Washing your hair seems easy. Though it seems easy, it can greatly impact your hair’s health and appearance. Today we are going to learn how to wash our hair in a proper way so that we can get silky, smooth, and clean hair every time.
Step-By-Step Guide To Washing Your Hair
Step1: Preparation
We need to prepare our hair before washing it. First we need to detangle our hair then we need to oil it.
- Detangle: We shouldn’t comb our hair at the beginning as it can break our hair. So, firstly, we need to detangle the hair with our finger and secondly, we should use a comb or brush. A woooden brush is preferable for every hair type. We should avoid thin brushes.
- Oil Treatment: Shampoo, being a detergent, removes not only the dirt of the scalp and hair but also the essential oil. Though our scalps generate oil on its own, our hair cannot do that. So shampoo can actually dry out our hair. To avoid this, we need to oil our hair before shampooing.
Step 2: Hair Wetting
The temperature of water plays a vital role in washing our hair. Water shouldn’t be too hot as it can dry out our hair. Similarly, too cold water can also damage our hair. Only lukewarm water creates a suitable environment for shampoo to clean the dirt from the scalp properly and it also does not dry out our hair.
Step 3: Choosing the Appropriate Shampoo
Now let’s talk about how we can select a suitable shampoo for our hair type. Choosing an appropriate shampoo is a bit challenging as there are numerous options enough to make us confused. We can always learn about it from a dermatologist or a hair specialist. However, there are several ways by which we can decide on our own. They are:
- For dry hair, we should always buy a moisturizing shampoo since shampoo extracts the essential oil from our hair and scalp with the dirt. So, a moisturizing shampoo is a must as it doesn’t allow to remove all the essential oils, and it also adds moisture to our hair.
- For oily hair, we should use clarifying shampoo, as it removes all the dirt and sebum from the hair and lets our scalp breathe.
- For color-treated hair, a mild shampoo or shampoo that is specially made for color-treated hair should be used.
- And for my beautiful people with curly hair, there are plenty of moisturizing shampoos designed for their hair to protect the moisture and curl.
Step 4: Application of Shampoo
Apply a small amount of shampoo, almost like the size of a quarter, as too much shampoo can dry out your hair. Then massage the scalp gently in a circular motion with the tip of your fingers. Do not use your fingernails as it might cut your scalp. Massage every place on your scalp for almost a minute to remove the dirt and build up appropriately.
Step 5: Hair Rinsing
Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until the shampoo is completely washed away. Because residual shampoo can cause buildup and make your hair look dull.
Step 6: Hair Conditioning
If you want to get moisturized, healthy hair, you cannot avoid conditioner. As we have already mentioned, shampooing removes your hair’s natural oil and can dry out your hair, conditioning can prevent it. Conditioner adds the moisture that has been removed by the shampoo and makes your hair healthy and soft. You should never apply conditioner on your scalp since it weakens the hair follicles and causes them to shred. Rather, use conditioner from your mid hair to the ends of your hair and leave it for at least 2 minutes. And then rinse it thoroughly. Rinsing well is a must because later it can make your scalp look greasy.
Step 7: Post Wash Hair Care
After washing your hair, you need to dry it with a soft towel (a cotton cloth or t-shirt are best). Do not rub your hair with the towel, which we mostly do. Rather, gently pat your hair. Then you have to apply a hair serum to add and lock the moisture, add shine and prevent hair from drying out. And then You can air dry your hair or you can use a hair dryer, obviously with cool air.
The question that always comes to our mind very frequently is, “How Often Should We Wash Our Hair?” The answer is it depends on your hair. If the dirt accumulates in the hair very quickly, it is better to shampoo daily or every other day. And for dry hair, wash your hair 1-2 times in a week to avoid frizzing. Basically, you don’t need to wash your hair until your hair is clean and oil free.
By following these tips, you can wash your hair perfectly without damaging it and get clean and healthy hair.
