can lead to overuse of shampoo. Wintner emphasizes that taking the time to wet your hair properly allows the shampoo to emulsify and work effectively. So, slow down and make sure your hair is thoroughly soaked before you start washing!
4. You massage too hard.
One common mistake people make while washing their hair is massaging too hard. While a vigorous scrub feels nice at the salon, doing this every day at home can lead to problems like breakage and scratches on the scalp, which might cause scarring.
Wintner suggests that the best practice is to use the pads of your fingertips instead of your fingernails. Gently use circular motions with slight pressure to effectively cleanse your scalp and hair without causing damage. This way, you can enjoy a good wash without worrying about harming your hair.
5. You’re shampooing the ends.
Shampooing the ends of your hair instead of focusing on the roots is also a mistake. When you wash your hair, it’s important to intentionally lather and massage the roots first. This helps avoid unwanted tangling and knots while also cleansing any clogged hair follicles that could lead to hair loss if you’re not careful.
After you wash the roots, let the water naturally drive the soap down to the mid-length and ends as you rinse. This way, your hair gets the cleaning it needs without unnecessary damage.
6. You’re not shampooing long enough.
If you don’t shampoo long enough, it will hurt. When you’re in the shower, it can be tempting to wash your hair quickly, but spending just a few extra minutes can make a big difference. Massaging your scalp for two to three minutes not only ensures that the shampoo cleans well but also generates blood flow, which helps keep your scalp healthy.
Professional hairstylist Gina Rivera emphasizes that taking your time to scrub gently is important, so avoid the fast and furious approach. Instead, use circular motions to make sure your hair gets the care it needs.
7. You use the same shampoo year-round.
Big mistake is using the same shampoo all year long, which doesn’t consider how your hair needs can shift with the changing seasons. For example, during the humid summer months, a smoothing shampoo might work well, but when winter comes, your hair might benefit from a volumizing option to handle the drier air.
To reduce buildup, Paul Wintner, a professional hairstylist, recommends switching between a clarifying shampoo and a moisturizing one. You can try Aveeno’s Apple Cider Vinegar Blend as a great drugstore option or Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance for color-treated hair. Adjusting your shampoo based on your hair’s needs will keep it looking rejuvenated and happy.
How to Wash Hair Properly
Now that we know what not to do, follow this stylist-approved, step-by-step tutorial for washing and conditioning your hair.
Soak hair with warm water before shampooing.
Before you start washing your hair, remember that soaking it with warm water is a vital first step. This helps in loosening any oil, dirt, and product buildup on your scalp.
Lorean Cairns, co-founder and creative director of Fox & Jane, notes that most shampoos are similar to a concentrate, so using warm water allows you to dilute the shampoo, making it easier to spread evenly across your scalp. By doing this, you also help to open up the cuticle, which is essential for achieving a rich lather when you apply your shampoo.
Start shampooing at the roots.
To wash your hair properly, it’s important to start shampooing at the roots. Wintner suggests using a dime-sized to quarter-sized dollop of shampoo, depending on your hair’s length and density. Since oil is produced at the scalp, begin lathering at your hairline and gently massage the shampoo down toward the ends.
This method ensures that you effectively cleanse the oily areas while preventing excess product from weighing down your hair, keeping it fresh and clean.
Scrub your scalp—not your hair.
It’s important to scrub your scalp, not your strands. While a vigorous scrub feels great, using too much force can be rough on the cuticle and damage your hair. Instead, gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips.
This method promotes better scalp health and helps to loosen dirt and oil without harming your delicate stands. Remember, a soft touch is key; avoid the urge to scrunch your hair, as this can lead to unnecessary breakage.
Rinse and repeat if necessary.
After you apply shampoo for the first time, it’s important to rinse well. If your hair still feels greasy or has a product-laden feel, it’s a good idea to repeat the application. Many people have started using this method for cleaner results.
The last thing you want is to walk out with dirty hair! A robust lather on the second wash is often an effective indicator that your hair is getting the clean it needs. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to shampoo twice if necessary.
Rinse shampoo thoroughly.
To wash your hair properly, it’s essential to rinse your shampoo thoroughly. After lathering up, spend at least three minutes ensuring all the residue is gone. Pay attention to the back of your head and the nape of your neck, as these areas often collect leftover product.
Wringing out your hair while rinsing can help with this process. If you’re applying conditioner afterward, make sure the shampoo is completely diluted for the best results. Cairns advises that focusing on a proper rinse does half the job for healthy hair.
Apply conditioner on bottom half of hair.
Apply conditioner mainly to the bottom half of your hair. This is a best practice because the ends often need more moisture than the roots. Depending on your hair type and texture, use your fingers or a comb to evenly distribute the product.
This helps remove any tangles while keeping the length of your hair healthy. Remember, applying conditioner strictly to the ends ensures that you don’t weigh down your roots and allows for a smoother finish.
Rinse conditioner with cold water.
Rinse conditioner with cold water during your final rinse. While warm water feels comfortable, experts recommend dialing down the temperature to help seal in the nutrients. This technique keeps the hair smooth and enhances its sheen, making it look shiny and healthy.
The cool water also helps the cuticle of the hair stand flat, which is a great thank for your hair after a wash. If you want to step up your hair care game, this simple change can make a noticeable difference in your post-shower look.
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