How to Properly Wash Your Hair

Washing your hair may seem simple, but doing it properly is essential for maintaining healthy, shiny, and manageable hair. Many people are never taught the proper steps for washing hair. You were likely handed a bottle of shampoo and conditioner, and that summed it up.

In this article, we'll guide you through properly washing your hair, from selecting the right products to mastering the correct techniques. By following these expert tips, you'll be on your way to achieving salon-quality results from home

How to Wash Your Hair Properly Step-by-Step 

You probably don’t give much thought to washing your hair. You buy shampoo and maybe conditioner without digging too deeply. You lather, rinse, and condition in the shower. However, is your hair the best it can be? Is it healthy and easy to manage? 

This guide to washing hair will start you on the right track to achieving healthy, flowing locks. We will show you how to select the right hair products, prep your hair, and more. Plus, you’ll get tips on how to look like you just stepped out of the salon.

1. Selecting the Right Shampoo and Conditioner 

Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Wash and Conditioner are the ideal choice for all hair types. They’re infused with Mirsalehi Honey, our favorite humectant, to hydrate and nourish your hair without weighing it down. They cleanse the hair gently, maintaining its natural moisture balance to ensure that your hair remains healthy and vibrant, even with regular shampooing. 

2. Brushing and Detangling 

Before the first drop of water hits your hair, thoroughly brush and detangle it. If you have excessive tangles or knots, use a wide-tooth comb and leave-in conditioner. Start at the roots and work out to the ends as gently as possible. When all the knots and tangles are removed, thoroughly brush and smooth hair. This leads to better results when you shampoo and condition.

3. Adjust the Water Temperature

Before you jump head first under the showerhead, check the temperature of the water. Water that is too hot can damage your hair. On the other hand, your shampoo and conditioner may not penetrate your hair if the water is too cold. Make sure the water is lukewarm toward the cool side. 

4. Wet Your Hair Thoroughly  

Simply standing under the showerhead is not effective at saturating your hair. If you have a removable head, use it to reach under and around your hair. If you stand under the showerhead, tilt your head from side to side for complete saturation. If you have long hair, lift sections to ensure every inch is completely wet. 

5. Apply Shampoo 

Pour a coin-sized amount of shampoo into your palm. It may not seem like enough shampoo, but following these instructions is typically more than sufficient.

Rub your palms together to spread the shampoo across both palms. Start rubbing shampoo into your hair, beginning at the roots and working down to the ends. Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips and work the shampoo through your hair.

You may need to add more shampoo if you have long or thick hair. Continue to lather each section of hair from roots to tip until your entire head has been cleaned. 

6. Massage the Scalp

Your scalp should be massaged every time you wash your hair. Make it part of your shampooing and self-care routine. Massage in a circular motion using your fingertips. This exfoliates and stimulates the scalp. Massage each area of the scalp and massage the entire head. 

Massaging your scalp has many benefits, including:

• Boosts circulation 
• Provide nourishment to the hair follicles
• Removes product buildup and dandruff flakes  
• Exfoliates and unclogs hair follicles, preventing dandruff
• Stimulates hair growth  

Massaging your scalp is also calming and relaxing. End all your shampoos with a scalp massage for a healthy scalp. 

7. Rinse Well

Rinsing is important. Soap residue leaves your hair lifeless and flat. Make sure the water is lukewarm and follow these steps:

• Tilt head so the water flows from roots to ends;
• Use your fingers to lift sections and distribute the water gently;
• Continue rinsing for 60-90 seconds until water runs clear

Rinse each section thoroughly. Shampoo residue will prevent the conditioner from being absorbed. 

8. Condition Your Hair  

Pour a small amount of conditioner into your palm. Rub your palms together so that both hands have conditioner. Evenly distribute the conditioner throughout your hair using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. The conditioner should applied be from mid-length to the ends, with most of the product on the ends. Lastly, bring your hands up to the roots and massage the remaining product on the roots.   

Allow the conditioner to penetrate your hair for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. As the conditioner soaks in, run a wide-tooth comb through your hair to remove any tangles. This also helps to spread the conditioner throughout your hair. 

9. Final Rinse  

Times up. It’s time for the final rinse. Use lukewarm to cool water to rinse each section of your hair until the water runs clear. Use your fingers to ensure each section is completely rinsed. Finally, once the water runs clear, adjust the water temperature to colder and rinse one final time. The cold water helps to seal the hair shafts and adds extra shine. 

10. Proper Towel Drying Technique

Properly towel drying your hair is just as important as properly washing it. The wrong towel or rubbing your hair over aggressively can cause frizz and damage. The proper technique to follow is below:

• Use a microfiber towel 
• Wrap gently to absorb moisture – do not rub  
• Blot hair one section at a time; never wind it up in a ball  
• Avoid pulling hair strands while wet
• Do not leave wrapped for more than a few minutes; this causes over-drying and frizzy hair

Delicately squeeze the excess moisture from hair. Whenever possible, allow hair to air dry. Airdrying maintains the integrity of the hair fibers. 

How to Achieve Salon Results at Home

Now that you have learned how to wash your hair properly, you can look like you stepped out of the salon every time you wash your hair. Always use these tips from salon professionals to look salon fresh:

• Assess Your Routine Regularly: Your hair is constantly changing. If you notice your hair is not styling the same as it has or doesn’t feel as healthy, it may be time to change up your routine. 

• Dry Your Hair Before Styling: Styling tools use heat; if your hair is not 100% dry, it will break. Don’t use curling irons, straightening tools, or other heat-activated tools until your hair is dry. This also makes your style last longer. If you use heated tools, apply a heat-protectant first. 

• Choose the Right Hairbrush: Choose a quality hairbrush. Soft bristles add shine and reduce frizz, while brushes with holes add volume.

• Deep Condition Regularly: You should have a deep conditioning hair mask that you use regularly to hydrate and nourish your hair. 

• Consider a Scalp Treatment: You can also consider using a scalp treatment every other week since healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp!

Achieving salon results at home also means limiting the number of heat styling tools you use. Lastly, you don’t need to wash your hair every day. Follow the guidelines for your hair type and give yourself a break between washes.

If your hair is color-treated, naturally dry, or brittle, try to avoid clarifying shampoos more than once every 2-3 weeks.

How Often Should I Wash My Hair?

For the average person with straight, medium-textured hair, daily washing is fine if this is what they want. If it is fine or dry, damaged hair, less frequent washing is best —every other day or 2-3 times per week max. Coarser, thicker-textured hair types can also go longer between washings. 

If your hair is naturally oily, you may need to wash it more often. On the other hand, if you have very dry hair, you may want to wash less frequently.

You can adjust how often you wash your hair based on your hair type, scalp, and style. You can typically tell if your hair needs to be washed by the feel and how well it does or does not style. 

WRAPPING UP 

Now that you know how to properly wash your hair, visit Gisou’s hair collection to find the products to make your locks healthy, shiny, and beautiful. We have a Honey Infused Hair Wash and Conditioner, which are suitable for all hair types,  as well as partner products to use as a treatment or for styling.