Whether you wash your hair everyday or every alternate day, going about it the right way will help you keep it not just clean, but also give it greater sheen, volume and bounce. Despite the fact that washing your hair is just another part of the routine, most of us know little about hair care. Read on for a step-by-step description of the right way to wash your hair.
Don't wash too often
Studies show that most people shampoo their hair 3 to 4 times a week. But hair experts say that this is more than necessary. Unless your hair scalp is oily, you should limit washing your hair to every other day. Those with dry or damaged hair should exercise greater caution when washing their hair. If you do face the problem of oily scalp and hair, then you can wash daily.
Pick the right products
There is a barrage of shampoos and conditioners available in drugstores today. Instead of buying the latest products or the most popular ones, choose those that are especially suitable for your hair type. Using the right shampoo and conditioner will give you better results and will reduce the risk of hair problems.
Use the right amount of shampoo
Using too much shampoo can dry out your hair and leave it frizzy and dull. It is usually recommended that you use about a quarter-sized dollop of shampoo. Use less if you have shorter hair. Before applying shampoo, wet your hair properly and then work the product into your hair. Remember, that your hair should be saturated with water before using shampoo otherwise it may not lather well.
It's not always necessary to 'repeat'
Most shampoo bottles tell you to repeat the shampooing process after rinsing. However this is not always necessary. If you wash your hair daily, then skip this step. Less frequent hair-washers can double wash to get rid of dirt and oil buildup on the scalp. You can also shampoo twice if you have oiled your hair.
Massage
The reason why you feel so good after a hair wash at the salon is the massage your scalp gets. There is no reason why you shouldn't do this at home as well. Instead of rubbing the shampoo across your scalp or digging into your scalp with your fingernails, focus on using your fingertips to massage the scalp. Avoid putting your hair into a pile at the top of your head. Instead, run your hands down over the hair. You can even simply let the shampoo travel down the hair shaft. This will cleanse the hair without stripping away the natural oils.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse your hair well to remove the shampoo. Use lukewarm water and squeeze out any excess water after rinsing. This is probably one of the most important steps, and one of the most often ignored. Most shampoos contain harsh ingredients and the residue left behind can cause considerable damage to your hair.
Condition only the ends
You need to only condition the ends of your hair. Avoid putting any conditioner onto your scalp as it may cause buildup. Take the required amount of conditioner, rub it between your palms and massage the hair shaft. Most conditioner bottles carry the instructions to leave the product on for about 3 minutes. You can leave it on for a few minutes more if you have dry hair.
Rinse again
After conditioning your hair, rinse again with lukewarm water and then finish with a final rinse of cool or cold water. This will help to seal the cuticles and give your hair more shine. Blot dry with a towelSqueeze excess water from your shampooed and conditioned hair and then blot dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing your hair as it can cause breakage. You can wrap the towel around your head to absorb the rest of the water.
Detangle
Once your hair has been towel dried, you can detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Comb through the hair gently and avoid pulling. Those with curly hair often prefer to detangle their hair at the conditioning stage since curly hair is difficult to comb when dry. If your hair is curly, then avoid touching it when it is drying in order to prevent frizz.
There are many who like to blow dry the hair after a wash. Although blow drying is quick and convenient, it does lead to hair damage. It is therefore best to avoid using a hair dryer unless absolutely necessary. If you do decide to blow dry your hair, then make sure that you blot excess water with a towel before beginning. Always keep the dryer at a safe distance from your head. Avoid drying your hair completely and stop when there is still some dampness. You can make use of styling products such as serums, leave-in conditioners or mousses to set the hair. Washing your hair correctly can make a considerable difference to the health and appearance of your hair. Follow the above steps properly and you will notice your hair looking and feeling cleaner and more vibrant.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.