Common Mistakes We Make Washing Our Hair

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by Alexandra Mansilla

Common Mistakes We Make Washing Our Hair

5 Jul 2024

Photo: Unsplash+ in collaboration with Getty Images

We have already given you tips on how to wash your face properly (a handy tutorial with essential steps, nothing extra). Now, let's move on. Have you ever considered that you might, theoretically, be washing your hair incorrectly? Probably not. Washing your hair, especially for those who live fast-paced lives, is one of those routine activities done on autopilot. But it turns out that even a process as simple as washing your hair has its own set of rules.

Okay, tell me how should I wash my hair correctly

— First, brush. If you have fine hair that tangles easily, brush it before washing.

— Water temperature. Forget about hot water if you are a fan of scalding showers: it stimulates the sebaceous glands, making your hair get dirty faster. Instead, use warm, comfortable water.

— Start with the scalp and roots. Take a small amount of shampoo, lather it on your hands, and then apply the mixture to your scalp with massaging movements. As you massage, foam will form, which you can then distribute along the length of your hair. Important: use your fingers to massage, not your nails.

— And shampoo again. Rinse the foam with warm water and repeat the process.

— Don’t skip conditioner or balm. Do not rub them into the scalp; apply them only to the hair. Conditioner and balm nourish and moisturise the hair, improving its structure.

How often should I wash my hair?

To get a precise answer to this question, you should consult a doctor who can determine your hair type and the condition of your scalp. However, in general, washing your hair every day is recommended for those who have:

— Oily scalp.

— Fine hair that gets dirty quickly.

— Conditions like seborrhea or dermatitis (consult a doctor and use shampoos they recommend).

— Heavy sweating

Everyone else should wash their hair as needed. This is especially true for those with dry scalp, as frequent washing can make it even drier.

Photo: Madison Oren

Should shampoo be left on the hair for a while?

This depends on the shampoo. Generally, this information is provided in the instructions, so read carefully and follow them.

How to choose shampoo?

Choosing the right shampoo depends on your scalp type. For dandruff or dryness, it is important to select a shampoo that addresses these issues. Conditioner or balm should be chosen based on your hair's needs since it is applied only to the hair.

Also, we have heard about shower filters. Do we really need them?

Shower filters reduce the hardness of the water. What does that mean? Hardness refers to the concentration of salts (usually calcium and magnesium) in the water. These salts can break down the skin's protective barrier, making your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation.

How can you tell if your water is hard? Firstly, there are special devices to measure water hardness. Secondly, if regular soap doesn’t lather well, it is a sign your water might be too hard.

Shower filters soften the water and protect your scalp from unwanted salts.

Photo: Max Ovcharenko

Common mistakes to avoid

Mistake #1: Not brushing your hair before washing. It is better to do it to remove small tangles. If you wet your hair without brushing, some of it might get torn out when you brush it after washing.

Mistake #2: Rubbing shampoo directly onto your hair instead of your hands. This rubbing can damage hair (remember, it is rather fragile!). You should lather the shampoo in your hands first, then apply it to your wet hair.

Mistake #3: Washing your hair from the wrong area. Hair thickness varies on different parts of the head. The hair on the back of your head is thicker and harder to damage, so start washing there. Then, spread the foam to the temples, crown, and bangs area where the hair is finer.

Mistake #4: Not rinsing your hair with cool water after washing. Rinsing with cool water helps close the hair cuticles, making your hair smoother and shinier. This cooling procedure also stimulates the blood vessels that nourish hair follicles.

Mistake #5: Rubbing wet hair with a towel or leaving it wrapped up for too long. Wet hair is very fragile. Rubbing it with a towel or keeping it wrapped in a “turban” for too long can cause split ends. Instead, gently blot your hair with a towel after washing.

by Alexandra Mansilla