Are You Washing Your Hair the Right Way?
Who doesn’t love good beauty tips! I know I do. A healthy mane not just means beautiful smooth hair, but it also is a reflection of our personal hygiene and well-being. The health of your hair and the way it looks, greatly depends on the washing ritual. A proper hair washing ritual is the first step to a shiny, healthy and good-looking hair. Using the correct techniques and learning how to properly wash your hair can make a world of difference in your hair’s health, bounce and shine. Learn the proper steps to hair washing when you keep reading.
1. Detangle first
Use a wide tooth comb to fully detangle your hair before washing.
2. Wet hair with warm water
Thoroughly dampen all your hair. A warm rinse on your hair will help to remove some debris and open your cuticle shaft up without drying it out. The water should be just above lukewarm, so as not to stimulate the sebaceous glands.
3. If you have long hair, condition first
If you have longer or dry hair, try a conditioner first. Work the conditioner into the ends of your hair allowing the moisture to fill any of the holes that may be present in the cuticle. This will help prevent the shampoo from drying it out further and keep ends healthy and fill any holes in the cuticle with moisture, making it smoother and boosting shine.
4. Shampoo/Cleanse
Whether you are co-washing or using the no-poo method, make sure your hair is thoroughly wet. Massage the shampoo into your scalp. Once your scalp is covered, slowly work the lather down to the ends of your hair. Be gentle! The hair closest to the scalp is the youngest and will inevitably be the oiliest, while the end of the hair is the oldest and usually driest, most fragile part of the hair. Too much friction can cause damage to the cuticle of the hair. Massage with small, circular movements.
5. Rinse
Rinse your hair thoroughly with moderately warm water. Take care that the water stream is not to strong.
6. Condition
Always make sure you are conditioning! Avoid putting conditioner directly on your scalp as your natural oils will take care of the newest hair growth. Apply your conditioner from the mid-lengths to the tips. The longer the conditioner absorbs into your hair, the better. Leave conditioner on your hair for 3 – 5 minutes before rinsing out. If your hair is really dry, you can also add a little olive oil to your conditioner for extra moisture. If you’re using masques, apply in the same manner and leave on for 5-10 minutes, preferably in a hot steamy environment to ensure maximum penetration.
7. Rinse with Cold Water
Blrrrrrrrrrr! I know it will be cold but the cold water rinse will seal your hair cuticles, adding extra shine and reducing frizz.
