How To Wash Your Hair Correctly
SHAMPOO: HOW OFTEN? HOW MUCH? AND WHAT TYPE OF SHAMPOO IS BEST FOR YOUR HAIR?
Believe it or not, there are a few expert tips we are fortunate to be able to impart with you that will help to make sure you get it right on wash day.
I know what you're thinking… Washing hair isn’t rocket science, but hear us out. As a hairstylist for nearly 20 years I have seen many times just how wrong people can get it with shampoo.
There are in fact some very common mistakes people make that could be detrimental to their hair and scalp and if you don’t want to be one of them, keep reading to discover the optimal way to wash your hair in order to keep you locks looking as luscious as if you had just stepped out of the hair salon.
- How many times a week should you wash your hair?
- Why is my hair greasy after one day?
- How do I train my hair to be less greasy?
- How much Shampoo should I use?
- Why should I wash my hair twice with shampoo?
- What is the best shampoo for a sensitive scalp?
- Is the Daily Calma Shampoo suitable for colour treated hair?
- What is the best shampoo for fine or thinning hair?
- Should I use a pre-wash treatment?
How many times a week should you wash your hair?
The frequency of washing hair depends on several factors, including hair type, scalp condition, and personal preferences as well as lifestyle factors.
In general, it's recommended to wash hair every 2-3 days, or as needed.
This may be more frequent if your hair is prone to becoming dirty more quickly from lifestyle factors such as exercise, cooking or the use of hair products. It is, however, important to try not to overwash your hair as this can not only strip away moisture from the hair and scalp but also disrupt the sebaceous glands under the skin of the scalp, causing them to react by over producing oil in an attempt to rehydrate the skin. This may lead to hair becoming ‘greasy’ more quickly which can lead to a viscous wash cycle.
Why is my hair greasy after one day?
There can be several reasons why your hair may become greasy after just one day, some of which include:
Overactive oil glands: If your scalp produces excess oil, it can make your hair look greasy quickly. This can be caused by harsh detergents in shampoo called Sulphates.
Skipping conditioner: Conditioner helps to balance the oils in your hair, so skipping it can lead to an overproduction of oil.Using the wrong products: Using heavy, oil-based products can weigh down your hair and make it appear greasy.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can impact the oil production in your scalp.
Diet: Eating a diet that's high in fat and sugar can contribute to an overproduction of oil in your scalp.If you're struggling with greasy hair, try using a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo, using conditioner sparingly, and limiting the use of heavy hair products. It may also be helpful to eat a healthy diet and reduce stress to promote a healthy scalp.
How do I train my hair to be less greasy?
Training your hair to be less greasy may require some adjustments to your hair care routine:
Wash your hair regularly: Washing your hair every other day or every two days can help regulate the oils in your scalp.
Use a gentle shampoo: Choose a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo that's designed for oily hair. This will help remove excess oil without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Skip daily washing: Retrain your hair by adopting a style that will hide the greasiness on day 2 or 3 after washing such as a sleek low bun (think Bella Hadid)
Avoid using heavy products: Heavy, oil-based products like pomades, waxes, and serums can weigh down your hair and make it appear greasy. If you must use these products, use them sparingly and apply them only to the ends of your hair.
Exfoliate your scalp: Use a detoxifying scalp treatment to exfoliate the scalp and rebalance moisture levels.
Use a hair treatment: A deep conditioning treatment can help balance the oils in your hair, making it look less greasy.
Adjust your diet: Eating a healthy, balanced diet and reducing your intake of sugar and fat can help regulate the oils in your scalp.
It may take some time to find the right routine, but with patience and persistence, you can train your hair to be less greasy.
How much Shampoo should I use?
The amount of shampoo you need depends on the length and thickness of your hair. The most important thing is to use the right amount for even distribution so you don’t miss any spots of your scalp as this can lead to irritation.
As a rule, start off with a 2-3 cm oval of shampoo in the palm of your hand and work through the roots of your hair to create a lather, you can always add a little more but definitely don’t just pile heaps on to your hair, this is unnecessary, can be costly and can dry the hair out by overloading it with product.
You can adjust this amount by reducing it if you have short or fine hair or increasing it if you have very thick or long hair.
The most important thing is to ensure even distribution so the lather is nice and foamy over all of your scalp. (You may need to double cleanse as often the first shampoo won’t lather as much as it is breaking down oils and dirt).
Why should I wash my hair twice with shampoo?
Washing your hair twice with shampoo can have several benefits, including:
Thorough Cleansing: Washing your hair twice ensures that all the dirt, oil, and product build-up is removed from your scalp and hair. The first wash helps to loosen any buildup, while the second wash helps to thoroughly cleanse your hair and scalp.
