There are certain things we just automatically presume we know how to do (such as brushing our teeth, combing our hair and taking a bath,) but have you ever wondered if your age old method is actually the best? Washing and conditioning our hair seems to be the simplest part of our routine and hard to get wrong, but you could be making some mistakes in the shower that have an impact on how your hair feels and looks when it's dried. Lathering up and slapping on a hair mask may keep your locks looking half decent, but refining your routine can really make a difference. So, do you really know how to wash and condition your hair?
To make it super simple and easy to identify where you could be going wrong, I've broken the process down into little chunks. Here is my guide on how to get the perfect wash:
1. Distribute a 50p sized amount of shampoo through your thoroughly wet hair, ensuring you focus the product on the roots. It's a common misocnception to focus attention on 'greasy' roots, but the largest amount of dirt and product will actually build up on the ends and mid-lengths of hair.
2. Apply your shampoo in the direction of hair growth, smoothing it down the hair to smooth the cuticles. Don't just chuck it onto your crown, especially if you have long hair.
3. Lather the shampoo without using circular or scrunching motions, which causes the hair to tangle. Not only will you cause knots in your hair, but it can damage the cuticle and create a rough surface which stops your hair from catching the light; put simply, your hair won't be shiny.
4. Rinse well using luke warm water (excessive heat will have the same negative impact as using heated styling tools,) washing away the shampoo by combing your hair from root to tip with your hands.
5. Repeat again to ensure you get rid of all dirt and build up, avoiding being too rough with motions that could potentially irritate the scalp or stimulate grease production.
6. Add a touch of conditioner by squirting it first into the palm of your hand, distributing it thoroughly throughout the length in smoothing motions to the tip. Avoid applying conditioner to the roots, as this can cause hair to look lank and greasy.
7. Leave your conditioner on for at least two minutes (longer if possible,) allowing the nutrients to penetrate into the hair and condition from within. The longer you leave it on, the better the result.
8. Wash away your conditioner using luke warm water and the same motion you used to wash away the shampoo. Comb hair through to ensure there is no product remaining, and that there are no tangles present.
Who knew you needed an eight step guide to wash your hair! Will you be refining your technique or giving some of my tips a go? Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
To make it super simple and easy to identify where you could be going wrong, I've broken the process down into little chunks. Here is my guide on how to get the perfect wash:
1. Distribute a 50p sized amount of shampoo through your thoroughly wet hair, ensuring you focus the product on the roots. It's a common misocnception to focus attention on 'greasy' roots, but the largest amount of dirt and product will actually build up on the ends and mid-lengths of hair.
2. Apply your shampoo in the direction of hair growth, smoothing it down the hair to smooth the cuticles. Don't just chuck it onto your crown, especially if you have long hair.
3. Lather the shampoo without using circular or scrunching motions, which causes the hair to tangle. Not only will you cause knots in your hair, but it can damage the cuticle and create a rough surface which stops your hair from catching the light; put simply, your hair won't be shiny.
4. Rinse well using luke warm water (excessive heat will have the same negative impact as using heated styling tools,) washing away the shampoo by combing your hair from root to tip with your hands.
5. Repeat again to ensure you get rid of all dirt and build up, avoiding being too rough with motions that could potentially irritate the scalp or stimulate grease production.
6. Add a touch of conditioner by squirting it first into the palm of your hand, distributing it thoroughly throughout the length in smoothing motions to the tip. Avoid applying conditioner to the roots, as this can cause hair to look lank and greasy.
7. Leave your conditioner on for at least two minutes (longer if possible,) allowing the nutrients to penetrate into the hair and condition from within. The longer you leave it on, the better the result.
8. Wash away your conditioner using luke warm water and the same motion you used to wash away the shampoo. Comb hair through to ensure there is no product remaining, and that there are no tangles present.
Who knew you needed an eight step guide to wash your hair! Will you be refining your technique or giving some of my tips a go? Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
