It seems so simple, right? We’ve all been shampooing our own hair since we were kids, surely we know what we’re doing. But, do you?? There’s a science to it that most people truly don’t realize. Buckle in and get ready to learn the steps and WHY you should be shampooing your hair this way.
Step 1- Get Wet
You want to fully drench all of your hair with warm water. This seems so simple, but you wouldn’t believe how many people especially with thicker hair never even get the hair on the bottom wet until after they shampoo. Warm water will open up the cuticle layer of the hair and make it easier for the shampoo to get in and do its job.
Step 2- Scrub a Dub
Pour a quarter size amount of shampoo into your hands and rub it together before putting it on the hair. You want to apply the shampoo to the scalp only not the ends of the hair. As you lather you will notice that you don’t get very many bubbles, this is normal, The first shampoo is only meant to loosen and lift dirt and oil off the scalp and hair.
Step 3- Rinse and Repeat
Once you rinse away the suds from the first shampoo you want to repeat that same process. This time around you will get a much better lather. The second shampoo is meant to rinse away all dirt, debris, and oils from hair and scalp. If you’re skipping the second shampoo, your hair is never getting fully clean and can lead to you needing to shampoo more often.
Step 4- Smooth and Seal
After you’ve shampooed twice and you’re left with squeaky clean hair, it’s time to condition. All of this warm water and lathering shampoo has been lifting the cuticle layer of the hair because that is where oil and products like to hide. This is the time to smooth it back down. Conditioner lowers the pH of the hair which smooths the cuticle layer of the hair, sealing in all the moisture with it. It’s best to leave the conditioner in for a few minutes to let it do its job. You can take this time to untangle your hair. I recommend keeping a wide tooth comb or wet brush in the shower (the ones with the hook to hang in the shower are the best) so it’s easily accessible when you’re ready for it. This is also helpful to make sure each strand is saturated with conditioner and you’re not missing any strands trapped inside of a tangle. When it’s time to do your final rinse, drop the temperature on your water a little. Cooler water helps to seal the cuticle layer and seal in all the goodness from the conditioner.
Did you learn something? Want more tips and tricks like these?
I really didn’t know I was supposed to have a special technique to shampoo my hair! Thanks for this.