Hint: Most of us have been doing it wrong!! When it comes to hair health, shampooing is the most basic, most regular thing to do to maintain and care for our hair. How is it though, that most of us are doing it wrong? There are so many misconceptions about hair washing, and I will go into detail below about how to do it the right way to ensure maximum hair health in the ultimate guide to shampooing your hair correctly!
Choose the right shampoo
This sounds easier than it actually is, and often involves some trial and error. Our hair has different needs depending on a few important factors which are as follows:
Scalp health: Is your scalp oily, dry or ‘normal’ (ie: non problematic)
Thickness/ texture: Is your hair fine, medium or thick/course?
Porosity: Is your hair chemically damaged?
Hair health: Is your hair damaged for any other reason?
Taking all these factors into consideration you can select the right shampoo and conditioner for your specific hair needs. Not sure what hair type you have or what your hair needs? Why not book a consultation with your hair stylist, they will be happy to discuss this with you and recommend products for you.
Make sure the quality of water in your shower is good (ie: not hard water)
Depending on where you live, the quality of water will vary. I recently noticed while in the north of Italy my hair felt absolutely wonderful compared to how it feels in London. The water in London is notoriously hard and damaging for the hair and skin. Hard water contains more minerals, namely calcium and magnesium, which is caused by groundwater which flows over or through limestone.
This is a very simple problem to resolve, all that is needed is a hard water filter for your shower. The moment we got back from Italy I fitted this one in our shower and my hair has felt amazing since then. Highly recommended for those who live in areas with hard water.
Quality over quantity when it comes to shampoo
We tend to use way too much shampoo, especially those of us with longer and thicker hair. This is totally unnecessary since we are primarily shampooing the scalp, not the hair itself. If there is one thing that is worth investing in, it’s a high quality shampoo and conditioner. When using the correct amount (roughly the diameter of a 50p coin) the bottle lasts an incredibly long time and the benefits totally outweigh the cost.
Rubbing or emulsifying the shampoo through to the mid lengths and ends of your hair itself can be damaging and drying. It is the scalp which needs to be thoroughly shampooed. The hair will benefit from the fresh water and shampoo as it’s rinsed through the hair.
Shampoo twice, and definitely not daily
Yes, you heard me. Shampoo your hair twice to ensure proper cleaning of the scalp and to prolong the time between shampoos. One of the biggest mistakes that people make is shampooing their hair too frequently. This strips the hair of it’s natural oils and in the long term can cause your hair to be dirtier and oilier.
Rather than shampooing daily, shampoo your hair twice each time, twice to three times a week. If the idea of shampooing less frequently fills you with dread, try investing in a dry shampoo to use between shampooing.
Rinse properly
This may sound obvious but it is a remarkably common mistake to make. Leaving residue of shampoo in your hair can cause build up, flaky scalp and itchiness. Rinsing properly will ensure your hair will stay cleaner for longer.
This is another reason to install a water filter. If the water you are rinsing your hair with is full of minerals, your hair will suffer from mineral build up. This can cause brittle hair, dull color and even hair breakage if not resolved. If you feel your hair has suffered from mineral build up, you can use a deep cleansing shampoo from time to time such as Malibu to remove any excess build up and restore your hair health.
Condition your mid lengths and ends only
Unless you suffer from dry scalp, conditioner is primarily for the mid lengths and ends of your hair. Exactly the opposite of shampoo which is primarily for the scalp. Especially for those with fine, oily or limp hair, conditioning the roots can exacerbate the problem, causing your hair to be flat and lifeless. For those with course hair or dry scalp, conditioner on the roots can be good for your hair health.
Once again it is crucial to rinse the conditioner properly. You will know when it’s all rinsed as your hair will feel soft and smooth but not slippery. This is important because if there is conditioner remaining in your hair, it will be dull and heavy when dry.
Bonus points
- If you’ve ever wondered about the no shampoo method, I have a comprehensive guide over here.
- If you suffer from oily hair and need some guidance, you will find all the answers here.
- When looking for a shampoo and conditioner, your hair type is not the only thing to consider. I always recommend using SLS (sulfate) free products and I also gravitate towards eco friendly and sustainable brands. Two of my favorites are Aveda and Davines.
- Doing everything right and still struggling with your hair? Some more tips on hair health over here.
