Lather, Rinse, and Repeat: The ABCs of Proper Shampooing

The most amazing hairstyles start with healthy, happy hair. It sounds like a simple statement, but things start to get a little more complicated when we consider that the vast majority of people are damaging their locks on a daily basis. Essential maintenance methods like washing and detangling are often executed improperly and lead to stressed-out, unmanageable manes.

If you're one of the many people who get frustrated trying to achieve the look you want, it's probably time to get back to basics. Focusing on fundamentals can give your hair a much-needed vacation and bring you a few steps closer to getting silky, controllable tresses.

Because shampooing has been a part of our routine since the days of Johnson & Johnson, it's pretty easy to assume we've got this skill mastered. There's just one problem: rather than focusing on how we wash our hair, we usually just concentrate on what product(s) we're using to wash our hair. Don't get me wrong: it's ideal and important to find the shampoo or conditioner that satisfies your personal needs. But it's just as vital to use that product appropriately. There isn't a shampoo in the world that can compensate for bad washing.

That being said, let's take a moment to talk about finding the right shampoo for your hair type. If you're having trouble discovering whether your locks are oily, dry, or normal; consult your hairdresser or do some research. Being aware of your hair type makes it much easier to avoid the trial and error process of finding compatible products.

Avoid conditioning shampoos if your hair is oily: the word "conditioning" can seem appealing, but it will leave you with a grease ball for a mane. Instead, opt for shampoos that contain ingredients like chamomile, sage oil, or tea tree oil. These natural ingredients eliminate excess oil without over-drying your strands.

Moisturizing shampoos are terrific for curly hair because "curly hair is always dry doesn't matter when or why" and protein-rich shampoos work best for kinky textures. Be sure to read the label carefully to make sure protein is one of the first ingredients. Many products that claim to be protein-based simply have protein as a minor ingredient.

For chemically-treated, dyed, or decolorized hair, opt for a color-safe formula with conditioning power. It's vital to prolonging your color and protecting the health of your hair.

Normal hair should be washed daily or every other day using products geared for normal hair types. These products contain the right balance of proteins, vitamins, and conditioners to soften your tresses without causing build up.

With treatments of any kind, no matter if they are for protein or moisture, you must use a proper balance of both. If you use too much protein the hair can become brittle and dry. If you use too much moisture, the hair can become heavy and dull. So for best results with treatments, do a protein treatment first for reconstruction followed by a moisturizing treatment for hydration. It's kind of like a road full of potholes, you must fill up the potholes before you can lay a new coat of tar down. The same goes for the hair shaft, you must repair and fill the holes in the cuticle before you can seal it smooth.

Now that you've found your perfect shampoo, it's time to get clean! One of the first steps to healthy hair and great shampooing is making sure that your mane is knot-free prior to washing. Not only does this prevent tangles from worsening, but hair is most fragile when it's wet. Comb your hair by starting at the ends and working your way up to the scalp. Remember to be gentle! The individual strands are delicate, no matter how strong or thick they appear.

Thoroughly wet your hair before lathering it up with shampoo. Warm water allows your hair cuticles to open up and absorb the product, as well as making it easier for the hair-cleaning product to do its job of eliminating dirt and oil. Pour a quarter-sized dollop of shampoo into the palm of your hand and massage it into your scalp. When you rinse your scalp, the water distributes shampoo to the ends of your hair. Applying shampoo directly to the ends of your hair will likely dry out your locks and lead to split ends.

Redheads keep in mind that when opening the cuticle with warm water you stand the chances of your color fading. You wouldn't wash a red, silk shirt in hot water. So make sure you are using a color safe shampoo to protect the color when the cuticle is open and always use cool to tepid water.

A lot of people are unsure whether it's necessary to shampoo twice. More often than not, the answer is "yes". While the first shampoo is used to eliminate product and scalp residue, the second shampoo is used to fortify the hair. Hair that has been pre-cleaned can absorb the benefits of vitamin-rich shampoos much more efficiently. Another good option is to use two different shampoos: an oil removing shampoo followed by a conditioning shampoo. After shampooing, a rinse in cold water can be beneficial because the cooler temperature seals the cuticle and enhances the natural shine of the hair.

Applying a good conditioner after shampooing can make your hair feel silky smooth and radiantly soft. Gently squeeze the excess water from your hair and apply a dollop of conditioner along your hairline, nape, and ends. For maximum conditioning power, wrap your hair in a shower cap and let the product soak for ten minutes. Once again, a rinse in cool water is ideal for enhancing shine. Make sure to rinse out all of the conditioner to avoid build up or oily strands.