Clean hair is healthy hair, and to have both, proper shampooing is key. Since you can't always have your favorite salon pros do it for you, it's crucial to learn the right techniques on your own. Believe us, knowing how to work that lather the right way will save you from the horrors of dandruff, hair fall, and breakage! So give your locks some proper TLC and check out our pro-approved tips below:
1. Detangle before washing.
To save you the unnecessary hair fall and breakage, take the time to brush your hair before you shower. Svenson trichologist Teresa Cruz explains, "This will help loosen dirt, remove any stray hair, and untangle knots."
2. Watch the water temperature.
Like our skin, hair also reacts differently to different temperatures. Teresa notes that warm water is best when used before shampooing, since it will open the cuticles in your hair and remove any dirt or leftover product trapped inside. Meanwhile, cold water is better for rinsing because it signals the hair cuticles to close, helping the hair lock in moisture.
3. Don't use water that's too hot.
The trichologist strongly advises against hot water for effecient shampooing. "It opens the hair cuticle, thereby allowing keratin proteins, natural moisturizing factors, and color molecules to escape, so hair loses strength and color fades," she says.
4. Lather your shampoo right.
For a salon-worthy wash, massage your shampoo into your hair like an expert would. "Apply the right amount on your scalp, then start the lather at the roots using vertical strokes with medium pressure," directs the Svenson expert. "Afterwards, smooth the lather over the ends of your hair in a straight stroking motion."
5. Don't scratch your scalp.
No matter how dirty your hair feels, avoid scrubbing your scalp too harshly, let alone scratching it with your fingernails. "Wet hair is weak and more prone to breaking, so be gentle," says the trichologist.
6. Use enough water.
"Shampoo can’t lather up and cleanse your hair without enough water," Teresa notes. That's why even if you're in a rush, make sure that your hair is damp enough to create a strong lather and you're able to rinse the product thoroughly after. You wouldn't want residue to stay on your scalp and become dandruff!
7. Don't apply both shampoo and conditioner all over.
According to the trichologist, shampoo and conditioner serve different purposes, therefore they need to be applied to different areas of your hair. "Shampoo is for cleansing, which means it should be applied all over the scalp to the hair shaft, while conditioner belongs on the drier areas of your hair—that is, the middle of your hair to the ends," she explains.
8. Have two types of shampoo.
Lourd Ramos of Creations Salon says that everyone needs two kinds of shampoos in their collection. First is a nourishing shampoo, or one that's gentle, sulfate-free, and mild enough to be used several times a week. The other is a deep cleansing shampoo that you can use according to your scalp's situation.
IMAGE Yves Rocher, Human Nature
Yves Rocher Low Shampoo Deep Cleansing Cream, P495, TriNoma; Human Nature Natural Clarifying Shampoo, P149.75, Beauty Bar
9. Deep cleanse once a week.
For those with a moderately oily scalp, deep cleanse once a week to wash off product buildup that your gentle shampoo can't get rid of completely. Lourd calls this a hair detox, since you're removing possible irritants from your hair that may have accumulated throughout the week.
10. Shampoo every day if you have to.
Many would say this a hair care no-no, but if your scalp is too oily to wash every other day, shampooing daily shouldn't be a problem. According to Lourd, our humid weather helps us get away with this better than those in cooler climates. Besides, not washing your enough can cause dandruff as well, so lather away! Granted that you use a gentle product that won't strip your hair of moisture, your locks should stay healthy despite the frequent washing.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
