While we all know the importance of hair care when it comes to brushing and styling, many don’t realize how careful one must be when washing it. It is important to know that proper shampooing has many advantages, from savings that come from using the right amount of shampoo from improving the appearance and strength of the hair, all the way to a positive effect on your overall health. This simple guide will teach you the right way to wash your hair and how you can give your hair a healthier, more vibrant look.
Before the shower, gently comb your hair. Combing will stimulate the flow of blood to the scalp and also help reduce hair breakage that occurs even while lathering. The increased blood flow to the scalp helps the hair get the nutrients it needs, which can prevent dandruff, psoriasis, hair loss and even stimulate hair growth not only before lathering but also throughout the day.
The first step in showering is to wet your hair with lukewarm water, as water that is very hot dries your scalp and hurts your hair. After you’ve wet your head, you can go on to shampooing. There’s no need to exaggerate with the shampoo, just a quarter-sized amount of shampoo will get the job done (a little more if you have long hair). Not only will this tip save you money, but it’ll also help you protect your heal as many of the shampoos on the market contain foaming agents (SLS) with can be harmful. When shampooing, with the roots, move down your hair and finally reach the edges.
Most people wash their hair immediately once the shampoo starts foaming, however, this is a big mistake. Before you wash the shampoo off your head, be sure to massage your scalp in a circular motion for at least 2 minutes. Massaging with your fingertips will stimulate blood flow in your scalp and will also help speed up the washing process.
After shampooing, it is now time to remove all the dirt from your hair. As we have already noted, hot water dehydrates the scalp so please make sure to wash your hair with lukewarm water only. It is recommended to remove as many residues of foam and shampoo before moving to the next step in the wash, so try to wash your hair thoroughly. When you’re finished, it is best to dry your hair and squeeze as much water as you can before moving on to conditioning.
It is important to know that water reduced conditioners effectiveness, and therefore it is recommended to really wring out your hair before moving on to this step. After you’ve done this, put a generous amount of conditioner in your hand and massage it into your hair from the ends up to the roots. This method will give the hair maximum moisture, strengthen it and add more shine.
After using conditioner, wash your hair with cold water only. Washing the hair at a low temperature will help seal the outer layer of the fibers and thus protect the hair from damage throughout the day. Don’t forget that it is our job to nurture the appearance of our hair, to protect it from damage and shedding, which is why this step is so important to do, even if it is uncomfortable.
At the end of the shower, dry the hair gently with a dry towel only, to avoid breaking or pulling hair. If you choose to use a blow dryer, be sure to dry from the roots of the hair and not from the edges, it will help seal the outer layer of the hair (cuticle). The cuticle protects the hair from damage and other hazards and is responsible for the strength of the hair fibers.
