Washing hair sounds like a regular, mundane chore that require little-to-no technique. So, it may come as a surprise to know that most people actually do not wash their hair the correct way, leading to several scalp and hair problems like dandruff, itchiness, dryness, oiliness and break outs. Here are the tips that can help you understand where you’re going wrong ( if indeed you are) and set you up on the road to healthier scalp and hair.

Tip 1: Completely soak your hair with water
Rinse your hair for all of a minute to get it properly soaked. Use medium-cold water or lukewarm water for cleaning. While cold water is ideal, not many find it comfortable. Avoid hot water as it will steal away all the moisture and natural oils from your hair, leaving it look dry and frizzy.

Tip 2: Use a small amount of shampoo and massage properly
Take a small amount of shampoo (quarter-sized blob for thick and long hair and penny-sized one for fine and short hair) on to your palms, spread well and massage into your scalp, working up the lather. A small amount of shampoo will spread evenly all over your scalp and lather generously – cleaning up your scalp and hair better.

Use your fingertips (no nails!) to gently massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair. Slowly work your way down to the tip of your hair. Do not pile up hair on top of your head as it could create bad tangles and lead to hair breakage while combing later. Ensure that you spread the shampoo well everywhere on the scalp and all along the length of your hair.

Tip 3: Rinse off the shampoo thoroughly
Rinse your hair till the time the water in the drain runs clear, with no bubbles anymore. If you let some bit of shampoo remain in your scalp / hair, it could create a greasy film. In fact, if you feel that your hair needs more cleaning, shampoo again. Rinse your hair completely.

Tip 4: Untangle hair before applying conditioner
While this is not a must-do, it will help the conditioner spread better all over the hair. Use a wide-toothed flat comb or your fingers to undo the tangles.

Tip 5: Avoid Applying Conditioner to the hair roots
It is recommended that you apply the conditioner on your hair leaving a couple of inches free from the scalp. This will prevent your hair from becoming greasy. Leave the conditioner on for about two to three minutes. Also, once in a week or so you can condition your scalp as well.

Tip 6: Apply a small amount of conditioner, leave it on for a few minutes
While applying the conditioner, make sure you avoid massaging it on the scalp and the roots. Putting conditioner on the scalp and roots is not good for the hair, as it makes it greasy. Also, some hair expert say that the chemicals in conditioner can harm your hair if massaged on the scalp. So, be careful to avoid this.Tip

Tip 7: Rinse off the conditioner completely
Rinse off the conditioner thoroughly, till the water running down the drain looks all clear of suds.

Tip 8: Seal off with an icy-cold rinse
A cold water rinse at the end of your hair wash will close your scalp and hair pores with several advantages – it will keep the moisture and oils locked in which is good for your hair health; by preventing oils from oozing out, it will prevent your hair from getting greasy; and finally it will close your hair pores, making it look shinier when dry.

Tip 9: Dry your hair gently
Firstly, only lightly pat your hair dry with the towel (no vigorous rubbing). You can also wrap the towel around your head to absorb extra moisture. Stay clear of heating or drying tools as they are very harmful. Air drying is the best way to let your hair dry.

Some Other Helpful Suggestions:

● Make sure your shampoo and conditioner suit your hair. Everyone’s hair is different and there’s nothing like ‘one shampoo fits all’.
● Brushing your hair before a wash will make it easier for scalp dirt to loosen and for the shampoo to penetrate better.
● Massage your shampoo well into the scalp as it is good for scalp health. Use enough quantity as per hair thickness and length. For greasy hair, shampoo twice before applying conditioner.

Cold water is preferred for hair wash; however, make sure you adjust the temperature so that you can withstand it.
● Do not scratch your scalp as you clean it as that can scrape off scalp skin and hurt you. It can result in dandruff as well.
● Never brush your hair while it is still wet. If your hair gets knotted up easily, use a wide-toothed comb to ease off the tangles ever so gently. Smoothening products (that are applied on wet hair) will also help you untangle your hair while it’s still wet.
● Never wring your hair until it is completely dry. Wet hair is prone to breakage and wringing can tear it.
● It is ideally advised to avoid washing your hair every day, as it could lead to dryness and frizzy hair. Having said that don’t wait for your hair to get too greasy. On an average, one should go for a hair wash once in every two to three days.
● If you feel your hair getting oily, wash immediately. Oily hair can clog up the pores on your forehead and the rest of your face too – leading to break outs and pimples.
● One last basic tip – close your eyes when rinsing off shampoo. Do not allow shampoo to get into your eyes and if by chance you do, rinse it off under the shower by gently rubbing your lids from top to bottom.

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