What Is The Proper Way To Shampoo?

Shampooing is a very important part of your hair routine to keep it not only looking beautiful but feeling and looking healthy. In this blog I will explain how to properly wash your hair and the best tips to keep it healthy and shiny. We will go over how to choose the right products, preparing your hair, proper shampoo application, massaging the scalp, proper rinsing, and how to condition the hair. 

Choosing the best products for your hair. 

It is very important to choose shampoo and conditioner that will help you achieve results for your hair goals. Everyone is unique and has their own needs and wants for their hair. This is why it is important to have a professional hair stylist give you the best recommendations that are tailored to your hair type and needs. As a professional hairdresser I thrive educate my guests on what products are best for their hair type. Here is a list of what to look for when shopping for shampoo.
 
Colored hair - If your hair is color treated, find a sulfate free shampoo that will help preserve color. Usually, many professional lines are all color safe and some also sulfate free. However, anyone with red or vivid hair color needs a shampoo made to specifically preserve color and lock it in longer. My personal recommendation for most hair types is Joico K-Pak Color Therapy.

Oily hair- If your hair has excess oils, try to find a shampoo that will help rid of those excess oils and are not too heavy on the hair. Usually anything volumizing will help the hair from looking flat and dull. My personal favorite for oily hair is the Verb Ghost shampoo and conditioner.

Damaged/Brittle hair- Hair can become damaged and dry from overprocessing, too much heat styling, or with environmental stressors. I personally love the Alterna Anti Aging Bond Repair shampoo and conditioner for hair missing vital protein (do not overuse to avoid protein overload).  The Amika Soulfood mask is great for missing moisture and the K18 mask for overprocessed and damaged hair consisting of polypeptides to bond the hair from the inside out. I would consult with myself or another fellow stylist for recommendations as every damage is different and calls for separate needs. 

Scalp Issues/Psoriasis- Whether it is a dry scalp or a scalp condition it is good to seek a dermatologist to confirm whether you have dandruff, a flaky scalp, or other scalp conditions. There are shampoos that address scalp issues, but for certain conditions a medicated shampoo is prescribed. Often times I recommend tea tree based or charcoal-based products to give a cooling feeling to the scalp for nourishment and a "clean feeling."  Paul Mitchell has an amazing scalp line called Tea Tree. 

Preparing your hair

Brush your hair! Brushing your hair before showering will help prevent creating more tangles with shampooing. It will help you better apply the products into your strands and easier to massage the scalp. After brushing and stepping into the shower, wet your hair with warm or cooler water. Try to avoid using very hot water as it strips your natural oils more and could lead to future damage. 

Massaging your scalp 

Massaging your scalp while applying the shampoo can help to stimulate blood flow and promote healthy hair growth. Use your fingertips to massage your scalp in circular motions for about two-five minutes. This will help to remove any dirt and debris from the scalp and ensure that the shampoo is evenly distributed throughout your hair. For hair to last longer between washes, started with a clarifier before your shampoo will remove buildup, or simply shampoo twice with your daily shampoo. 

Rinsing product

Once you have massaged your scalp and applied the shampoo, it is time to rinse out the shampoo. Use lukewarm water to rinse out the shampoo until all of the lather has been removed from your hair. Be sure to rinse thoroughly as any remaining shampoo can cause irritation and damage to your scalp.

Conditioning

After you have rinsed out the shampoo, it is important to condition your hair. Conditioner helps to restore moisture and nourish the hair strands. Apply a small amount of conditioner to the ends of your hair if your hair is fine and massage it into the strands. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes before rinsing it out with lukewarm water.

Following all these steps will give you the best hair care routine to help prepare for your best hair week. Not only will proper shampooing keep your hair clean and healthy, but it will make it easier to style your hair and have it looking voluminous and full of body! In the next blog I will be giving the best tips to achieve a good voluminous blowout and any style to follow.