It’s something most of us do daily, but unless you know how to wash your hair effectively, you are doing more harm to it than good.
Before we show you how to wash your hair in 11 easy steps, it is best to first understand the factors which effect your hair when showering:
The Effect of Shampoo
Our scalps produce natural oils, known as sebum. This is vital to protect the skin from infections and keep hair healthy. Too much sebum is bad for your skin as hair follicles become clogged with dirt.
Shampoo is an emulsifier which traps excess oil and dirt, then washes it out to clean the hair. But, if you use it too often, you dry your hair out leaving it prone to breakage
How Often to Shampoo Your Hair?
The more you wash your hair, the more oil it produces. So the longer you can go without using it, the better. How practical this is depends on your hair type. Generally around three times per week is ample for most of us.
You may need to shampoo daily if you;
- Have finer hair,
- Have a oily scalp,
- Live in a warmer climate,
- Exercise regularly.
Which Product to Use?
Use a shampoo and conditioner that’s made for your hair type.
If your hair is dry or coarse, choose moisturizing products advertised as ‘Hydrating’. This will make it easier to style later.
If your hair is oily, try a purifying shampoo and avoid any which promote adding moisture.
If you have fine hair opt for a gentler, volumising shampoo, but use less as it will weigh down the hair strands.
Cosmetic shampoos are packed full of harmful chemicals such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which can irritate the skin and has been linked to health problems. Instead try one of our home remedies to make your own natural shampoo.
How Much Product to Use?
This will depend on hair length. A good rule of thumb is to apply an amount the same size as a one Dirham coin for average length hair. If your hair is shorter apply less, and if it is longer apply more.
Temperature
First we need to understand what effect hot and cold water has on your hair.
Hot water, opens the hair cuticles and allows shampoo to remove any trapped dirt and oil. Exposing your hair to these high temperatures can dry it out, as it strips more of the natural oils than normal.
Cold water isn’t as good at cleaning the hair but that also means it removes less of the necessary natural oils. It seals in moisture by closing the cuticles on your scalp. This prevents any more dirt becoming trapped. This is more beneficial for your hair long term as it will leave it looking healthier.
So, we recommend washing your hair with cold water but it is a good idea to use hot water once a week to clean it. Follow this with a cold rinse to close the pores.
Shampoo or Conditioner First?
If your hair is below shoulder length or finer than normal you should apply conditioner first. This primes the hair before cleaning, making it easier to apply the shampoo. It also helps to protect the ends of your hair from splitting.
Which Technique to Use?
For shampoo; Being gentle is key. If you are too vigorous when rubbing, or apply too much pressure, you risk damaging the roots of your hair. This can cause strands to fall out.
You also want to avoid using fingernails or scrubbing too hard in a circular motion. Instead try a light, back and forth motion to clear your pores and keep your scalp healthy.
For conditioner; Timing is key. Once applied, you want to leave it in for 5-10 minutes. Any shorter and it won’t have had a chance to absorb into your hair. Any longer and it will leave an unwanted residue.
Where you apply conditioner is also key. The ends of your hair are the oldest and most likely to become damaged and break. Avoid applying it to the roots as it can clog your follicles and slow hair growth.
Post-Wash Routine
Your hair is at its most fragile when it is wet. How you treat it once you get out of the shower can have as much of an effect on hair loss as how you treat it in the shower.
Never apply heat to hair which is still damp. The high temperatures cause the trapped water to boil. This leads to bubbles forming and the hair becoming more brittle.
Aggressive brushing can also rip strands from their roots so it is advisable to use a wide tooth comb.
Swap the towel for a T-shirt when drying your hair. Traditional towels can damage your hair due to their coarse texture. A T-shirt will absorb water without causing your hair to frizz. Dab your hair dry as opposed to rubbing.
Use a Water Filter
One of the major causes of hair loss is showering in water which contains Chlorine. This harmful chemical dries out hair, stripping it of it’s natural oils. This leaves it brittle and prone to breaking. Chlorine is added to the water to kill bacteria so we don’t become ill. But, it has detrimental effect on our hair and skin.
A shower filter removes chlorine, as well as sand, dirt and heavy metals. This protects your hair and skin from the damage caused by these harmful elements. A H2O Pure Blue Shower Purifier is the only filter on the market which is proven to remove 98% of chlorine. This will result in your hair becoming easier to wash, lees prone to falling out and it will feel softer.
How to Wash Your Hair in 11 Easy Steps
Here is a step by step guide on the optimal way to wash you hair without damaging it:
Step 1: Untangle your hair by brushing it before you get in the shower.
Step 2: Use warm water to open your hair follicles to remove any trapped dirt and provide a deep clean. Ensure your hair is well rinsed before applying shampoo.
Step 3: Apply a dirham-sized drop of shampoo to the palm of your hand and begin to lather.
Step 4: Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips in a back and forth motion. Add water to maintain the lather.
Step 5: Allow the shampoo to absorb for around 2 minutes. Use this time to work on your singing.
Step 6: Time to rinse. Use lukewarm water to wash away all residue until you hair is shampoo free.
Step 7: Squeeze out any excess water from your hair.
Step 8: Apply a dirham-sized amount of conditioner to the ends of your hair to repair any damage or split ends. Avoid applying to the roots.
Step 9: Finish your shower and leave the conditioner to absorb for 5-10 minutes while wrapped in a towel. Finish the rest of your beauty routine while you wait.
Step 10: Rinse your hair will cold water to remove all product. This will seal the cuticles and lock in moisture giving your hair a healthy reflection.
Step 11: Do not ‘Rinse and Repeat’. Despite what most shampoo bottles say, it is unnecessary to wash your hair twice. This will only strip more oil and leave it dry and prone to breaking. Simply T-shirt dry your hair in a blotting motion and you are finished.
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