Have you ever discovered a game-changing way to do something you’ve been doing your entire adult life — like putting on a duvet cover or loading the dishwasher?
Have you ever discovered a game-changing way to do something you’ve been doing your entire adult life — like putting on a duvet cover or loading the dishwasher? Get ready, because there might be a better way to wash your hair and shampoo properly.
Consider this your guide on how to wash hair.
We’ll cover the best way to wash your hair and what to avoid when it comes to getting it clean. We’ll also answer FAQs about hair washing (including how often you should really be doing it).
Read on for more information on how to wash your hair properly.
Wondering how to wash hair correctly? Below, find step-by-step instructions for how to properly shampoo your hair for the best results.
The secret to the best hair washing starts before you step foot in the shower. If you have longer hair or hair that gets knotted easily, take a few minutes to detangle it with a wide-tooth comb while it’s still dry.
Then, choose a water temperature that’s comfortable but not too hot, as overly hot water can be damaging to hair.
Make sure your hair is totally wet before adding shampoo. Wet hair helps shampoo properly lather and clean your hair and scalp.
If you have short or fine hair, this step is pretty straightforward. But longer, thicker hair may need to be divided into two sections to ensure it’s thoroughly wet.
Depending on how long and thick your hair is, dispense anywhere from a dime to a nickel-sized dollop of shampoo into your hands, then lather it into the roots of your hair.
You generally don’t need to apply shampoo to the ends of your hair, as the product from the root will make its way down the hair shaft to the ends.
It’s easy to make the mistake of massaging your hair instead of your scalp. With that said, make sure your fingers (or a scalp-massager tool) are reaching through your hair and working your scalp in circular motions.
All that pressure is great for loosening up debris and dead skin cells so they can wash away — but if you’re too rough, it could lead to frizz. Bonus: Some research shows that scalp massage can help increase hair’s thickness.
You know how when you go to the hairdresser or barber, you usually leave with hair that feels squeaky clean? That’s because they spend lots of time thoroughly rinsing shampoo and other treatments from your hair.
Rinse thoroughly for at least a minute or two minutes, making sure to get all angles of your hair, including the back and nape of your neck.
If your hair is particularly oily or has significant product buildup or dry shampoo residue, you might want to shampoo and rinse twice. (Wash, rinse, repeat). This sets the stage for your conditioner to work its best.
Many men skip conditioner, but it’s a vital step that keeps hair flexible, healthy, shiny, and free of tangles.
After rinsing out the shampoo, rake a small amount of conditioner from mid-length to the ends of your hair, then allow it to sit for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing. If you can stand it, rinsing with cool or cold water helps seal the hair’s cuticle, making it look extra shiny.
Avoid applying conditioner to your roots (conditioner on the scalp can make hair look oily or weigh it down).
Then you can towel-dry or blow-dry your hair — or gently comb it and allow it to air-dry.
Looking for hair-washing hacks? We’ve got you covered with best practices:
Pick the right shampoo for your hair. A common mistake in hair washing is using hair care products that aren’t quite right for your hair. For example, if you have very thin hair, a hydrating shampoo can be too heavy, leaving it feeling weighed down or greasy. If you have thick or very curly hair, a volumizing or thickening conditioner may amp up the fullness more than you’d like.
Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Sulfate-free shampoo is ideal for people with dry, damaged, curly, or color-treated hair, as it helps retain moisture and protect against fading. It’s also an excellent choice for those with sensitive scalps, as sulfates (strong cleansing agents) can cause irritation.
Learn your water type. This one’s a little tricky, but knowing whether you have hard or soft water can benefit your overall hair-washing routine.
Soft water, with fewer minerals, is generally better for hair. The magnesium and calcium in hard water accumulate in your hair, leaving it brittle, stiff, and prone to breakage. Getting a filter or showerhead for soft water might be worth the effort.
Use lukewarm water. Everyone loves a hot shower, but excessively hot water may do more damage than good to hair. Avoid showering in very hot water, as it can strip natural oils and cause dryness. Finish with a cold rinse to seal the cuticle and boost shine.
Now you know how to properly shampoo hair. But some habits may be sabotaging your hair washing.
Here’s what to avoid for the best hair washing possible:
Overwashing or under-washing. Overwashing can lead to excess oil production or dryness, whereas not lathering up enough could make your hair appear greasy and limp.
Using excessive hair styling products. A dime-sized amount of shampoo is enough for most hair lengths. Lather at the scalp, as this is where buildup occurs.
Neglecting the scalp. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Take time to scrub and massage your scalp, and consider using a scalp exfoliant to loosen debris, dead skin, and product buildup.
Rinsing with too-hot water. As noted, using hot water in the shower can lead to dry hair and brittle strands over time.
Shampooing the ends. Wondering how to wash long hair properly? For starters, avoid applying shampoo directly to the lengths of your strands, which can be overly drying.
Overdoing dry shampoo. While dry shampoo can be a lifesaver for absorbing oil (especially if you’re trying to extend the time you can go between washes), overusing it can lead to clogged hair follicles, buildup on the scalp, dandruff, and even scalp irritation. Use it sparingly, and always wash your hair thoroughly to remove any residue.
The majority of people don’t need to wash their hair every day — but it’s totally fine to. If you exercise daily or have a job that makes you sweat, you might want to lather up daily, but for most people, washing every other day or every few days is plenty.
In fact, if you have an oily scalp or notice your hair feels greasy every day, it’s possible you’re washing too much. When hair is stripped of its natural oils, it can actually overcompensate by creating more oil, leading to hair that feels greasy. A clarifying shampoo can be a good option when you’re going one or more days without washing.
If you’re not sure how often to wash your hair, check in with your hairdresser or barber. They can give you personalized tips based on your hair type.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about how to wash hair correctly below.
As mentioned, most people don’t need to shampoo daily, though it won’t cause excessive damage if you wash your hair every day. You may find that your hair gets greasy faster with daily washing (or even multiple times a day). In that case, you might want to cut down.
You may have heard about the recent trend of washing hair with just water (no shampoo). While this could potentially work for some, water alone doesn’t break down natural oils and product residues — and it could leave hair feeling greasy or smelling less-than-fresh.
It’s no problem if you skip conditioner every once in a while — or if you have very short hair, under an inch or so. But skipping conditioner regularly can lead to dry, brittle, and unmanageable hair over time.
A nourishing conditioner helps replenish the moisture lost during washing, detangles strands, reduces frizz, and protects hair cuticles against damage. If your hair is very fine or gets weighed down easily, opt for a lightweight conditioner and use just a small amount.
Co-washing is washing your hair with conditioner only. Most conditioners contain small amounts of detergents that can help clean hair, though not in the way shampoo does.
To learn more about co-washing and other hair-washing practices, check out our guide to shampoo versus conditioner.
Shampooing is a critical part of any hair care routine. Here’s what to remember when it comes to proper hair washing and the best way to wash your hair:
Healthy hair starts with proper care. Washing your hair correctly — focusing on the scalp, using lukewarm or cool water, choosing the right shampoo for your hair type, and conditioning the ends — can make a big difference in hair health.
Balance is key. Overwashing can strip natural oils, while under-washing may lead to buildup. Find a routine that suits your hair type and lifestyle, depending on how often your hair gets greasy.
The right products matter. Choosing shampoos and conditioners tailored to your hair type and understanding factors like water quality can help ensure your hair looks and stays clean.
To learn more about how to best care for your hair, check out our men’s haircare tips and guide to dermatologist-recommended hair growth products.
Dealing with hair loss? Take our free hair loss assessment to start exploring treatments.
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