Washing your hair is probably not something you’ve given much thought to over the years.

Sure, you may have done a bit of research when selecting your shampoo and conditioner. But you possibly didn’t spend a lot of time worrying about whether or not you were washing your hair correctly.

Is there a proper way to wash one’s hair?

There’s more to it than getting wet your hair, soaping with shampoo, rinsing, and trying to repeat with conditioner if you want the best results.

“Using proper hair washing techniques ensures that you don’t damage your hair and follicles,” says professional hairstylist Monica Davis. It will also ensure that you do not damage the skin on your scalp.

That’s why, if you truly want to do what’s best for your scalp and hair, there are a few things you should keep in mind. But don’t worry, we’re here to assist you.

Consider the products you use carefully

In other words, don’t choose your products solely based on how they smell.

Pick the right shampoo for your hair type

If you don’t choose the right shampoo, you might end up doing more harm than good to your hair.

• If you have fine hair (i.e., you can’t see or feel a single hair between your fingertips), use a gentle clarifying shampoo.
• If you have thick or coarse hair, look for a product that is moisturizing.
• If you have coloured hair, look for a color-safe shampoo that will not strip your hair dye every time you wash it.
• To avoid yellow tones in bleached hair, look for a clarifying shampoo.

You don’t know what kind of hair you have, do you? You can always seek advice from your stylist.

Here’s a simple tip that can help: Roll a single strand of your hair between your thumb and index finger. You have fine hair if you can barely see or feel it.

No matter what type of hair you have, you should avoid shampoos that contain sulfates and silicones. While these ingredients may help your shampoo foam up and leave your hair feeling clean trusted Sources, can eventually dry it out. These ingredients deplete your hair’s natural oils, making it prone to breakage and dullness.

This is especially true if you have fine hair, dry hair, or frizzy hair.

Some people, particularly those with sensitive skin, may experience skin irritation as a result of sulfates. As a result, people with rosacea, eczema, or contact dermatitis should avoid sulfate-containing shampoos.

Find moisturizing conditioners and other optional items

Look for moisturizing conditioners to keep your hair’s ends from splitting or drying out.

You should also get a post-wash protectant, especially if you have frizzy hair, and a detangling product if your hair is prone to tangling.

You’ll also need a high-quality hairbrush that won’t break your hair while brushing.

You should not wash your hair every day

If you wash your hair every day, you will strip it of its natural oils. In the long run, this can cause your hair to become dry and damaged.

However, the optimal amount of time to wash your hair varies slightly depending on the type of hair you have.

Oily hair may need to be washed every 2 to 3 days, whereas dry hair may only need to be washed once or twice a week.

In any case, allowing your hair to go a few days between washes allows your hair’s natural oils to do their thing and keep your hair healthy.

So, what are the proper hair washing methods to follow?

1. Wet your hair thoroughly

Don’t start applying shampoo right away. Allow your hair to become completely wet instead.

This may take longer than you think depending on how thick or dense your hair is. Allow the water to run over your head for at least 1 minute, then run your fingers through your hair to ensure that it is completely wet (including the ends).

Allowing your hair to become completely wet with lukewarm water opens the cuticles, making it easier for your hair to absorb conditioner later.

2. Apply your shampoo

You should also use an adequate amount of shampoo for your hair length — not too much (you might not get it all out) and not too little (your hair might not get a thorough cleanse).

If you have short hair, use a dollop of shampoo the size of a nickel. Think quarter-sized for shoulder-length hair. If you have long hair, you should squeeze enough shampoo to cover your palm.

Mix the shampoo with a little water in the palm of your hand before applying it to your hair. “ This reduces the direct impact of the shampoo on your scalp while also reducing product consumption.

Then, make sure to cover your entire scalp and crown with shampoo. On the tips of your hair, you don’t need much (if any) shampoo.

3. Go easy on your scalp

It’s tempting to dig in with your nails to “loosen” buildup on your scalp, but this is a terrible idea.

“Our scalps are extremely sensitive to abrasive washing. You should never scrub with your nails, as this may cause severe irritation — or even allow infections to enter.”

Instead, spend 3 minutes massaging your scalp with gentle pressure and no nails. Aim for the same level of pressure that a stylist would use when washing your hair and massaging your scalp.

While massaging the shampoo into your scalp, Davis recommends “avoiding circular or harsh back and forth movements.” “To avoid tangling and damaging the follicles, move your fingers and palms gently.”

4. Rinse thoroughly

Rinse your hair for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure that no soap remains. One of the most common mistakes people make is leaving shampoo in their hair, which leads to scalp buildup.

If you have dry hair, you should try rinsing it with cold water to keep it stronger and healthier. Coldwater does not dry out your hair’s sebum layer, which is a naturally lubed barrier that protects and strengthens it.

5. Apply conditioner

You shouldn’t use conditioner on your scalp because it will make it oily. Instead, work the conditioner through your hair from the mid-shaft to the ends.

Then, allow it to sit for the recommended amount of time (usually found on the bottle). Some conditioners require 2 to 3 minutes of sitting time, while others require 5 to 7 minutes. Allowing it to sit for this length of time will soften and smooth your hair, making it shinier once dry.

However, if you leave your conditioner in for too long, it may become difficult to remove and may leave residue behind.

While the conditioner is soaking in, detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb if desired.

6. Dry

Towel dry your hair after you get out of the shower. Instead of rubbing your hair, squeeze or pat it dry.

If possible, dry your hair with a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt. The rougher the material fiber, the more damage to your hair it may cause.

After towel drying, you can apply a detangler or a hair protectant if desired.