Since a very young age, we have all been conditioned to believe that washing our hair requires two main products - a shampoo and a conditioner. However, have you been washing your hair the right way? Or, with the right products?
A number of factors have to be taken into consideration while washing your hair, if you want to maintain a healthy, clean scalp and soft hair. Let's get into the details.
Highlights:
How To Maintain A Healthy Scalp/hair?
1. Avoid Washing Everyday
Oils aren't bad. Your scalp contains essential oils that are required by it to stay healthy. Washing your hair too often can result in a loss of these necessary oils.
Your shampoo is meant to clean your scalp and remove the extra oil accumulated on it. But, shampooing your hair everyday can damage your scalp and hair. Limit it to 2-3 times a week.
2. Use Lukewarm Water To Wash Your Hair
Using lukewarm water to rinse your hair is important to allow your cuticles to open up. This allows your shampoo and conditioner to penetrate deeper into your hair and do their job effectively.
Note:
Using hot water to wash your hair can strip away essential oils. Avoid using hot water while washing your hair.
3. Massage Your Scalp Regularly
Pick your favorite oil and massage your scalp one hour before washing it. Essential oils target specific hair issues and massaging stimulates blood flow to your scalp. This strengthens your hair follicles and aids-in hair growth and a healthy scalp.
4. Always Use The Right Shampoo For Your Hair Type
This is not as confusing as it may sound. Different shampoos cater to different scalp/hair types. If you have a sensitive scalp, use a mild shampoo. In case you have dandruff, you can use medicated shampoos to help take care of the condition. If your scalp is greasy, use a shampoo that regulates sebum production.
5. Be Gentle (Avoid Dirty Nails And Scrubbing)
Always make sure your nails are clean (to avoid transferring dirt onto your scalp). And, do not scrub while washing. Scrubbing can cause breakage and damage your hair.
Ideally, you must gently comb your hair before washing it, to avoid it from getting tangled. If you have tight curls, consider sectioning your hair to make it easier to wash.
How To Wash Hair Properly - 5 Steps
In order to maintain the health of your scalp and hair, it is important to shampoo, condition and look after your tresses on a regular basis. Here’s a step-by-step process that you must follow to keep your hair healthy and devoid of grime and germs. Before you begin, do note that the frequency of hair wash will depend on your lifestyle and hair type. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your hair once a week.
What You Need
1. Shampoo
2. Conditioner
3. Cold blower
You can complete the entire process within 25-30 minutes.
Step 1: Use Lukewarm Water
Rather than using hot water, use lukewarm water to wash your hair. This will open up the cuticles and enable the hair products to go in. Ensure that your hair is completely soaked with water before moving on to the next step.
Note:
Don't use too hot or cold water. Hot water damages the hair and cold water is not effective in removing dirt or oil build-up.
Step 2: Apply Your Shampoo Right
Take a few drops of shampoo that suits your hair type. Gently apply the product to your scalp. Avoid directly applying it to the roots, as the product will make its way down the hair on its own. Focus on your scalp and massage it gently, as the maximum amount of oil and grime is present in this region.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’ve finished massaging the shampoo into your hair, rinse it off completely. You can also double cleanse your hair with shampoo if you feel that the grime has not completely been rid of.
Step 4: Condition Your Hair
Just like your skin, your hair needs moisture too. Choose a conditioner that suits your hair type and addresses your hair concerns. Take a few drops of the product and starting from the hair shaft apply it along the length of your hair. Avoid applying it to your scalp. Leave it on for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 5: Rinse With Cold Water
Now use cool water and rinse your hair thoroughly. This will help to close the open hair cuticles. Allow your hair to dry naturally, or use a cold blower if you are short on time.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
The frequency at which you wash your hair depends on its texture and your lifestyle. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your hair once a week if you have tight curls or textured hair.
For others, washing 3 times a week is the general rule. However, depending on your scalp type and concerns, you must talk to your dermatologist about how often you can possibly wash your hair.
For those of you who exercise regularly, washing your hair may feel as important as maintaining a daily skincare routine. However, it is recommended that even if you do exercise regularly, it is important that you skip washing your hair everyday.
You can consult your dermatologist or hair stylist on the various other methods of getting your hair to feel less greasy, post work-out.
Can You Wash Your Hair Without Shampoo?
The ingredients in your shampoo remove unwanted debris from your scalp. Not just that, they also target a number of hair concerns and address other scalp-related issues. It is recommended that you use a shampoo every time you wash your hair.
Wrapping Up
Washing your hair the right way is important to get rid of unwanted dirt and grime. Make it a point to wash your hair with lukewarm water, use the right products and do not scrub too hard while washing. Most importantly, don’t wash your hair everyday. This can strip away essential oils from your scalp.
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