From a young age, we’ve all been schooled in the simple hair wash mantra: lather, rinse, and repeat. But it might not be the golden rule, according to hair experts. Your hair wash routine depends upon your hair type, which demands a custom approach. Forget the generic ‘one-size-fits-all’ spiel. Your hair isn’t cut from the same cloth. Thick, thin, curly, straight—each type demands a unique care. Your hair needs a shampoo that cleans but doesn’t damage your hair type. But wait, we’re not wrapping up just yet. There are more tricks on how to properly wash your hair, which this article will discuss.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
Don’t be too eager with that shampoo bottle. Daily wash is a big no-no. Washing your hair daily dries it out, leads to losing its lustre and causes split ends. The ideal washing frequency depends on your hair type. If you have an oily crown, then washing every 2 to 3 days is your sweet spot. But, if your hair’s on the drier side, then a modest 1 to 2 times per week will suffice.
Water for Washing
Now, we often overlook the water situation in the hair-washing routine. Hard water is not your hair’s friend. It’s got mineral buildup—calcium and magnesium—that coats your hair. The result? Over time, hard water can dry and damage the health of your hair. Use a water softener at the showerhead or opt for filtered water. And, if the damage is already done, then start using clarifying shampoos to breathe life back into your damaged hair. Also, use hair masks 1 to 2 times a week, and your hair will be healthy and shinier again.
Choosing the Right Shampoo
Going for the correct shampoo for your hair type is essential or you may do more damage to your hair than good.
- If you have fine hair: You should use a gentle clarifying shampoo.
- If you have thick or coarse hair: You should use a shampoo with moisturising properties.
- If you have colour-treated hair: You should look for shampoos that prevent your coloured hair dye from stripping every time you wash.
- For bleached hair: Use clarifying shampoo (in moderation) to prevent unwanted yellow tones.
If you don’t know what kind of hair you have, then you can always ask your hairstylist about it. Also, no matter what your hair type is, you should avoid shampoos with sulphate and silicone. These ingredients clean your hair but can dry it and strip it of its natural oil over time.
Wondering if there are any tips on how to clean the scalp naturally? You can use apple cider vinegar or baking soda diluted with water as a rinse after the shampoo. Its acidity balances the scalp’s pH and removes excess buildup.
How to Properly Wash Your Hair? Follow the Steps
It’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of washing hair. Follow these steps on how to wash your hair correctly:
- Soak It Up: Soak that glorious hair of yours. Let the water flow for a solid minute. Get every strand drenched.
- Shampoo Strategy: Grab the right shampoo for your hair length but don’t take it too much. Mix it with water before using it to reduce its direct impact on your hair.
- Scalp Love: Lather shampoo on your scalp. Use shampoo sparingly on your hair tips. Apply gentle pressure; don’t use nails, which might damage your scalp.
- Rinse Well: Rinse for 1 to 2 minutes to wash away all the shampoo and dirt. Use cold water if you have dry hair; otherwise, lukewarm is good. Never clean your hair with hot water.
- Conditioner time: Apply your conditioner to the strands, not the crown. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes (5-7 if your hair is thick).
- Rinse Again: Wash your hair well to remove the applied conditioner.
- Air Dry: There are no fancy drying methods here. Grab a microfibre towel or an old T-shirt, remove the excess water, and let your hair air dry. Don’t use hair dryers often.
Conclusion
If you take the time to choose your products wisely, then use a water softener in the shower head and wash your hair correctly but not too often. This way, you can help your hair stay stronger, healthier, and shinier. Also, follow the above-mentioned hair wash tips and tricks and your hair will thank you later.
