HOW TO WASH YOUR HAIR WELL
Washing our hair isn’t something we think about often. Much like brushing our teeth, washing our hair is just something that has become part of our daily routine. But it might not be as simple as that. As it turns out, the way you wash your hair can be the difference between a good hair day and a bad one.
We spoke to celebrity hair stylists and hair professionals to find out the best tips and tricks to washing your hair and squeezing out another good hair day. Here’s what we learned:
UNDERSTAND YOUR HAIR TYPE
Dry hair and greasy hair shouldn’t be treated the same, no matter what shampoo and conditioner you are using.
If you have dry hair, you’ve probably stripped your scalp of its natural oils and over shampooed. Reduce the amount of shampoo you’re using in the shower, and increase the amount of time you’re letting your conditioner do its magic.
Conversely, if you have greasy hair, it means your scalp is producing too much oil for your head. Increase the amount of shampoo you’re using – or even shampoo twice – before you apply conditioner to your hair.
PAY ATTENTION TO INGREDIENTS
You want to avoid sulfates and parabens in your shampoo, since those can cause breakage to your hair and even disrupt your endocrine system. When selecting a shampoo, look for products that are sulfate-free and paraben-free. Notably, Routine Shampoo and Conditioner are free of sulfates and parabens, and also gluten-free and vegan.
RINSE THOROUGHLY
“I find most people don’t rinse their shampoo and conditioner out properly and are left with product build-up,” says an A-List celebrity stylist who asked to remain anonymous. If you don’t rinse your hair thoroughly, you’ll get a build up of product in your hair that can lead to a dry scalp, irritation, or even dandruff.
If you think you’ve rinsed enough, keep rinsing.
WASH YOUR CONDITIONER OUT
While many people think it is best to leave conditioner in their hair after they shower, that’s simply not true. Some conditioners are made to be left in, but most aren’t. While conditioner is meant to moisturize your hair, leaving it in for too long will weigh down your strands and reduce the volume you have after you wash.
On average, most people should use a conditioner for about 90 seconds. If you have super dry hair, you can use conditioner for up to 5 minutes. Conversely, if you have fine hair, we recommend you use a smaller amount of conditioner for about 30 seconds.
USE COLD WATER
Everyone loves a hot, steamy shower. But they aren’t good for our skin or hair. Hot water can dry your skin and scalp, and leave you with a frizzy head of hair. Be sure to shampoo your hair with lukewarm or mildly cold water, and rinse your conditioner out with cold water. Cold water avoids drying out your hair, and also closes the cuticle and gives your hair more volume.
