A basic yet essential part of any hair care routine is hair washing. Washed and clean hair and scalp not just promote good hair but also makes your hair look healthy, bouncy, and shiny. However, often we take hair washing for granted and make some mistakes that lead to hair fall, itchy scalp, frizzy hair, and many more. So, even if you think hair washing can be extremely easy, it can ruin the health of your hair when you do it wrong.
Here are some hair-washing mistakes one should avoid
Applying shampoo on dry hair
One of the mistakes is to use shampoo on dry hair. Your hair needs to be completely soaked in water before you apply shampoo. When your hair is damp, the shampoo lathers up better and also washes the hair thoroughly. Applying shampoo on dry hair will only lead to more accumulation of dirt on the scalp, and it becomes difficult to get rid of the residues of the shampoo. Hence make sure to wet your hair properly and soak it up for at least 1-2 minutes for better absorption of the shampoo. Using too much shampoo and conditioner
The correct amount of shampoo and conditioner is very important when it comes to hair washing. Many have a misconception that using excessive shampoo will make their hair extra clean and excessive conditioner will make the hair extra smooth. Too much shampoo can take away the natural moisture of the hair, making it more prone to hair fall and frizzy hair. Also, using too much conditioner can make the hair look greasy and oily.
Using shampoo on untangled hair
Detangling your hair before your shower is a must if you wish to avoid hair fall. The hair becomes prone to breakage as you forcefully try to wash your untangled hair. However, when it is detangled, your shampoo will glide smoothly, and the hair-washing process will be smoother. Use a hairbrush to detangle your hair before you step in for a relaxing shower.
Are you washing your hair every day?
Cleaning your hair every day will not lead to healthy hair. Our hair contains natural oils, which act as a protective barrier for the hair. It preserves the hair from breakage and hair loss and keeps the shine of the hair intact. When you use shampoo every day, you are stripping away the natural moisture of the hair, which makes the hair dry, dull, and frizzy. Use a mild shampoo once or twice a week for the best results.
You are putting too much pressure on your scalp and hair
Rubbing vigorously will not ensure a squeaky clean scalp. You need to be super gentle with your hair and scalp, or else it will cause breakage and hair fall. Also, try using shampoo on the scalp and avoid the lengths as much as possible. The lengths become extra dry when you put too much pressure on them and leading to split ends. Lightly massage your scalp with your fingertips while using shampoo.
Not using the correct temperature of the water
Excessive hot water can ruin the hair shaft immediately. It leads to breakage and hair loss. The hair gets drier when you use too much heat on the hair. Also, the direct heat of the water is not good for your scalp as it can cause more hair loss. Always ensure you are using lukewarm water to wash your hair.
Keep these simple tips in mind the next time you shampoo your hair and welcome healthy and shiny hair.
Inputs by Dr Sonia Tekchandani, Celebrity Dermatologist, Founder of Tender Skin International
