5 common hair washing mistakes
Washing your hair may seem simple, but there are a few often overlooked steps that can make a world of difference for the health of your hair. The right washing process is not only good for your hair, but it also helps take care of your scalp, the foundation for strong, healthy hair. Here are the 5 most common hair washing mistakes people make and how you can avoid them.
1) Not emulsifying your shampoo
A lot of people apply shampoo directly onto wet hair without emulsifying it first. Emulsifying means rubbing the shampoo between your hands to make it foam up and spread more evenly. This gives you a more thorough cleanse without using too much product, which helps keep your hair and scalp healthy.
Tip: Wet your hands, apply some shampoo, and rub your hands together for 10 seconds before applying it to your hair.
2) Not double cleansing with shampoo
Just like you double cleanse your face, your hair will benefit from a double wash. The first round of shampoo removes dirt, oil, and buildup from styling products. The second wash deeply cleanses the hair and gives it the chance to be nourished from roots to ends. By double cleansing, you ensure that your hair is both purified and hydrated, giving you healthy, bouncy, and shiny results.
Tip: Apply a small amount of shampoo for the first wash, rinse thoroughly, then repeat with a slightly larger amount for the second wash.
3) Not rinsing shampoo thoroughly
Rinsing your shampoo thoroughly is key to preventing product buildup on your scalp and hair. Shampoo residue can leave your hair feeling heavy and dull, and may also cause scalp irritation or flakes. By rinsing well, you keep your hair feeling fresh, light, and healthy.
Tip: Take your time to rinse your hair completely, especially around the hairline and neck, where product residue tends to build up.
4) Using water that’s too hot
It’s tempting to wash your hair with warm, soothing water, but too hot water can damage and dry out your hair. Think of your hair like your favorite piece of satin—would you wash a delicate, precious fabric in hot water? Hot water strips away the natural oils that protect and add shine to your hair, leaving it dry and dull. Using cooler water helps maintain the shine and softness of your strands.
Tip: Finish your wash with a cold rinse. This helps seal the hair cuticles and gives your hair a gorgeous, natural shine.
5) Not removing excess water before conditioner
If your hair is still dripping wet when you apply conditioner, the product will have a harder time sticking to your strands and doing its job properly. By squeezing out the excess water before applying conditioner, the product can penetrate your hair more effectively. This leads to softer, better-hydrated hair.
Tip: After rinsing out your shampoo, gently squeeze out the excess water from your hair before applying conditioner. This lets the conditioner sink in better, giving you the best results.
As you now have the ultimate guide to avoid common hair washing mistakes, you can dive deeper into your ideal hair care routine by taking our quiz.
Discover here more about why natural haircare is essential for your hair.