Dry Hair, Smelly Hair or Frizzy Hair? 10 Tips to Hair Saving Hair Washing...

You do it nearly every day or every week, maybe longer, but surprisingly: you might not really know how to wash your hair the right way. Proper techniques like squeezing versus ruffling or conditioning first versus shampooing are some gentle hair handling techniques that can make a world of difference in your hair’s health, vitality and vibrancy. So many women and men alike make mistakes causing more severe split ends, frizz and brittleness.

Here are 10 Tips to give your hair the proper washing it deserves!

1. Wet/Rinse your hair first.-Thoroughly wetting your hair before you add your shampoo allows the water to expand the hair and break up any product allowing the shampoo or conditioner to grasp the hair and spread. Using hot water to do this will cause a physical change to the hair, opening the hair cuticle, and any dirt or product trapped in the hair cuticle can be washed away. Warm water rinses also loosen old oils that are on the scalp and can open the scalp and hair cuticles so it is able to absorb the moisture and oils in your conditioner.

2. Condition First - If you have very course, thick and/or long hair, condition first! Start by conditioning down the entire hair shaft from root to ends. FYI-If you have a large amount of hairspray or teasing, conditioner will help detangle and break down the product. If your hair is fine and long, the older ends of the hair are most likely lacking the same moisture as the roots and need this condition first method to promote moisture and protection against tangles while lathering. Condition just the ends of the hair if your hair is extremely fine or lacks volume, the root will produce its own oils within hours for sure.

3. Lathering up - Because the ends of the hair are the oldest and are inherently the driest, start with shampooing your hair from the roots first. FYI-If possible, part your hair in two sections to avoid misusing shampoo that doesn't get to the scalp first.

4. No Friction Zone!-A healthy hair cuticle flows in a downward direction.  By rigorously washing the hair in multiple directions that friction can permanently damage your hair’s cuticle, leading to breakage and frizz. Try washing your hair in downward strokes from roots to ends.

5. Once and Done!?-Unless you have excess debris, oils or product in tour hair, thoroughly washing and conditioning your hair once should be sufficient.  Avoid stripping your hairs natural moisture, especially the older hairs' moisture, by exposing it to two lathers. You will know if your hair needs another shampoo if the hair doesn't lather up after the first shampoo. Rinse with warm water.

6. Final Conditioning

After you rinse your shampoo out with warm water, gently squeeze some excess water from your hair. Remember to gently squeeze, being careful not to twist or pull too hard on fine or damaged hair. For course or thick hair, apply your conditioner from the root to the ends, starting at the ends. FYI- Combing the conditioner through the hair with a large tooth comb will do wonders for styling and distributing the product. If possible allow your conditioner to stay on your hair for a few minutes. The longer you allow the conditioner to stay on the hair, the better the cuticle absorbs. Again for fine hair, avoid putting conditioner at the roots of your hair; that young hair will produce its own oils.

7. Close the cuticle.

It may be a little cold but rinsing your conditioner out with cold water will not only remove the excess conditioner but seal in the cuticle along with its new found moisture. Cold water will cause the hair cuticle will close tightly and create a smooth shiny outer core.

8. Choose the proper product…

This is something that should be first and obvious but you have to choose a shampoo and conditioner that’s made for your hair type and needs. Sometimes you need to use more than one kind at a time or switch product at alternating washes.  If your hair is dry, look for moisturizing products that contain argan or coconut oil. If you color your hair, look for color-safe or preserving products. If you have fine hair, a volumizing shampoo will pump up the volume but be careful as they tend to leave hair drier. If you have course or damaged hair make sure you are using either moisturizing products and/or products with keratin/protein to strengthen the hair. FYI Despite what commercials may tell you, you CANNOT repair damaged or split ends. The only way to correct them is to cut them.

 9. When do I wash my hair?-Some people wash their hair too often while others wash not nearly enough. There is not one general rule as to when you should wash your hair. How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type and texture. Oily or fine hair textures are usually the hair types that need to shampooed daily. Thick hair types can wash every 2 or 3 days, with the exception of coarser hair textures that can wash every week or two. Be careful of product buildup, especially drying product like gels and hair sprays. Waiting too long to wash your hair while using a more than generous amount on a daily basis can cause smothering and it definitely can get a little smelly. Keep in mind all these instances are varied by the amount or product is in the hair as well as scalp issues or adding masks and advanced hair treatments into the regiment.

10. Do the twist-When many of us were growing up our parents probably developed the hair drying method of rigorously rubbing the towel over our head just to keep up with us before we ran! Take your time and take care of that cuticle. Rubbing the towel in multiple directions you are causing breakage, frizz and disrupting that cuticle. Instead, lightly wrap, twist, pat and squeeze the water from your hair. Whether you blow-dry or air dry, you’ll see much more shine and less frizz.

Hope these 10 tips lead you to healthier, shiny, frizz free hair! For more on hair, makeup or style visit www.justbeautifulinc.com

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BE BEAUTIFUL!