Step by step on how to properly wash your hair!

A lot of people I’ve spoken to in the past have tried professional shampoo brands but have commented on the fact they can’t get them to lather up in their hair and as a result use more of the shampoo they’ve invested in and it doesn't last as long as they’d hoped.

I’m going to help you get the best out of your hair care so that your hair feels as good as it does after a hair appointment on a regular basis for you at home too!

So, onto the first steps.

Start by wetting your hair. You need to spend a couple of minutes properly soaking your hair through. The shampoo won’t lather properly if your hair isn’t wet enough. This is one of the first issues you will encounter if you don’t. If your hair is long and thick, open it up and get right underneath. Baring in mind if your hair has products on it, it will create a barrier so it really needs breaking down.

Next you want to apply you first shampoo. You need to aim to use the equivalent to a 10p coin, that is unless you have extremely long and thick hair then of course you will need a little more. However, not a palm full like you would with the cheaper supermarket bought types. Rub your hands together so the shampoo is spread between both hands and spread it in different areas around the head. A huge mistake to make is dolloping the product on top of the head as it will only stick in that area. Spread the shampoo on the top, down past the temples, on the crown and not forgetting underneath.

Start rubbing the shampoo into the hair, circular motions around the head always making sure your fingertips keep in contact with your scalp and not just massaging the surface of the hair. You won’t clean away the access dirt, product and oils if you don’t clean the scalp properly.

If you’re not getting many bubbles, one tip is to splash a bit more water on your head as this will cause more. Normally it’s because the hair isn’t wet enough that you’re not getting bubbles. You don’t necessarily need to add more product.

After you’ve rinsed the first shampoo out, make sure you repeat the process. The first shampoo is mainly to loosen the oil, grease and products from the hair and scalp, rinsing those away so you can properly cleanse the hair on the second round.

Once shampooed twice you need to condition. Start by squeezing some of the water from the hair, this just means the conditioner will work better and penetrate the hair more if its not full of water. Again use a 10p size amount and distributing it between both hands, start applying from the bottom up. Conditioner isn’t meant to be applied like shampoo straight onto the scalp but on the mid lengths and ends. It’s purpose is to detangle the hair and help it feel smoother and silkier.

One major thing we need to be aware of is how the pH balance of the products effect the hair during the cleansing process. Shampoo has a higher pH level as it needs to widen the cuticle to penetrate inside and deep cleanse and nourish the hair. Conditioner has a lower pH level and must be used afterwards to bring the levels back down and sealing the cuticle therefore locking in the moisture.

Avoid using all in one shampoo and conditioners as these types are not strong enough to cleanse as well as conditioning which can leave too much product build up inside the hair.

Now you know what to do, go follow these steps and see the difference.

Let me know how it goes!