While choosing the perfect shampoo and conditioner can be helpful, a healthy hair foundation all comes down to using the right cleansing techniques. We know, it sounds so basic since washing your hair can feel like second nature. As tempting as it can be to keep things moving and rinse out the hair quickly, the truth is that taking the extra time to properly cleanse your hair can be worth it in the long run. To keep your hair looking its best, consider rethinking how you wash your hair with these 4 helpful tips.
BRUSH THOROUGHLY BEFORE YOU WASH YOUR HAIR
To get the most out of your shampoo and conditioner, it’s best to apply it to hair that’s just been brushed. Depending on your hair type, you can do this with a paddle brush or wide-tooth comb before stepping into the shower. Detangle any stubborn knots by spritzing them directly with a leave-in conditioner. Taking the time to detangle and brush your hair can help avoid breakage and stimulate the scalp.
LATHER UP WHILE YOU CLEANSE YOUR HAIR
For starters, it’s important to take proper care when cleansing to preserve the health of your scalp. Before applying shampoo, make sure that hair is properly soaked by saturating it completely under lukewarm water for at least a minute. This can help open the pores of your scalp and allow it to be more receptive to any products you apply.
With daily washing, it’s important to use the right amount of product on your hair. To avoid overloading on the suds, try using a teaspoon amount of shampoo and conditioner. While your shampoo should be focused on the scalp, your conditioner should be applied only to the ends. You can always add more conditioner or follow up with a mask afterwards if you feel like your hair really needs the added moisture.
Certain hair types are better off washing every few days as opposed to daily. If this sounds like your hair, on the days that you do cleanse consider shampooing your hair twice before reaching for the conditioner. To get the best clean possible, it’s best to break down your shampooing routine into two stages. The first rinse will take care of major dirt and grime that has latched onto your hair, while the second rinse can help deep clean the hair.
CONSIDER A NEW HAIR WASHING TECHNIQUES
While washing your hair, it may be tempting to get rid of grime by tackling it head-on, but be careful not to press or dig your nails into the scalp harshly. Instead, massage your scalp gently in circular motions using your fingertips and a clarifying shampoo. It will make getting rid of build-up a whole lot easier without hurting your scalp in the process. Plus, using scalp massaging techniques in the shower have been linked to reducing stress, and who wouldn’t want less stress?
Aside from feeling super relaxing, scalp massages can also help create an ideal environment for hair growth. Scalp massages can stimulate the hair’s follicles and help with removing dead skin cells on the scalp. During cleansing, Women’s Health recommends massaging your shampoo into your scalp beginning at the front of the head. Start by rubbing at the temples in small circles, slowly working your way to the top, and focusing on the hairline. Next, move onto the nape of your neck by placing both hands on the sides of your head and rubbing your fingertips in circular motions, and gently using your thumbs to pull the skin upwards at the base.
RINSE YOUR HAIR PROPERLY AFTER WASHING
As you spend time washing your hair, it’s important not to overlook rinsing. Take a few extra minutes to properly remove any shampoo and conditioner out of your hair to save yourself the trouble with post-shower build-up.
One of the biggest culprits to maintaining a healthy head of hair is heat. While the havoc that hot tools can wreak on your hair has been widely discussed, the heat from the water in your shower can be to blame for dullness. To help keep hair looking its best, try rinsing with cold water. This can help close the pores of the hair, which helps seal in the moisture from your conditioner to make it look shiny.
By rethinking your cleansing strategy, you’ll be well on your way to your best hair yet.