Washing your hair seems like a pretty simple activity: hop in the shower, lather, and rinse. But if you deal with a host of hair problems, like dandruff flakes, greasy strands, or dehydrated locks, you may want to take a closer look at your hair washing routine. If you want more good hair days, then be sure to avoid these six hair-washing mistakes:
1. Using The Wrong Shampoo
Here’s the bad news: Your favorite shampoo could be doing your hair more harm than good. That’s because most shampoos contain sulfates — a group of chemical cleansing agents that can strip away your hair’s natural oils. If you struggle with dehydrated strands and can’t seem to get your frizz under control, the sulfates in your shampoo could be the culprit.
For healthier, smoother locks, switch to a shampoo bar with nourishing, plant-based ingredients. Not only are plant-based shampoo bars healthier for your hair, but they’re also better for the planet! Plus, using a shampoo bar is a great excuse to pick up a wooden soap dish!
2. Using the Wrong Conditioner
While shampoo eliminates dirt and grime, conditioner refortifies cuticles to lock in moisture. Unfortunately, the protective coating that conditions your hair often comes in the form of silicone.
But what’s the problem with silicone? Silicone can make your hair feel silky and smooth, but it’s also notorious for causing nasty buildup on the scalp. This buildup can block the nutrients that your scalp needs, which can lead to excessive hair washing, dry out strands, and cause breakage. Opting for plant-based products, like a nourishing conditioner bar, can help you avoid those nasty silicone products!
3. Applying Shampoo and Conditioner Incorrectly
You may have the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair, but do you use them correctly? It turns out that many of us are guilty of overusing both products.
Shampoo contains cleansing agents that eliminate your scalp’s bacteria and product buildup, so you should apply it on top of your head. The opposite holds true for conditioner, though. Keep conditioner away from your scalp – work it in from the bottom of your hair to nourish your parched ends.
4. Overwashing (or Underwashing) Hair
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to washing hair, but there is a correct method for your particular hair type. If you have a dry scalp and thick hair, washing less frequently can help you achieve healthier, shinier locks. On the other hand, if you have an oily scalp and fine hair, you may be better off washing your hair more frequently.
However, keep in mind that different rules apply if you have color-treated hair. The more you wash color-treated hair, the faster it fades. Therefore, if you have dyed hair, consider stretching out your wash cycle and using dry shampoo to clean your scalp.
5. Not Rinsing Your Hair Properly
Conditioner moisturizes your hair, so leaving it in after you shower must be good for your locks, right?
Not necessarily.
Leaving conditioner in your hair can lead to product buildup on your hair and scalp. This can make your hair feel dull, heavy, and lifeless. It can also cause your scalp to become itchy and uncomfortable. Therefore, be sure to thoroughly rinse your hair to remove all of your product!
6. Scrubbing Too Hard at the Scalp
We all enjoy giving ourselves a good scalp massage. Not only do scalp massages feel amazing, but they can also encourage healthy hair growth because they increase blood flow to the scalp.However, there’s a big difference between gently massaging your scalp and scrubbing hard to get the product out more quickly.
Scrubbing products out of your hair can damage your hair and hurt your scalp. Instead of scrubbing, stand under the showerhead and move your hair around to gently rinse out the product.
Washing your hair can be far more complex than you might expect, but you have the tools to make it easier! If you want to take your hair game to the next level, just implement these tips for soft, silky tresses. Treat your hair and scalp with kindness, and every day can be a good hair day!
Feature Image by Armin Rimoldi from Pexels
