Janet J
We all have been washing hair our whole life, so obviously, we know what we are doing! We take shampoo on our head, make a lather, and then wash it off. After that, we use pour some conditioner and wash it off again. Then, ultimately, finish the whole process with a towel to dry our hair. But, few of us know about the hair washing steps that we should follow to cause less damage to the hair.
Hair experts know a typical person’s hair washing regimen, and it makes them irritated. What they want everyone to know is that though hair washing is not a complicated process, there is a right method to clean your hair that will avoid scalp irritation and hair damage- and might even help you to grow your hair. Do you still believe that your hair issues do not have any relation with how you wash your hair? Keep reading to find about common hair washing mistakes most of us make every day.
Hair Washing Mistakes to Avoid
1. Washing hair regularly- You wash your face regularly, so you should wash your hair too, right? No. When we wash our hair every day, its natural protective oils are washed away. When you wash your hair daily, it tells your scalp to produce more oil, which is then counterproductive. Ultimately, you will end up having greasy hair.
The simple rule which you need to follow is, do a hair wash when there is a need. Do not wash it just because you feel. If you sweat a lot after working hard for long, then you must wash it more often, or else not. On days when you are not going to the gym, take a break and avoid shampoo. Just use the conditioner.
Also, remember, weather too plays an important role in how you need to wash your hair. During winter, you can wash your hair less often, but that is not the case during the summer season. When your hair feels extra oily, you must use dry shampoo rather than washing your hair. If you do not have one, you can even use baby powder instead of dry shampoo.
2. Scratching the scalp using nails- After a long day out in sweltering summer, it is quite common to have an itchy scalp. As a result, we literally go mad once we bathe- by scrubbing our scalp with our nails. While this may definitely bring some relief, doing so can harm your skin. It can cause inflammation and flaking, and may even result in scabs and wounds. This in turn causes more itchiness.
So, what should you do in this case? Use your fingertips instead of nails. It is gentle and will cause less harm to the scalp.
3. Using different shampoos- Have you ever noticed any changes in your hair? Do you believe that maybe your hair is now “used to” the shampoo and conditioner you are using right now? Hair does not get used to the formulas used in shampoos, so it’s always better to stick to one shampoo.
What we don’t realize is that the texture of hair changes depending on the weather. Instead of trying different hair care products, you must research and find a product that suits your hair.
4. Not using the conditioner- Conditioner is often misunderstood by many as they believe that a conditioner weighs hair down, making it appear dry and lifeless. This happens if you use the wrong product. Most people pour conditioner on the roots and then spread it to other parts.
According to experts, conditioner can be applied anywhere except the roots. After you apply shampoo, the scalp replenishes its natural oil, but the oil generally stops there-making your ends dry. A conditioner keeps your hair ends moisturized and flexible. It also protects the hair from damage like breakage when you brush it. Experts suggest we should first apply the hair conditioner to the ends first and then slowly spread to the middle.
5. Avoid hair washing in hot water- You may love to take a hot shower bath, but it is harmful to your hair as well as your scalp. It does not just dry your skin and hair, but it also opens the hair cuticles, which lets keratin proteins, color molecules, and moisturizing factors escape, so hair starts losing its strength. Cool water seals the hair cuticles so the hair stays in control and the color also stays like that.
6. You apply shampoo often- This is one of the common hair washing mistakes that most of us do. According to experts, applying shampoo whenever you wash your hair is not required. Washing your hair several times a week is sufficient to remove all the dirt.
The rich lather formed by shampoo takes away all the excessive oil from the hair and scalp. However, oil is important for healthy hair, as it protects the hair from any further damage and keeps it moisturized.
7. Avoid applying conditioner after shampoo- Yes, you read it right! All of us have the habit of applying shampoo first and then conditioner. But, a reverse routine works for some types of hair. Applying conditioner before applying shampoo will give more volume to your hair. This method is great for fine hair that requires moisture but most of the conditioners can wash it away and also make it look oily and greasy.
8. Do not apply shampoo on the same spot- Keep a check on your bathing routine. Do you apply shampoo at the same spot every time? If yes, then, it is one of the biggest hair washing tips you are making.
Generally, most of us pour shampoo on the crown and apply it from there. This irritates the scalp and makes it too dry and flaky.
According to experts, apply shampoo from the neck and then move upwards. Also, do not apply too much shampoo. Start with a little amount of shampoo at a time and then add more, if required.
If you are applying shampoo to the hair roots and then adding some to the rest of your hair, then the ends might get damaged. Often, the roots are the oiliest, and you must apply shampoo to the scalp rather than applying to the ends. The ends are generally drier and washing them with a shampoo will make them appear dry.
9. Applying shampoo to the hair ends- If you are applying shampoo to the roots and then applying some to the rest of your hair then you might damage the ends. The roots are generally the oiliest and you must apply shampoo to the scalp instead of hair ends.
Washing the ends will make your hair dry and will give them a dehydrated look.
10. Do not brush your hair when wet- There is no brush available that would not cause any damage to the hair when used on wet hair. When the hair is wet, it is at its weakest state. Rubbing your hair using a dry towel can damage the hair.
The best way to dry your hair safely is to wash your hair and allow it to dry naturally.
Are you making these hair washing mistakes? Do you have any tips on hair washing? If yes, do share with us.