How To Wash Your Hair (Properly)

Knowing how to wash your hair seems pretty basic, right? Well, you would think so. But did you know that there’s a high possibility that we haven’t been doing it quite right? So then, what is the correct way to wash your hair, you ask? From frequency to techniques, and even the drying process, we’ve sifted through all the conflicting information to give you a smart, concise guide of helpful tips to help improve your hair washing routine — all in the comfort of your own home, because #SocialDistancing. Here’s to better hair days with your virtual hairstylist.

Steps:

• Wet your hair with warm water.
• Add shampoo to hands and apply to wet hair.
• Gently massage hair (particularly the roots!).
• Rinse shampoo out of your hair.
• Gently squeeze your hair to remove excess water.
• Apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.
• Rinse with cool water to help close your cuticles.
• Remove excess water from your hair and pat dry hair before styling.

5 tips to wash your hair properly

Use these essential tips alongside the step-by-step guide (above) for the best results when washing your hair.

1. Assess how often you wash your hair

“How often do you wash your hair?” is a question you’ve probably been asked by your hairdresser a million times before. That’s because the frequency at which you wash your hair can be a contributing factor to its health.

That said, finding the right frequency for you is a fine art of trial and error. Making it a daily ritual probably isn’t the best idea. For curlier or thicker hair, once a week will probably suffice. However, if you have thin hair, you may need to up the frequency of washing to help remove sebum that can weigh hair down. For thin hair, we’d recommend washing your hair every second day, and using dry shampoo to liven it up on non-wash days.

2. Gentleness is Key

Technique is also important when you wash your hair. You might think that the more vigorous you are with the rubbing and scratching, the more thorough you’re being. But the truth is, this method can be too harsh for your scalp and can cause ends to break.

So, what’s the most effective technique to use? The answer actually lies in brushing or combing your hair before you wash. Dry-brushing will help to stimulate the scalp and loosen any build-up before you begin your hair washing routine. But if you have curly or tightly coiled hair and the thought of brushing it out sends you into a mild state of panic, consider washing your hair in small sections to minimise tangling, instead. And remember to use a soft massaging motion while washing. When it comes to conditioning, only apply to the ends of your hair; your scalp doesn’t need it!

3. Ensure you are using the right products for your hair type

The right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type can make a world of difference to both your hair washing routine and the way it looks and feels afterwards. We know this can sometimes be a drawn-out process of trial and error, but pay attention to the labels and pick products for the hair type you have, not the hair type you want. Again, technique is everything. So when you’re applying shampoo, concentrate your efforts on massaging the scalp to remove excess oils and product build-up. And as for conditioner? Remember to leave it on for at least 1-2 minutes.

Need more moisture or strength? Make use of a wash care system that will strengthen your hair and provide the hydration it needs. Formulated with unique Nutri-Keratin Repair Actives, Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner are excellent for this. Say hello to stronger, healthier hair!

If your tresses are more on the oily side, use a deep-cleansing shampoo and a lightweight conditioner. The TRESemmé Deep Cleansing Shampoo will thoroughly (but gently) cleanse, and the TRESemmé Remoisturise Conditioner lightly conditions without adding any build-up. Both are enriched with Pro-vitamin B5 & Aloe for fresh, shiny hair.

If flyaways are the issue, use smoothing products in your hair washing routine. The Toni&Guy Smooth Definition Shampoo and Conditioner will help to reduce any flyaways you have, whilst moisturising your hair. The result? Smooth, soft locks.

4. Water plays a part

Water is, of course, an essential ingredient for hair washing, but it can also play havoc with the look and feel your tresses. First and foremost, keep your water temperature as cool as you can bear it. And secondly, understand the difference between hard and soft water, and which kind flows through your area. Hard water has a high content of minerals, like calcium and magnesium, which leave a film on your strands that’s difficult to remove and makes rinsing out products a pain.

Editor’s tip: Don’t despair if you live in a hard water area. There’s no need to wash your hair with bottled water or fit in an expensive shower filter! A simple and inexpensive homemade rinse can combat the effects hard water has on your hair. Just mix one part apple cider vinegar to two parts filtered water, and rinse. This is something you might want to consider doing weekly in addition to your normal hair washing routine if you live in an area with very hard water.

5. How you dry your hair is important too

Towels are for drying hair, right? Technically, yes, but they’re not the only option. Our editor’s top tip? Try gently squeezing the moisture from your hair, or use a cotton T-shirt! When wet, the strands are more fragile, and rubbing them with a rough towel causes minor traumas to your hair. So why does a T-shirt help? While there’s no scientific evidence to prove it does, its smooth surface and even cotton texture makes it perfect for absorbing water, plus it can also help reduce flyaways. We should add, though: the critical part here is how you dry your hair, as the action of rubbing can lead to mechanical damage. So instead, gently pat your hair with your towel or tee in a soft squeezing motion.