Frequent Blunders in Hair Washing That Stylists Witness Regularly
Laying Down the Brush on Hair Washing 101: A Guide to Avoiding Common Mistakes
Get ready to ditch the hair care blunders once and for all! The way you wash your mane can make a grave impact on its health and appearance. Everyone's rushed to wash their hair-and it seems like a no-brainer: lather, rinse, repeat. But there are subtleties that could lead to a scalp scandal or a hairstyle hangover. Hair-raisingly common errors like product and water temperature, frequency, and technique can result in dull, unruly, and even lifeless tresses or even hair loss!
We polled top-notch hairstylists to spill the deets on the most frequently overlooked hair washing pitfalls.
- Gina Rivera, seasoned hairstylist
- Kat Thompson, professional hairstylist and Garnier envoy
- Paul Wintner, professional hairstylist and educator for Alterna Haircare
Too Much Dry Shampoo = Stiff Strands & Clogged Follicles
Dry shampoo is a godsend for tackling greasy, second-day hair, but overdoing it can create a problem as unsightly as the one you initially had: buildup. Hair becomes limp, and the follicles are clogged! "Typically, I recommend using dry shampoo a maximum of two times between washes," shares Paul Wintner, professional hairstylist and educator for Alterna Haircare. To extend those interval days before the next wash, he suggests trying Alterna Meltaway No Rinse Micellar Cleanser, a no-rinse cleanser that cleanses hair by using micellar technology to eliminate oil and sweat, permitting easy brushing away.
Damp Strands Don't Get a Deep Cleanse
It's effortless to grow weary in the shower, especially when you love a good alarm snooze fest, yet drenching every strand is crucial for a thorough shampoo. "Falling short on wetting hair makes it tougher to distribute the product through your hair," declares Wintner. To ensure the shampoo functions heaven-sent, soak your hair with an enthusiastic rinse.
When Scrubbing Scalp, Maybe Go Easy on the Strength
We cherish a full-blown salon scalp scrub-but that's not meant for everyday use! Wintner cautions that using too much force can result in hair breakage or cause abrasions on the scalp, which could potentially lead to scarring. "Go with the pads of your fingertips rather than your fingernails and use circular motions with a bit of pressure to readily cleanse your scalp," he says.
Focus on the Scalp, Not the Ends
Dirty hair tends to be localized near the scalp, while the ends are far less grubby. Concentrating on the roots will ensure you're dedicating your cleansing efforts to the most crucial areas, preventing hair loss and knots in the ends. Lather, massage the roots to mid-length, and then let the water carry the suds down when you rinse.
Timing Is Everything
Hurrying through your hair wash could lead to a lackluster outcome. "If you're in and out of the shower in five minutes, you're probably not doing it right," asserts professional hairstylist Gina Rivera. To give your scalp a thorough clean, allot enough time for a 2-3 minute scrub with circular motions over the scalp. Feel like rocking out to a short pop song while washing? Think The Ramones' "I Wanna Be Sedated," Stevie Wonder's "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," or "good 4 u" by Olivia Rodrigo!
Don't Stick With the Same Shampoo
Climate conditions, styling patterns, and color treatments necessitate altering your hair care game plan. For instance, smoothing shampoo might serve you well during sticky summer temps, while a volumizing option could boost dry winter hair. To reduce buildup, Wintner suggests rotating between a clarifying shampoo (like Aveeno's Apple Cider Vinegar Blend-a kickass drugstore shampoo pick!) and a moisturizing one. If you've got colored locks, use a hair-friendly product like Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance. For parched hair, select a shampoo formulated for dry hair to give it new life.
Beware the Power of the Clarifying Shampoo
A product worthy of banishment if you employ it frequently: clarifying shampoo. These powerhouses get rid of dirt and product buildup but can also strip the natural oils if used excessively.
Picking the Wrong Shampoo and Conditioner for Your Tresses
Define your locks! With so many options on the market, it can be a hair-raising task to find the perfect shampoo and conditioner. "Those with dry or curly hair tend to require more moisture, whereas those with fine or thinner hair need something lightweight," shares Kat Thompson, Garnier ambassador and hairstylist.
Don't Overheat That Water!
Washday warmth may feel indispensable, but it's a no-no for your hair and scalp. Scorching water eradicates the natural oils, leading to a dry, dull appearance. "A tepid shower water temperature is ideal," advises Thompson. "If you can't fathom washing with cool water, dip the shower temperature down when it's time to rinse your hair."
Wrapping Up Your Water Play
Be gentle when pressing excess water out with a microfiber towel-this tip works wonders for wavy, curly, and fine hair! Aggressive drying can add frizz and lead to tangles and breakage, especially for color-treated hair.
With tender love and ardent care, your strands will be the epitome of lustrous locks, strong and healthy!
- Overusing dry shampoo might lead to stiff strands and clogged follicles, as advised by Paul Wintner, a professional hairstylist and educator for Alterna Haircare.
- Ineffective wetting of hair during shampooing makes it tougher to distribute the product through your hair, according to Paul Wintner.
- Using excessive force when scrubbing the scalp can result in hair breakage or scalp abrasions, possibly leading to scarring, warns Paul Wintner.
- Focusing on the roots during hair washing ensures you're dedicating your cleansing efforts to the most crucial areas and prevents hair loss and knots in the ends.
- Allowing enough time for a thorough scalp clean is essential, as suggested by professional hairstylist Gina Rivera, to avoid a lackluster outcome.
- Rotating between a clarifying shampoo and a moisturizing one can help reduce buildup, as suggested by Paul Wintner, while using a hair-friendly product like Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance for colored locks is also recommended.
