Keeping hair clean seems like a no-brainer. Simply shampoo, condition, brush and go, right? Not quite. When it comes to washing your hair, using the wrong products, or not taking the time to wash and condition your hair correctly, can result in some annoying hair and scalp issues.
With that in mind, we asked Pantene Ambassador and owner of Edwards & Co in Sydney, Remington Schulz, for his professional advice.
These are the six mistakes every body makes when washing their hair, according to an expert.
Mistakes #1 Shampooing daily, with the same shampoo
“Hair does not need to be washed every day. In fact, every second or third day is enough for most women. How often you personally use shampoo depends on your hair, where you live and your lifestyle, including whether you work out daily. If in doubt, talk to your hairdresser. Shampooing too frequently dries your hair, fades colour and strips your scalp of natural oils, which triggers the production of more oil.”
“Switching shampoos is smart because it helps to prevent a build-up of ingredients such as silicones. Replace your shampoo every couple of months with an alternative suited your hair. If you apply styling products and live in the city, use a clarifying shampoo once a month to keep your hair free of product residue and pollutants.”
Mistake #2 Rubbing your hair against your scalp
“Massaging your scalp while working the shampoo through your hair is a good idea, but not if you cause friction in the process. To avoid causing damage to your hair, massage your scalp with your fingertips rather than your fingernails and aim to gently move your scalp over your skull, doing one area at a time.”
Mistake #3 Only applying conditioner to the ends
“Once you’ve washed away dirt, products, pollutants and oil from your hair, it needs to be re-nourished and protected with conditioner. By only applying it to the ends of your hair, you increase the chances of having frizz and dullness at the roots. Work conditioner through your hair from the roots to the ends.”
Mistake #4 Applying shampoo to partially wet hair
“By the time you wash your hair, it usually has varying amounts of dirt, pollutants and styling products in it, as well as natural oil. A quick water rinse before shampooing maximises the results and helps the shampoo lather better, which stops you from using more than you need too.”
Mistake #5 Only shampooing once
“If you have short hair and wash it daily, by all means stick to a single shampoo. But if you use styling products and only wash your hair every second or third day, a second shampoo is necessary to completely rinse your hair and leave it clean and glossy.”
Mistake #6 Using hot water to wash your hair
“Hot water might feel good but it’s not good for your skin or your hair. Turn down the heat and use lukewarm instead. It won’t dry your scalp or hair and colour will last longer.”
You might also like:
5 signs that you are washing your hair too often
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