Don’t Make These 7 Hair Washing Mistakes
Washing our hair—it’s something most of us have done for eons and is seemingly self explanatory. Our hair becomes dirty, so we shampoo and condition it. But, what if some of our hair washing techniques are creating more damage than benefits? Because our hair is most susceptible to breakage when it’s wet, a lot of common behaviors exacerbate this. So, even with the best of intentions, we may be making crucial mistakes while sudsing our strands. When it comes to washing our hair, there’s so much more to it than just lather, rinse, repeat. Ahead, we examine the top 7 hair washing mistakes—what they’re doing to your hair and why you should stop them ASAP.
Mistake #1 - You’re Washing Too Often
For most people, there is no need to wash hair daily. Washing too often can have a drying effect on our scalp, causing it to overcompensate and produce even more oil. If you have fine, thin or oily hair, it’s best to wash your hair no more than every other day. And if your hair is medium, thick, or normal, aim for washing approximately twice a week.
To help you do this, invest in a quality shower cap that will keep your hair dry and your style intact. Another great option is applying dry shampoo on the days between washes to keep your strands looking, feeling, and smelling clean!
Mistake #2 - Not Detangling Before the Shower
Because hair becomes more breakable when wet, it’s best to detangle it prior to your shower. Grab your favorite brush and gently work your way from your ends up to your roots to nix tangles. This instantly makes hair washing a more pleasant and painless experience.
Mistake #3 - Using the Same Shampoo Every Time
Our hair’s needs change periodically, so why use the same shampoo day in and day out? Things like seasons, lifestyle, and hobbies can dictate these needs. In cold, dry winter months, your hair is likely to crave a more moisturizing formula, whereas in summer, it may prefer a lighter, more refreshing one. If you use a lot of styling products or wash your hair infrequently, you may want to reach for a clarifying shampoo, like our Dreamy Purifying Shampoo to give your hair a deep clean 1 - 2 times a month.
Mistake #4 - Your Technique Needs Improvement
Learning the correct way to shampoo your hair can help cut down on damage and also leave you with hair that looks and feels cleaner. Always start by making sure your hair is thoroughly saturated with water to ensure even shampoo application. Next, apply the shampoo directly to your palms and rub them together to create a light lather. Take your lathered palms and work them evenly through your hair, making sure to cover all areas of the hair and scalp. For most people, you'll want to rinse and then repeat the process a second time. Avoid aggressive or circular movements as these can cause tangles and breakage. It may seem tempting, but do not use your fingernails. They can cause microscopic cuts and scratches, which may be painful or even itchy.
Mistake #5 - Skipping Your Scalp
Your scalp needs a little TLC too! Make sure that while shampooing, you focus on this often forgotten area. A gentle massage with the pads of your fingers helps to remove stubborn buildup and promotes circulation, which is essential to healthy hair growth. A helpful reminder might be to keep our Scalp Saveur brush in your shower. This handy palm brush pairs nicely with shampoo or conditioner and its silicone bristles feel delightful on your scalp.
Mistake #6 - Using Too Much Or Too Little Conditioner
Conditioner is a necessity for keeping our hair soft, shiny, and manageable. Use too little and it can be difficult to detangle—use too much and it can make your hair feel dirty or greasy. When it comes to conditioner, most people really only need to apply it to the bottom 2/3 of the hair shaft. If you find you need it at the roots, apply to your ends first and then apply it very lightly at your roots. If you’re having trouble achieving even application, reach for a wide toothed comb to help distribute the conditioner throughout your hair.
Mistake #7 - Not Rinsing Completely
This one is super important. If you don’t rinse out all the shampoo or conditioner, you'll be left with dull, limp, or dirty-feeling hair. In rare cases, some people can develop allergic reactions to products left behind on their scalp. Be sure to avoid rinsing your hair with hot water. Not only does this open up the cuticle to damage and frizz, it can make your color fade even faster. Always rinse your hair with lukewarm water (or cool, if you can stand it) to help smooth down your cuticle and protect your hair color.
We hope these tips are helpful in keeping your hair clean, healthy, and vibrant. Tell us, which of these hair washing mistakes have you made? Did we miss any? Share with us on social: Instagram @langehair and Facebook @getlange, using hashtag #langelocks.
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