Hair fall, split ends, dandruff and dryness have become common problems of every person today. Often people spend thousands of rupees on expensive shampoos, serums and hair spas, but do not pay attention to the basic habit – the way of washing hair. According to dermatologists and hair experts, 70 percent of people unknowingly wash their hair in the wrong way, due to which the hair roots become weak and the cuticles (outer protective layer of the hair) get damaged. Washing hair is not just a game of water and soap, but it is a systematic scientific process. If you follow the right technique, your hair can remain thick, shiny and strong even with regular shampoo. 2 important steps before washing hair: Combing and pre-oiling The work of washing hair starts even before going to the bathroom. Shampoo should never be applied directly to dry hair by adding water. Detangle hair before it gets wet: 10 minutes before washing hair, detangle hair slowly from bottom to top with a wide-toothed wooden comb. Hair is most fragile when wet; If you pour water on matted hair, they will fall apart while washing and after washing. Light oil massage (optional but effective): If your hair is very dry or frizzy, apply lukewarm coconut or almond oil to the scalp and ends 30 to 45 minutes before washing. This prevents the sulphates in the shampoo from stripping the hair of its natural moisture. Water temperature: Hot water is the biggest enemy of hair. During winter or tired days, many people wash their hair with very hot water. Hot water completely dries out the natural sebum (natural oil) of the scalp, which leads to itching in the scalp, dandruff and increased frizz in the hair. Correct temperature: Always use lukewarm water to wash hair so that the pores of the scalp open and the accumulated dirt and sweat can come out. Final rinse with cool water: Always rinse your head with normal or slightly cool water for the last time after rinsing out the shampoo and conditioner. Cold water closes (seals) the hair cuticles, giving the hair natural shine and locking in moisture. Correct use of shampoo: Apply on the scalp, not on the ends. The biggest misconception about applying shampoo is that it should be rubbed all over the hair. Experts have a clear say: Do not apply shampoo directly on the head: Take shampoo on the palm, add a little water to it and dilute it. Applying thick chemicals directly on the scalp can cause skin irritation. Use fingerprints, not nails: Using your fingertips, gently massage the scalp in circular motions for 1 to 2 minutes. Never scratch the scalp with nails, this can create micro wounds and lead to infection. Don't rub your scalp: Shampoo is meant to clean the scalp only. When you wash your head, the flowing foam will automatically clean the length and ends of the hair. Rubbing the ends like clothes causes split ends. Golden rule of applying conditioner: 2 inches distance from the scalp. Conditioner is meant to lubricate and nourish the outer layer of the hair, but its misuse accelerates hair fall. Squeeze out excess water: After washing the shampoo, gently squeeze out excess water from the hair. If you apply conditioner in dripping water, it gets washed away and has no effect. Never apply on the scalp: Always apply the conditioner starting at the level parallel to the ears, till the length and ends of the hair. Never apply it on the scalp (roots), because it clogs the pores and causes rapid hair fall. Wait 2-3 minutes: Leave the conditioner in the hair for at least 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse with normal water until the stickiness is completely gone. Correct method of drying hair after washing: Cruelty done to wet hair causes the most harm to the health of the hair. Do not rub vigorously with the towel: Stop shaking or rubbing the head vigorously with heavy cotton towels. Instead, use a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt and gently press the hair to absorb the water (Dab technique). Do not comb wet hair: Do not comb until the hair is 70-80% dry naturally. Proper use of blow dryer: If it is necessary to use a blow dryer, first apply a heat protectant serum and keep the dryer on 'cool' or 'medium' mode and dry from a distance of at least 6 inches. How many times should you wash your hair a week? It completely depends on your scalp type: Oily scalp: If the scalp becomes greasy in a single day, wash with a mild sulphate-free shampoo 3 times a week. Dry and frizzy hair: Washing hair only twice a week is enough so that the natural oils are protected. Normal Scalp: Washing hair 2 to 3 times a week is considered ideal.
