DavidWolfe.comI know what you’re probably thinking — “Please, I think I know how to wash my hair.” Yet you’re still just a bit enticed to find out what the “right” way to wash your hair is, just in case you’ve been doing it wrong all these years. According to some of the best hair experts in New York, your hair’s bounce, shine and health depend on whether or not you’re using the correct washing technique. By making some common mistakes, you may be damaging your hair without realizing it. Without further ado, here are the seven steps involved in washing your hair correctly:
1. Rinse
The first thing you should be doing before washing your hair is rinsing it. Thoroughly wetting your hair with hot water will allow the cuticles to open. If you have gel, hair spray or any other type of product in your hair, this step is especially important. The warm water will cleanse the hair of products and dirt while opening the pores to allow the oils in your conditioner to be absorbed later on.
2. Condition Long Hair
No, I didn’t skip the shampoo step. If you have long locks, the second step is to condition. If you have hair that falls beneath your shoulders, apply a conditioner and rinse before using a shampoo. This will keep the fragile ends of your hair healthy by protecting them from becoming dry or damaged. Your hair’s cuticles will fill with moisture, allowing your hair to become shiny and smooth.
3. Lather
Next is the shampoo. When using shampoo, apply it to the scalp area only. This area holds the most oil. Using shampoo on the ends of your hair can cause it to become dry and damaged. All you need is a quarter-sized amount of shampoo. If your hair is extra thick or long, you can use twice as much.
4. Be Gentle
Washing your hair quickly can lead to breakage, so keep it gentle and wash carefully. Start by lathering the roots of your hair with shampoo with medium pressure, to stimulate hair growth and blood flow. Use vertical strokes. Circular motions can tangle the hair. Continue to lather toward the ends in a straight stroke, careful not to scrub at your ends.
5. Once is Enough
Ignore the “lather, rinse, repeat” message. Unless your hair is extremely dirty or you didn’t use enough shampoo to create a lather, there’s no need to wash it more than once.
6. Condition Shorter Hair
If your hair falls above your shoulders, rinse your hair of shampoo, squeeze the water out and apply your conditioner. Leave the conditioner in while you finish showering. Use a hair clip if you need to hold it up. The conditioner will be absorbed better if it stays in longer, so rinse at the end of your shower. Your roots most likely have enough oil, so you don’t need to use conditioner on them.
7. Rinse
The last step is to rinse with cold water to shut the cuticles and make your hair nice and shiny. Congratulations! You have successfully completed a hair care routine that will keep your hair healthy and strong!
Most of us keep an eye on what kind of food we’re putting into our bodies – careful to avoid artificial flavorings, colorings and other harmful additives. The same goes for what you put on your body. Not all deodorants, soaps, lotions, shampoos and conditioners are created equal. For the most optimal hair health, stick to organic shampoos with natural ingredients, free of sulfates. Take a look at this list of the top natural and organic shampoos. If you’re into DIY projects, check out the video below for a tutorial on how to make your own natural shampoo!
h/t: love inspire amaze