How to Actually Wash Your Hair
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I know what you’re thinking; “I’ve been washing my hair for years. I know how to do it, and I don’t need help.” We get it! The truth is, you’re probably doing a great job! We want to ensure you’re getting the most out of your shower routine and helping your hair to be the healthiest it can be!
Before Your Wash
Pre-shampoo treatments can be really beneficial and help you to maximize the benefits of your shower routine. In East Idaho, we tend to have very hard water. Because of this, many of our clients use a Pre-Tox spray to help protect their hair from the harsh minerals found in our water. Others may want to find ways to moisturize or strengthen their strands before shampooing, or do some scalp care.
Check the Temperature
As relaxing as a nice, hot shower can be, it wreaks havoc on your hair and skin. Hot water can dry out your hair and skin, and cause irritations to your scalp and skin as well. Instead of keeping it steamy and hot, try turning it down to warm!
The Shampoo
You want your hair to be completely wet before shampooing. If there isn’t enough water, your shampoo will not lather enough. When it comes to the amount of shampoo, we like to recommend shampoo amounts based on your hair type (thin, medium, thick). For thin hair, you want only about a dime size amount, medium about a nickel size amount, and for thick start with a quarter size and see if you need more. Apply the shampoo to BOTH sides of your hands, and use crisscross motions across your scalp. Many focus on the crown of your head but forget the back, hairline, and around the ears. Pay attention to those places to maximize the benefits of your shampoo! Rinse and repeat! For some, even a third shampoo could be needed. Don’t worry too much about dragging the shampoo through your ends unless needed. The ends of your hair are usually cleansed when you rinse your hair.
If you’re wanting to focus on scalp health or grow out your hair, shampooing with a scalp brush is a great way get the scalp clean, and stimulating the hair follicles to encourage more growth! We suggest ones with silicone teeth. Add a bit of shampoo onto the brush, and use gentle, circular motions, starting at the top of your head and working down. It will feel luxurious and your scalp will thank you!
Keep in mind:
- The first shampoo will most likely not have a lot of lather. This is because you’re getting rid of product buildup, oils, etc. Because of this, some do choose to use a clarifying or detoxing shampoo first.
- Before reaching for more shampoo, try adding more water! This is especially true for professional products because they are more concentrated. Adding a bit more water can help you achieve a good lather! If it’s still not lathering after adding water, you know it’s time to rinse and repeat.
- Some professional shampoo will not lather a ton or easily depending on their ingredients. The goal is for your hair to feel clean.
Conditioning
Once your hair is thoroughly rinsed after the shampoo, it’s time for conditioner. We love recommended clients to gently squeeze the excess water from their hair, then apply the conditioner on the mids and ends of their hair. Usually, you do not need conditioner on your scalp! Let your natural oils do the work up there, and you condition the rest. Start using the same amount as you did shampoo, then increase as needed.
Here’s the thing with conditioner: it needs to sit in order to maximize the benefit. After you have it evenly distributed throughout the mid-ends of your hair, we recommend putting it up in a clip and doing the rest of your shower (exfoliating, washing your body, shaving, etc.). When you’re about ready to get out, take it out of the clip, gently detangle with your fingers or a wide tooth comb, and rinse.
Pro Tip: Turning the water down to cool then rinsing can help close the cuticle of the hair strand, trapping in more benefits and nutrients from the conditioner.
Post-Shower Routine
Don’t rough dry your hair, especially if it’s long, please! That can lead to a lot of breakage. Instead, gently squeeze your hair dry. Products for after the shower are so important when it comes to maintaining hair health and accomplishing your hair goals. We love recommending leave-ins based on your hair needs, as well as products that can help make styling easier later. If you have multiple products and you aren’t sure what goes first, a good rule of thumb is applying products lightest-heaviest. Sprays will be going first, then creams and oils. Use a wide tooth comb or brush that is meant for wet hair is also recommended to prevent breakage.
Next, blow dry. Please don’t let your hair air dry, even if you’re going to bed right after. The Ph of water doesn’t play well with our hair, and can dry it out. Going to sleep with wet hair can even create an environment for mold and mildew to grow in your pillow or your scalp. We recommend drying your hair to at least 75% dry if you aren’t heat styling right after, and 100% dry if you are heat styling right after.
For more information on blow drying, visit our blog: https://tamissalon.com/blog/the-truth-about-blow-drying-your-hair/
We’re Here to Help!
If you need help learning to wash your hair, it’s okay! At Tami’s Salon and Spa we’re here to help every step of the way. We believe in meeting our clients where they are and helping them gain confidence and feel beautiful!
