Most of us wash our hair without really thinking about it too much and without considering whether we are using the right shampoo. Like most things though, there is a right and a wrong way to wash your hair, and, certain factors you should take into account:
How often should you wash your hair? There is some difference of opinion here amongst the experts. Some would have you believe that you don't need to wash it at all because, after a while the hair reaches its own natural balance and will stay that way. For most of us this is totally unacceptable as it seems obvious that really oily hair is lank, sticks to the scalp, and is deeply unattractive. There is also the need for most of us to remove the dirt and grime which must accumulate in the hair on your head. At the other end of the spectrum of opinion some trichologists maintain that you should wash your hair every day as you would your face, and, that provided you use the right products, your hair will not get dried out.
For most of us the ideal is somewhere between these two extremes, depending largely on what kind of hair you have and, how easily your hair becomes naturally oily. If your hair is naturally dry, curly, or very fine washing every day could do more harm than good and is not necessary. Four or five times per week could be ample for you. If you have naturally oily hair then you may want to wash it every day or skip a day here and there and use some sprinkled on baby powder to soak up excess oils.
Should you use conditioner? Conditioning is all about the hair, not the scalp, and it's essential as it smoothes cuticles and detangles after shampooing. You should concentrate on conditioning the ends of the hairs rather than the roots, as these are the areas that get maximum exposure to the elements and suffer all the weathering. If you find your hair is fine and loses body after conditioning then you may not be using the right type of conditioner, or not rinsing it out well enough.
If your hair is coarse and dry then adding conditioner can help enormously. What is important is to know whether your scalp tends to be dry or oily and use conditioner to an appropriate degree. Less is needed if your hair is naturally oily, and in these circumstances you don't need to push it right down into the roots as this will weigh the hair down. Just use it on the middle and ends of the hair.
What sort of shampoo should I use? These days there is a wide variety of shampoos on the market, and there is bound to be one suitable for you. If your hair is healthy and normal, not tinted in any way, then you do not need to be too concerned about which shampoo to use - just go for a protein enriched one. If your hair is tinted however, you will extend the life of the tint by using a specifically formulated shampoo.
It seems that many ladies prefer using natural shampoos these days, and you can get these with chamomile for blonde hair, and henna or fennel for brunette shades. If your hair is very fine or damaged, then consider a nutritive shampoo labelled as "substantive protein". Shampoo tends to be slightly acidic, as this helps to restore a smooth cuticle to the hair and aids shine.
By the way, dipping your hair back in the bath is not adequate for rinsing. You should use plenty of running water to remove all conditioner otherwise the hair can look limp. Also do not use water that is too hot, as it could cause irritation to the scalp and lead to flaking.
It may be useful to try alternating the type of shampoo that you use. Use one type say, once or twice a week, and then the other once or twice a week. Also try changing brands of shampoo every so often as you may find one suit you better than another, and there is always something new on the market. Treat your hair kindly to maximise its health and shine. It is worth it to maintain this vital asset. - 30305
How often should you wash your hair? There is some difference of opinion here amongst the experts. Some would have you believe that you don't need to wash it at all because, after a while the hair reaches its own natural balance and will stay that way. For most of us this is totally unacceptable as it seems obvious that really oily hair is lank, sticks to the scalp, and is deeply unattractive. There is also the need for most of us to remove the dirt and grime which must accumulate in the hair on your head. At the other end of the spectrum of opinion some trichologists maintain that you should wash your hair every day as you would your face, and, that provided you use the right products, your hair will not get dried out.
For most of us the ideal is somewhere between these two extremes, depending largely on what kind of hair you have and, how easily your hair becomes naturally oily. If your hair is naturally dry, curly, or very fine washing every day could do more harm than good and is not necessary. Four or five times per week could be ample for you. If you have naturally oily hair then you may want to wash it every day or skip a day here and there and use some sprinkled on baby powder to soak up excess oils.
Should you use conditioner? Conditioning is all about the hair, not the scalp, and it's essential as it smoothes cuticles and detangles after shampooing. You should concentrate on conditioning the ends of the hairs rather than the roots, as these are the areas that get maximum exposure to the elements and suffer all the weathering. If you find your hair is fine and loses body after conditioning then you may not be using the right type of conditioner, or not rinsing it out well enough.
If your hair is coarse and dry then adding conditioner can help enormously. What is important is to know whether your scalp tends to be dry or oily and use conditioner to an appropriate degree. Less is needed if your hair is naturally oily, and in these circumstances you don't need to push it right down into the roots as this will weigh the hair down. Just use it on the middle and ends of the hair.
What sort of shampoo should I use? These days there is a wide variety of shampoos on the market, and there is bound to be one suitable for you. If your hair is healthy and normal, not tinted in any way, then you do not need to be too concerned about which shampoo to use - just go for a protein enriched one. If your hair is tinted however, you will extend the life of the tint by using a specifically formulated shampoo.
It seems that many ladies prefer using natural shampoos these days, and you can get these with chamomile for blonde hair, and henna or fennel for brunette shades. If your hair is very fine or damaged, then consider a nutritive shampoo labelled as "substantive protein". Shampoo tends to be slightly acidic, as this helps to restore a smooth cuticle to the hair and aids shine.
By the way, dipping your hair back in the bath is not adequate for rinsing. You should use plenty of running water to remove all conditioner otherwise the hair can look limp. Also do not use water that is too hot, as it could cause irritation to the scalp and lead to flaking.
It may be useful to try alternating the type of shampoo that you use. Use one type say, once or twice a week, and then the other once or twice a week. Also try changing brands of shampoo every so often as you may find one suit you better than another, and there is always something new on the market. Treat your hair kindly to maximise its health and shine. It is worth it to maintain this vital asset. - 30305
About the Author:
About the author: Erica Mate is an skilled hairdresser in East London. She can assist you to obtain the most out of your hair. Make sure you have a look at her blog to obtain her free cheat sheet Secrets of a Sexy Hair or to obtain a 100% Free Haircut.
