Now, ladies, it doesn’t matter how much you splurge on those fancy hair products if you’re shampooing all wrong, does it? Yup, you’ve been washing your hair your whole life, but there’s a possibility that you could be doing it all wrong!
Mistake #1 – Your Shower Is A Bit Too Steamy
Who doesn’t love a piping hot shower after a long day, but too-hot water could be causing your hair to look dry and lifeless. Try a lukewarm wash instead. The cooler the water the better it is to help retain moisture and for the overall health of your hair.
Mistake #2 – Shampooing More Than Once
Don’t do the rinse-and-repeat technique every time you wash. A second round of shampoo is a big no-no as it will really strip your hair of moisture and lead to major dryness and roughness. Unless your hair is super-dirty or you have oil in it, shampooing once is more than enough.
Mistake #3 – Using Too Much Product
Don’t be overzealous and use more than a coin-sized amount of shampoo and conditioner. It’s enough, trust us!
Mistake #4 – Shampooing and Conditioning From Root To Tip
Shampoo is meant to cleanse your scalp of dirt, oil and grime, so focus on using it on your scalp and nape and NOT along your strands. It will cleanse the ends while being rinsed out anyway. Conditioner, on the other hand, is meant to moisturize – when added to the scalp instead of the strands, it can lead to greasiness and weighed-down hair. Apply conditioner from the middle to the ends of your strands to repair dry and damaged ends.
Mistake #5 – Scrubbing Too Hard
Avoid vigorous rubbing and scratching while lathering up your shampoo! Wet hair is weak and more prone to breaking, so be gentle. Stroke your scalp from forehead to nape, on the sides and along the hairline rather than rubbing (which can also lead to your scalp getting oily).
Mistake #6 – Not Using A Clarifying Shampoo
It’s essential to use one at least once a month, no matter what your hair type, to get rid of any product build-up, excess oiliness and for a thorough cleanse. We like Paul Mitchell’s Clarifying Shampoo.
Mistake #7 – You Think That Your Shampoo HAS To Lather
Excessive lather is created by many harsh chemicals present in shampoos that are damaging your hair in many ways. Make sure to use sulfate-free shampoos always, especially if your hair is coloured or chemically treated, or it could wreck your pricey procedure – and your mane!
Mistake #8 – Applying Conditioner on Dripping Wet Hair
You’re always supposed to gently wring your strands to get rid of excess water after you rinse out your shampoo. Using conditioner on sopping wet hair will dilute its effects since a lot of it will simply drip off!
Mistake #9 – Rushing Through The Conditioning Step
Apply the conditioner from the middle to the ends and let it sit for a few minutes. Don’t wash it off too soon, or it won’t be effective and you’ll be wasting all that expensive product. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your strands while you have conditioner on, and wash it off after 5 to 7 minutes for softer, nourished strands.
Mistake #10 – Not Finishing With A Cool Rinse
Turn off the hot water and brace yourself for a few seconds for a cold rinse at the end of your shower. This helps seal the cuticles, which will lead to less frizz and shinier strands.
Mistake #11 – Towel Drying
Rubbing your hair with a towel can lead to breakage as well as frizziness thanks to all that friction. It’s better to use an old T-shirt rather than a towel, and to blot your strands instead of rubbing them dry!
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