Keeping your hair and scalp clean is key to having gorgeous tresses, and the best way to achieve this is by washing your hair regularly. However, you should know that there are proper hair-washing steps and tips that you should follow.
Washing your hair is more than just wetting it, lathering it up with shampoo, rinsing, and applying conditioner. If you want to reach your hair’s full potential, you should learn how to wash your hair properly.
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Choose the Right Products
The first step on how to properly shampoo your hair is to look for the right products for your hair type. If you don’t take the time to complete this step, you might end up damaging your hair instead of helping it.
For fine hair, you should look for a lightweight shampoo and conditioner that will be gentle enough on your strands. This will help you prevent breakage and thinning.
If you have thick or coarse hair, you should opt for a moisturizing shampoo that has anti-dandruff properties. Since your hair is thicker, you’re more prone to build-up and dandruff, so you will need a shampoo that can help reduce these issues.
Lastly, if you have color-treated or bleached hair, you need professional products that will maintain the appearance of your hair. You should consult with your stylist before purchasing any hair care products.
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Avoid Washing Your Hair Every Day
Although washing your hair regularly can help keep it healthy and clean, that doesn’t mean you should do it every day. Washing your hair too often can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leading to dry and brittle strands.
You should aim to wash your hair every other day or every three days. This will give your scalp enough time to restore its natural oils and keep your hair healthy and shiny.
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Consider the Water You’re Using
Aside from choosing the right products for your hair type, part of the shampooing and conditioning procedure is considering the type of water you’re using to wash your hair. If you’re a fan of hot baths, it might be quite disappointing for you to know that it’s best to wash your hair with lukewarm water. This is because hot water can cause your hair to become brittle over time.
Doing a “cold water shot” right before you exit the shower is also beneficial for your hair. Rinsing off with one cool round of water after washing your hair will help seal your hair cuticle, leaving you with lush and shiny hair until your next wash day.
Additionally, investing in a water filter is another way how to wash your hair properly. This will eliminate chlorine and other synthetic chemicals in your water that can damage your tresses.
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Wet Your Hair Thoroughly
When you’re ready to start washing your hair, the first step is to wet it thoroughly. This will help you evenly distribute the shampoo throughout your head, for an even and thorough cleanse.
To make sure that your entire head is wet before applying shampoo, it’s best to let water flow over your head for at least one minute. If you have thick or dense hair, you might need more time to fully saturate your head.
Completing this step can help you make sure that your hair cuticles open up. This allows your tresses to absorb nutrients from your shampoo and react better to your conditioner.
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Focus on Your Scalp
Now that your hair is fully wet, it’s time to apply your shampoo. When shampooing, you should focus on your scalp since this is where most of your dirt and oils accumulate.
To achieve how to properly shampoo your hair, massage your shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips and work it down to the ends of your hair. You should be gentle when massaging, as too much pressure can damage your scalp. You should also avoid using your fingernails, as this can cause irritation and breakage.
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Rinse Thoroughly
The next proper hair-washing step you should do is rinse your shampoo out of your hair. This can be done by running a generous amount of lukewarm water over your head until it’s almost clear. To make sure that you don’t miss any shampoo residue, you should rinse your hair for one to two minutes.
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Use Conditioner
The next step to shampooing is the conditioning procedure. This step allows you to add extra moisture to your tresses and keep your hair from feeling dry and brittle.
When applying your conditioner, it’s best to focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, as this is where the most damage occurs. You should also avoid your scalp because conditioner can make it greasy.
Then, leave the conditioner on your hair for two to three minutes to let it do its magic. While doing this, you can use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair while in the shower.
You should then spend another two to three minutes rinsing the conditioner out of your hair with lukewarm water.
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Dry Your Hair Gently
Once you’re done with the conditioning step, the next step on how to wash your hair properly is to dry your hair. It’s best to avoid using a blow dryer and opt for a towel or cotton T-shirt to gently pat your hair dry.
Using the wrong drying technique can lead to split ends, frizz, and breakage. So be sure to pat your hair instead of rubbing it harshly or using a towel with too many fibers.
Care for Your Gorgeous Hair
Knowing how to wash your hair properly can make a world of difference in the health and appearance of your tresses. With this comprehensive guide, you can now take the necessary steps to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy, silky, shiny, and strong. So go ahead and give your locks some much-needed TLC today!