We all know how to wash our hair… it feels like second nature. But how you wash your hair makes all the difference. The reason your hair looks and feels so good after a trip to the salon is because we understand that the key to happy hair is a well-executed shampoo.
Here are our 3 top tips for healthy, shiny, beautiful hair.
Hair tip: Shampoo twice
You really don’t need to rub those ends with shampoo; focus on the scalp and root area. Your scalp produces oil constantly and sheds skin cells, so this is the area that really needs cleansing.
1st shampoo: Use the size of a 10 pence piece, rub into your hands and evenly distribute over your scalp. This 1st shampoo is the cleanser and may not lather up as it is removing oil, skin cells, pollution and dirt.
If this 1st shampoo lathers up really well then, your scalp and hair only needed that one shampoo. If not…
2nd shampoo: Again, use the size of a 10 pence piece and evenly distribute over the scalp and root area. This shampoo should really lather up and allow the shampoo to nourish and cleanse the scalp. (The main aim of shampoo is cleansing your scalp as this is living tissue, just as you wash and cleanse your face each day to get rid of dead skin cells.)
When you rinse the hair during each shampoo, lather will run down and cleanse the mid-lengths and ends, creating less tangle and knots, resulting in fewer split ends. Depending on how long your hair is, some may be over five years old, which is why we always recommend professional quality products.
Hair tip: Cool down your water
Very hot water can strip your hair of essential oils, which can leave it feeling dry and looking really dull.
Hot water can also really dry your skin out, drying out your scalp, causing it to flake.
Cool your water down in the shower – it is doing you a disservice. If you are brave, finish with a cold blast of water, it will add massive shine to your hair as it aids in closing down the hair cuticle allowing the surface to reflect more light.
Even more hardcore? The benefits don’t stop with your hair. Cold showers are also a good way to reduce inflammation, promote recuperation, and repair microtrauma after a hard workout. Just 3-5 minutes can reduce the flow of lymph fluid to any areas of your body that need healing.
Cold water sends many electrical impulses to your brain that jolt your system to increase alertness and energy levels. Endorphins (our happy hormones) are also released, giving us a sense of well-being and optimism.
Win, win, I say.
Hair tip: Conditioner
Always finish your shampooing with a conditioner.
Now that you are shampooing the correct area and rinsing at the right temperature, it is time to flatten and seal your cuticle.
Whilst the shampoo fluffs your hair open to remove dirt, conditioner is there to finish the cleansing process and close down the cuticle of the hair after the shampoo. Without it, hair remains dull, lifeless and flyaway. An acidic conditioner is a must for colour treated hair to keep colour in & reduce colour fade. Two of our salon favourites are Redken Colour Extend or Pureology Hydrate.
Even fine hair needs conditioner – it just needs the right one selected to receive the benefits of shine and manageability without being too heavy. A salon favourite for this is Kerastase Densifique.
Start with hair that has been rinsed and the excess water squeezed from it. Apply your conditioner to the mid-length of your hair, through to the ends. You need around the size of around a 5/10 pence piece, depending on the length. Rinse with lukewarm water, squeeze the excess water out before introducing a towel. Be sure not to rub, but again squeeze. This will result in healthier looking hair and keep the benefits from your conditioner and cool rinse.
Remember that when it comes to washing – less is more. Don’t wash your hair every day as this can strip away essential oils from your scalp and in turn, encourages your hair to produce more oil, resulting in greasy hair. Not what we want!
The Charlie Brown Hair team are always on hand to answer your hair questions and concerns. We take the time to talk to our clients about how to manage and maintain their fabulous hair at home to ensure you have that salon finish, everyday.
If you’ve never visited us before then find out more about or Surrey Hair Salons here.
Remember these 3 simple hair washing tips, that make a big difference…
