Washing your hair isn’t something that most people put too much active thought into. After all, the instructions are right there on the bottle, aren’t they? Lather, rinse, repeat.
Not quite.
If you wash your hair using just any old product off the shelf, and it’s not suited to your hair type or lifestyle, you might wind up doing more harm to your locks than good. Pick the Right Shampoo
Pick the Right Shampoo
Picking the right shampoo for your hair type is vital.
For fine hair – Use a gentle clarifying shampoo, not something that is designed for thick hair.
For thick hair – Use a moisturizing shampoo to keep your hair silky and soft.
For color-treated hair – Use a color-protecting shampoo that won’t accelerate fading.
For bleached hair – Use a clarifying shampoo specially designed to prevent yellow tones.
Natural Products May Be Better
Natural products may work better for your hair than commercial products. They’re an excellent option if you suffer from a sensitive scalp or have issues with dandruff.
Use Conditioner!
And no, this does not mean a so-called “2 in 1” formulation. When you wash your hair, you aren’t only stripping it of dirt and debris – you’re also stripping it of valuable moisture that contributes to its overall health and strength. When you don’t use conditioner, you leave your hair excessively dried out and prone to frizz and breakage. Conditioner helps to replace these natural oils stripped out by the harsh detergent of the shampoo and keeps your hair happy and healthy.
Wash Less
You do not need to wash your hair every day. When you wash every day, you contribute to the “greasy” appearance. Why? Because when you excessively strip the natural oils from your scalp, your body naturally responds by overproducing them – making your hair look dirtier than if you hadn’t bothered to wash it at all. Those with naturally very oily hair may only need to wash it once every two to three days, while those with drier hair may be able to get away with once or twice a week. It depends on your hair type. When in doubt, ask your stylist for their recommendation.
Dry Carefully
Finally, don’t rub your hair dry with a towel! This damages the cuticle and leads to frizz and split ends. You should gently pat your hair dry and squeeze out any excess moisture. Ideally, you should allow your hair to air dry wherever possible.
At HairLab Chicago, we can help solve hair issues for any type or texture. Contact us today to find out how we can help!
