Your Hair Washing Routine May Need an Overhaul…
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Washing our hair is something most of us do on autopilot, simply another step in our getting ready routines.
But if you are finding that you have a flaky, greasy scalp soon after wash day, or if your hair feels weighed down and limp, then these could be signs that your hair-washing routine needs a revamp.
Well, luckily you are not alone, as Absolute Collagen has spotted that searches for ‘how to shampoo properly’ have risen by 75%, while ‘how to wash hair properly’ has increased by 51% over the past year.
If your locks are getting greasy quickly, Eva Proudman, Trichologist at Absolute Collagen, has shared how to get to the root of the problem:
1. Check your technique
Ideally, you should aim to wash your hair every two or three days. Washing regularly, with a good shampoo and conditioner, helps to keep your scalp and hair well-balanced and hydrated.
How you wash your hair can significantly impact its health and cleanliness. While it’s true that scrubbing too hard can damage your scalp and hair follicles, not massaging the scalp enough can leave dirt and oil buildup, causing dandruff or other scalp conditions. Try not to wash your hair upside down, standing in the shower so your hair falls naturally is the best way, and will help to reduce tangling and frizz.
When washing your hair, make sure your hair is entirely wet before applying shampoo to ensure no strands are being missed. Then spend a good few minutes, working up a lather throughout your hair by gently massaging the product through, to help remove any dirt and excess oil that has built up in between washes.
Then when it comes to conditioning, focus on the opposite areas of your hair. Apply a nourishing conditioner to the ends of your hair, avoiding the top half as your scalp naturally produces oils that condition your skin and the roots of your hair.
2. Be aware of product build-up
It’s a common misconception that only products like dry shampoo and hairspray cause build-up in your hair. In fact anything applied to your hair – including shampoo and conditioner – can build up over time and cause issues if not completely removed.
A build-up of haircare or styling products creates a barrier that prevents any moisture from rehydrating the hair. This causes dryness which can then trigger an irritated, itchy scalp and dandruff.
To help tackle this, double-shampoo your hair, especially when you’ve used haircare or styling products. Just like a double cleanse for your skin, the first wash will remove dirt, excess oils and product build-up. Allowing the second shampoo to then effectively clean the hair and scalp. Just make sure to rinse out the shampoo thoroughly to ensure no residue is left behind before moving on to your next step.
3. Consider the type of water you are using
While there is nothing like a nice steaming shower to wash away the daily stress, using hot water to wash your hair could actually be making it greasier. The high temperature of the water can stimulate oil production in your scalp, making it look oily so soon after a shower. Instead, try turning down the heat and only use lukewarm water when washing your hair.
Another thing to consider is the type of water coming out of your taps. Hard water has a high mineral content and showering under it can leave mineral deposits in your hair, making it feel heavy and dull. One way to know if you have hard water is if you find it challenging to create a lather when shampooing – this can lead to you using more product than necessary.
To combat the effects of hard water, you can use chelating shampoo products which are specially formulated to remove mineral build-up. You could also try a showerhead filter to remove the minerals from your water supply before it touches your hair.
4. Clean your hair tools
Your hairbrush is a tool you reach for daily, whether you’re styling freshly washed locks or taming unruly strands. This means your hair tools can harbour bacteria, dead skin cells, oils and products, which can all be transferred back to your freshly washed hair. This will not only leave your hair dirtier than before but can also cause scalp irritation.
Regularly remove the hair from the bristles and use gentle soap and warm water to clean. To clean it effectively you may need to use a small brush such as a toothbrush to get between the bristles. Then allow the brush to air dry with the bristles facing down to avoid water collecting in the base of the brush.
For other hair styling tools, make sure they are unplugged and completely cool, then wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any product residue.
And there you go, four easy tips to help combat grease and transform your hair care experience, leading to healthier, luscious locks.
To shop for hair-strengthening shampoo, visit the Absolute Collagen website.
