How to Wash Your Hair and Avoid Hair-Washing Mistakes

You probably think that washing your hair is the most no-brainer activity in the world. Hop in the shower, suds up with shampoo, rinse, and you’re good to go…right? Well, it turns out that washing your hair isn’t so cut and dry, after all. In fact, there are quite a few common hair-washing habits that may not be so great for the overall health of your strands. Washing the wrong way can lead to dry hair, hair color fading, and more. Want to avoid those mane mishaps and keep your tresses in tip-top shape? Below, we’re sharing seven hair care tips that sum up how to wash your hair the right way in order to avoid making common hair washing mistakes. With these tips in mind, the next time you shower, you’ll know how to wash your hair with confidence!

HOW TO WASH HAIR THE RIGHT WAY

Ready to get down to business and learn how to correctly cleanse your strands? Keep the following hair-washing tips in mind the next time you break out the shampoo.

HAIR WASHING TIP #1: BASE HOW OFTEN YOU WASH ON YOUR HAIR TYPE

As with many things in life, how often you wash your hair is not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests washing oily hair more frequently—as often as once a day—and washing chemically-treated or dry hair less often. The frequency with which you wash your own strands depends on a few different factors, such as your hair type, hair care concerns, hair length, and scalp health. The goal of cleansing your strands is to wash away excess oil, product, and debris while still keeping your hair’s natural oils intact and your ends hydrated. So, it may take some trial and error to find your own personal hair washing balance. 

HAIR WASHING TIP #2: USE THE RIGHT SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER FOR YOUR HAIR TYPE

You wouldn’t use a moisturizer designed for oily skin if you had dry skin, would you? Well, you should think about your shampoo and conditioner in the same way. Choose a shampoo and conditioner system that’s formulated to target your specific hair care concerns. Not sure where to start? Here are some good options for every hair type.

If you have blonde hair…try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner.

If you have color-treated hair…try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Intensive Protecting Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Intensive Protecting Conditioner.

If you have curly hair…try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Curls Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Curls Conditioner.

If you have damaged hair…try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair Extreme Renewing Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair Extreme Renewing Conditioner.

If you have dry hair…try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner.

If you have frizzy hair…try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner.

If you have oily hair…try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Conditioner.

If you have thin hair…try the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Conditioner.

HAIR WASHING TIP #3: SOAK YOUR HAIR WITH WATER BEFORE SHAMPOOING

When you’re in a rush in the morning, you may speed through your hair-washing routine as quickly as possible. But, it’s important to get your hair completely wet before massaging shampoo onto your hair and scalp. Never, ever apply shampoo onto dry or even damp strands—only apply it onto hair that’s fully saturated with water.

HAIR WASHING TIP #4: DON’T WASH YOUR HAIR WITH WATER THAT’S TOO HOT

Yes, taking a shower with scorching hot water can feel oh so amazing, but it’s not such a good idea for the health of your hair. In reality, showering in too hot of water can strip your hair of its essential oils. Rinse with lukewarm water instead. Your hair will thank you!

HAIR WASHING TIP #5: DON’T SCRUB TOO HARD

When it comes to your scalp and hair, being gentle is key. While vigorously scrubbing in the shower might feel good, your hair is more fragile when it’s wet, so try not to be so aggressive. Simply massage your shampoo onto your scalp gently before rinsing it out.

HAIR WASHING TIP #6: FOCUS SHAMPOO ON YOUR SCALP

Along the same lines, you should focus your shampoo scrubbing mainly on your scalp—not on your lengths and ends. Your scalp is the area that really needs cleansing since that’s where oil and dead skin cells can accumulate. Contrastingly, the lengths and ends of your hair may be on the drier side and shampooing these areas too vigorously can dry them out even more. As a general rule of thumb for all hair types, focus your shampoo on your scalp and your conditioner on the lengths and ends of your hair. 

HAIR WASHING TIP #7: DON’T SKIP OUT ON CONDITIONER

Regardless of your hair type, you should always apply conditioner after shampooing to help keep your hair nourished. As a general rule, slather on conditioner from your mid-lengths to your ends. Pressed for time? Try a multitasking product, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Cleansing Balm, which does six things in one. It cleanses, conditions, treats, detangles, softens, and adds shine. All you have to do is apply six to eight pumps of the balm to wet hair and evenly distribute it through your strands. Leave it on for three to five minutes, then rinse.

Got it? Let’s have a quick recap. When washing your hair, avoid washing too much or too little, using the wrong type of shampoo and conditioner, washing without soaking your hair first, using scorching water, being rough on your strands, focusing shampoo on your ends, and skipping conditioner. Now, you’re officially a hair washing pro!

Our next topic is only natural: drying your hair. Click through to find out How to Air Dry Your Hair!