How to properly wash your hair? 5 simple steps
Have you ever thought about whether you wash your hair properly? It would seem that this topic is simple and understandable for everyone, but in recent years, conscious and gentle care has been gaining more and more popularity, and therefore many questions arise that relate to the basics of the daily routine. One of them is how to wash your hair properly. In this article, you will learn about the main stages of washing your hair and get answers to the most popular questions about this topic.
The main stages of washing your hair:
The main stages of washing your hair: The first step in any hair care routine is washing your hair. Just like you wash your face twice a day, your hair also needs to be washed - not necessarily every day, it depends on your type of hair and scalp, as well as the amount of styling products you've applied.
Most of us don't really think about how to wash our hair, because it's usually an intuitive process. However, to keep your hair shiny, glossy, and healthy, it's important to know how to wash your hair properly (properly doesn't mean long time). Below, we have prepared a short step-by-step guide with tips that will work regardless of your hair and scalp type.
1. Comb hair before washing it
Why it's important: Wet hair is much more vulnerable than dry hair, and regular brushing can lead to breakage, damage, and tangles, especially if you don't use a special brush that prevents tangling.
How to do it right? Be sure to comb your hair thoroughly before shampooing, regardless of its type and length. This will help to protect the hair cuticle from damage and prepare all strands for cleansing.
2. Use a cleansing shampoo
The most important thing is to choose a shampoo according to your scalp type and needs. For a good result, you should pay attention to the ingredients of the product and the content of natural ingredients in its formula, which will provide the skin with gentle care and a healthy appearance.
Before using the shampoo, wet your hair with warm (not hot!) water - this will open the hair follicles and allow the active ingredients to penetrate the hair. After that, apply a little amount of shampoo to your palms and rub your hands - this is a very important moment that will emulsify the shampoo and activate all the components. Once your hair is wet, use your fingertips to apply the shampoo to your scalp and then gently spread it over the entire length of your hair. Rinse your scalp and hair thoroughly with lukewarm water from the roots to the ends and make sure there is no foam left on your head. Did you know that you need to apply shampoo twice? For a more thorough cleansing. The first wash removes dirt and product residue from the hair, and the second wash thoroughly cleanses the scalp.
3. Balm for moisturized and shiny hair
Why is it important? The next step in shampooing is to use a hair conditioner or balm, because these products help close the hair follicles, detangle the hair, and provide it with moisture. And while you should focus on your scalp type when choosing a shampoo, you should pay attention to your hair type when choosing a balm or conditioner. Thanks to the right active ingredients, your hair will look healthy, shiny and smooth.
How to do it right? After rinsing your hair from shampoo residue, gently remove excess moisture from your hair with light squeezing movements. After that, apply the conditioner or balm to your hair from the midsection to the ends and gently comb it with a hairbrush to distribute the product evenly. Leave the product on for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
It is important not to apply the conditioner or daily care balm to the roots, as this can lead to excessive oiliness of the scalp and cause early hair contamination.
4. Dry and style your hair
Why is this important? Washing your hair does not end when you rinse it with water. After all, wet hair is very vulnerable, so all the manipulations you do with it will have a significant impact on the look of your hairstyle.
What is the right way to do it? You should gently squeeze the hair with light gentle pressure to get rid of excess moisture, then towel it off and dry it. Never walk around with a towel on your head for several hours, and especially do not go to bed with wet hair - this can lead to damage to hair follicles, breakage, dandruff, and itching. For more gentle care, you can buy a special turban made of delicate material which absorbs moisture and keeps wet hair in place while you move.
To prevent your hair from breaking and drying, it is important to use thermal protection products during styling and drying that create a protective layer on the hair and keep it looking healthy. Most often, they are presented in the form of a spray, which should be distributed evenly throughout the hair at a distance of 10-15 cm. After that, you can start your usual hairstyling procedure.
In addition to the 4 main steps of washing your hair, you should occasionally give your hair a “maximum care day” by using various hair masks or scalp peels. Due to the high concentration of active ingredients in the formulas of these products, you can notice the effect of their use immediately.
SPA care with a hair mask
Why is it important? Focus on the problem that bothers your hair the most. You can choose a moisturizing, nourishing, soothing, strengthening or smoothing mask - it all depends on your needs. Using a mask is necessary for your hair, because due to its long-lasting effect, it penetrates much deeper into its structure and restores the hair from the inside. I also recommend that you have several hair masks with different effects in your hair care bag to alternate them in your care. When choosing a mask, focus on your hair type, so you will provide it with maximum care and benefit.