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.
The work of washing hair starts even before going to the bathroom. Shampoo should never be applied directly to dry hair by adding water.
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Detangle hair before it gets wet: 10 minutes before washing your hair, gently comb your hair 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.
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Light oil massage (optional but effective): If your hair is very dry or curly, 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.
During winter or tired days, many people wash their hair with 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.
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Correct Temperature: always to wash hair Lukewarm Water Use it so that the pores of the scalp open and the accumulated dirt and sweat can come out.
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Final rinse with cold water: Always rinse your head with normal or slightly cool water for the last time after rinsing out shampoo and conditioner. Cold water closes (seals) the hair cuticles, giving the hair natural shine and locking in moisture.
The biggest misconception about applying shampoo is that it should be rubbed all over the hair. Experts are clear:
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Do not apply shampoo directly on the head: Take shampoo on your palm, add a little water to it and dilute it. Applying thick chemicals directly on the scalp can cause skin irritation.
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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.
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Do not rub the ends: Shampoo is only for cleaning the scalp. 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.
Conditioner is meant to lubricate and nourish the outer layer of hair, but its misuse accelerates hair fall.
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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.
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Never apply on scalp: Always apply the conditioner starting from 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.
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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.
Cruelty to wet hair causes the most damage to hair health.
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Do not rub vigorously with the towel: Stop shaking or rubbing your 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).
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Do not comb wet hair: Do not comb until the hair is 70-80% dry naturally.
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Correct use of blow dryer: If using a dryer is necessary, apply a heat protectant serum first and dry from a distance of at least 6 inches with the dryer on ‘cool’ or ‘medium’ mode.
It completely depends on your scalp type:
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Oily Scalp: If the scalp becomes sticky in a single day, wash with a mild sulphate-free shampoo 3 times a week.
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Dry and frizzy hair: Washing hair only twice a week is enough, so that the natural oils are protected.
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Normal Scalp: Washing hair 2 to 3 times a week is considered ideal.