Knowing how to properly wash and condition your hair is essential for maintaining its health and appearance. If you want to check out some shampoos and conditioners that I love, please check out my Amazon Storefront or my Benable (which is like Amazon storefront). These links are affiliate so I do receive a small commission from them. If you do decide to purchase anything, I appreciate the support.
Here are some general steps to follow for effective hair washing and conditioning:
1. Wet your hair:
Start by thoroughly wetting your hair with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as it can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness.
2. Apply shampoo:
Take a small amount of shampoo (about a quarter-sized amount) and lather it in your hands. Many of us don’t lather our shampoo enough. Apply the shampoo to your scalp and gently massage it in using your fingertips, focusing on the roots. Avoid vigorously scrubbing your hair as it can lead to tangling and damage. Don’t use your nails as this can cause micro cuts on your scalp and increase hair loss.
3. Rinse thoroughly:
Rinse your hair with water until all the shampoo is completely washed out. Make sure to rinse your scalp and hair lengths to remove any residue.
4. Apply conditioner:
After rinsing out the shampoo, apply an appropriate amount of conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Avoid applying conditioner directly to the scalp as it can weigh down the hair and make it appear greasy.
5. Leave it on:
There are 2 options you can do when it comes to conditioner. Leave the conditioner on your hair for the recommended time mentioned on the product label or just leave the conditioner in.
This allows the conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft and provide nourishment. Both will increase your hair’s moisture.
When leaving the conditioner in over night, only use a quarter size or less. Quarter size or more is for very long hair like bra strap length, people with high hair density (you have enough hair for 3 or more people) or if you have both long hair with high density. This shouldn’t be done every time, if you wash 1x a week you can do it 1-2 times a month. If you wash 2-3x a week you can do this 2-3x a month and so on.
6. Detangle gently:
Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair while the conditioner is still in. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid causing breakage or damage.
7. Rinse thoroughly:
Rinse your hair with cool water to remove the conditioner completely. Cool water helps seal the hair cuticles, leaving your hair smoother and shinier. You can skip this step if you’re trying leaving some conditioner in your hair.
8. Towel dry gently:
After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water from your hair using a soft towel. Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with the towel as it can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, pat or blot your hair dry.
9. Style as desired:
Once your hair is towel-dried, you can proceed with your preferred styling routine. Apply any leave-in products, heat protectants, or styling products before using heat tools or air-drying your hair.
10. Frequency of washing:
The frequency of washing and conditioning your hair depends on your hair type, hair goals, scalp condition, and personal preference. Generally, it is recommended to wash and condition your hair every 2-3 days or as needed to maintain cleanliness and scalp health. If you’re getting itchy, you should wash it. However if you are getting color done at home or the salon, washing 1-2x a week should be a priority.
Remember to choose shampoos and conditioners that are suitable for your hair type and concerns. Experiment with different products to find the ones that work best for you or ask your hair stylist for some advice. Additionally, avoid overusing styling products and heat tools, as they can cause damage and dryness to your hair over time.
