Can someone go wrong with something as simple as a hair wash? The answer is a resounding yes! While this task doesn’t require a serious level of skill, it’s still often not executed the right way. Factors like how many times to wash your hair, what is the right product for your hair type, and how to wash your hair the right way are some factors that may affect your mane’s overall health and appearance (even more than one would expect it to). We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, every hair type and texture requires a different kind of care. Yes, we can’t stress this enough — what may work wonders for my wavy hair could probably leave curly haired girls strands looking and feeling dry and dehydrated. That’s why we’ve reached out to Celebrity Hairstylist, Samantha Wadhwani to break the basics of a hair wash and share some easy tips that will work no matter your hair texture and type.
Opt for a shampoo that is suitable for your hair type
Choosing the right product is the first step to achieving healthy, luscious hair. “Always choose a shampoo for the scalp that is suitable for your hair type”, said celebrity hair stylist Samantha Wadhwani. Before you go to buy a product, understand your hair’s needs — is it dry and frizzy, or is it greasy? Are you prone to dandruff or do you have fine hair? Consider all these factors before you make a purchase to ensure you provide your hair with the best kind of care. Similarly, when opting for a conditioner, Samantha added, “Pick one that is suitable for the length and ends of your hair. If you have coloured, damaged, or chemically treated tresses, look for options that cater to your special needs.” Check out our top recommendations from Nykaa
Only use shampoo on the scalp
The most important point to understand when washing your hair properly, according to Samantha, is to understand that “Shampoo should only be applied on the scalp.” She further added, “Unless it is a pigmented shampoo, you can go ahead and use it on your hair too.” When using a shampoo, focus on the scalp more than the ends because this product is meant to clean the scalp off excess oil, grime, and build up. If you have a dandruff-prone scalp, a flaky scalp, or one that gets greasy easily, then pick a product that contains tea tree oil or salicylic acid to get the best results out of your wash.
Conditioner is only for the lengths of your hair
When asked about why one shouldn’t apply conditioner on the scalp, Samantha answered, “A conditioner is only to be used on the lengths and ends of your hair. Using it on the scalp can make the roots oily and/or weigh them down.” Applying conditioner on the scalp can lead to making your hair look greasy and flat even after they are freshly washed. Make sure to distribute the conditioner evenly across your lengths and ends to derive the best results of the product. Here are some nourishing conditioners that could work wonders for your tresses:
Use a hair mask for extra nourishment
Samantha suggests “For hair that’s very dry and damaged, over treated, and frizzy hair, one can always choose a hair mask over a conditioner post shampoo to help give your hair a boost of moisture.” Breathe some life into dull hair with a simple switch. Hair masks are considered to be more nourishing and provide double the hydration to your mane. But do make sure not to use it very frequently because excessive usage of the same can lead to product build up, and can make your hair greasy. Moderation is key, use a mask once or twice a week to get the desired results. These hair masks from Nykaa are sure to give your locks the nourishment it needs:
Mild shampoos for everyday use
Samantha doesn’t recommend washing hair everyday, but she adds, “If one works out everyday or sweats a lot and their hair tends to get greasy very easily, it is best to use a mild shampoo to wash your hair on a daily basis.” Washing your hair everyday can strip them off their natural oils, making them look and feel dry. Opt for sulphate and paraben free shampoos that are gentler on your scalp while still getting the job done!
