You’re Washing Your Hair All Wrong

Ever have one of those days where you swear your hair is clean, but a few hours later the underneath side feels waxy or dirty? This is typically the result of a rushed wash, but it can happen during normal washes as well – causing build up and added weight to your strands. We’ve been taught that applying shampoo to the top of our head and then lathering up will leave our hair squeaky clean, but this method alone rarely does the trick. Improper washing leaves impurities behind and causes blemishes along the hairline.

A proper wash can only be compared to that of a salon wash. Sure, no home wash will ever be as enjoyable as the salon experience (hello, head massages), but you can do as good of a job if you cleanse the scalp AND focus on the hair behind your ears and along the nape of your neck. Here’s 4 steps to the best shampoo imaginable.

1. After fully wetting your hair, use a dime sized amount of shampoo to lather the underneath side of your hair first. Make sure to run your fingers through your locks and really scrub. If you have nails, gently use them to massage the shampoo into your hair from the nape of your neck up the back of your head.
2. Apply a small amount of shampoo to the crown of your head and lather as you typically would. Do not bunch all of your hair on top of your head and scrub (your ends rarely need shampooing and your scalp will not get the attention it deserves). Rub your fingers through all areas of your head, then use some of those suds on the next step of your wash.
3. Starting right above your ears at your hairline, move your fingers through your hair in a circular motion back and then down behind your ears. Repeat this motion multiple times and get ready to rinse.
4. Similar to how you washed your locks, break your rinse up into sections. Rinse the top of your hair with warm (not hot!) water first, then try to separate chunks of your hair and let water flow through these sections with the help of your hand. Don’t rely on the water overhead to wash away all product – turn your head from side to side and scrub the hair behind your ears. Lift your hair up and run water along your neck. Then rinse all over one more time so no residue remains. Now you’re ready to condition!

It should also be mentioned that depending on your product you may have very little lather or bubbles, but that doesn’t mean your shampoo isn’t working. Some products just aren’t meant to suds! Preserve the health of your hair after washing with these tips for brushing wet hair and towel drying.

Do you have any tricks for getting the best wash? I’d love to hear them below.

<3 Mish

Photo: Hautefrugalista