The Right Way To Shampoo Your Hair

Most of us think we have this all down pat. After all, we have been shampooing our hair all our lives. How could we go wrong with something like shampooing our hair? However, shampooing our hair the wrong way can contribute to its damage without us actually knowing it.

What we should remember about our hair is that the individual strands of hair, no matter how thick or strong they look, are actually very delicate. So we can't just tug and pull at it, or it can cause it to break. We don't want that.

So, what is the right way of shampooing the hair?
The first thing you should do is to comb the tangles out of the hair before you wet it so the hair would shampoo easily and the tangles won't worsen with the addition of water. Then wet your hair thoroughly under the shower. You can use either warm or cold water if you like, but for best results you should wet your hair with warm water to open the scale-like cuticles of the hair and shampoo all the oil and dirt off. You can then rinse your hair with cold water to close the cuticles and add to the shine of your hair.

Rinse your hair under the shower to rid it of any leave-on conditioner and/or styling aids you have may have used previously, using gentle strokes of your fingertips. Then, pour about half and ounce (quarter size) of shampoo in the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together, and then apply the shampoo to your scalp. Take note that you should put the shampoo on your scalp and not at the ends of your hair, as the shampoo would dry your hair's ends and cause it to weaken and split. Also, do not mix your hair all over your head as you shampoo because it may tangle. After this, rinse the shampoo off.

More often than not you will need to shampoo your hair a second time. The purpose of the first shampoo is to clean the oil and dirt off, the second shampoo will treat your hair. So, repeat the process, but let the shampoo sit on your hair for around a couple of minutes. Rinse the hair completely after this.

To get the excess water off your hair, just squeeze the water out. Do not pull or tug at the hair because the hair is at its most delicate when it is soaked. When the excess water is out, apply a half ounce (quarter size) of conditioner to the hairline, roots and ends of the hair. Work the conditioner through the remainder of the hair. Leave the conditioner on your hair for 2 to 3 minutes and rinse with cool water.

It's important to note that these instructions are designed to be used with quality salon professional grade shampoos and conditioners. Using inferior, cheap products in this manner may actually cause damage to your hair.
If you are uncertain about which products are best for your hair, consult a professional, licensed cosmetologist.