Improved Lather: Washing your hair twice can also help to improve the lather of the shampoo, making it easier to distribute the product evenly through your hair and ensuring that all areas of your scalp are thoroughly cleaned.
Better Conditioning: If you are using a conditioning product after shampooing, washing your hair twice can help to prepare your hair for better absorption of the conditioner. A clean scalp and hair can help the conditioner to penetrate more effectively, leading to smoother and healthier hair.
It's important to note that washing your hair twice is not necessary for everyone and may not be suitable for all hair types.
If you have fine or thin hair or your hair is not very dirty but needs a refresh, washing your hair twice may make it look greasy and weigh it down. In this case, washing your hair once with a gentle shampoo may be sufficient.
If you're unsure whether washing your hair twice is right for you then experiment. If you find the lather is nice and foamy during the first application and your hair wasn’t that dirty to begin with then just stick to one.
The key thing to remember is that shampoo, even gentle ones like our Daily Calma, is a detergent, and whilst important for keeping hair clean it shouldn’t be over used.
Pro Tip - by Applying the first shampoo to the top and crown of your head and developing a lather from there, then applying the second shampoo to the nape of your neck where hair is typically its most dense you will ensure you don’t miss any spots. The nape of the neck is where most people typically miss during shampoo and consequently develop itchiness and irritation in that area.
Daily Calma - Repair Shampoo
★★★★★
"Just a wonderfully light shampoo which felt very gentle but really cleansed my hair and scalp." - Ann
What is the best shampoo for a sensitive scalp?
The suitability of a shampoo for a sensitive scalp can depend on several factors, including the ingredients in the shampoo, the individual's hair and scalp type, and any existing conditions, such as dandruff or an allergic reaction.
If you have a sensitive scalp, it's best to look for shampoos that are specifically formulated for sensitive scalps and free from harsh chemicals, such as sulphates, parabens, and fragrances. It's also a good idea to patch test the shampoo on a small area of your scalp before using it on your entire head, to ensure that you don't have an adverse reaction.
Introducing the Daily Calma Shampoo: Specifically formulated for the needs of a sensitive scalp, this is a consciously created formula that contains calming key ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Orange Blossom Water that help to reduce irritation whilst gently cleansing the hair and scalp
Is the Daily Calma Shampoo suitable for colour treated hair?
If you have colour-treated hair it is important to avoid ingredients that can be harsh on colour-treated hair, such as sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium chloride, and alcohol.
Our Daily Calma Shampoo is an ultra gentle cleanser with no harsh ingredients so it will help to protect and preserve your hair colour for longer.
What is the best shampoo for fine or thinning hair?
If you have fine or thinning hair the last thing you want to do is weigh it down with heavy products. That is why we developed Heightened.
Expertly formulated with Rice Protein, Ginseng and White Nettle, this gentle volumusing cleanser adds volume and fullness to fine, flat hair.
Ginseng: Studies have shown that ginseng may help to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that a shampoo containing ginseng extract improved hair thickness, volume, and density in women with thinning hair.
Rice protein: Here are some reasons why rice protein is amazing for fine hair:
- Strengthens hair: Rice protein contains amino acids that can help to strengthen hair and improve its elasticity, which can reduce breakage and promote healthy hair growth.
- Adds volume: Rice protein can help to add volume to hair by penetrating the hair shaft and expanding it from the inside out.
- Moisturizes hair: Rice protein is a natural humectant, which means it can help to attract and retain moisture in the hair, keeping it hydrated and healthy.
- Protects hair: Rice protein can help to protect hair from damage caused by environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.
White Nettle: White nettle, also known as Lamium album, is a herb that has been traditionally used for many kinds of medicinal purposes and now science has shown its benefits for hair which include:
- Helps with dandruff: White nettle has natural antifungal properties, which can help to reduce dandruff and other scalp conditions.
- Soothes the scalp: White nettle has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe an itchy or irritated scalp.
- Strengthens hair: White nettle is rich in silica, which is a mineral that can help to strengthen hair and reduce breakage.
- Promotes hair growth: White nettle contains minerals and vitamins that can nourish the hair and promote healthy hair growth.
Heightened Volumising Shampoo
★★★★★
"The only volumising shampoo that I've tried which actually works - and I've been trying forever!" - Maggie
Should I use a pre-wash treatment?
Whether or not you should use a pre-wash hair treatment depends on the specific needs of your hair and scalp. Pre-wash treatments are designed to be applied to the hair before shampooing, with the aim of providing additional exfoliation and detoxification as well as extra nourishment and protection to the hair.
A pre-wash treatment can be good for those with specific scalp issues such as Dandruff, Psoriasis and dry scalp or anyone wanting to prevent such issues from arising. Some common types of pre-wash treatments include hair oils, hair masks, and hair serums. These treatments can be beneficial for individuals with dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair, as they can help to hydrate and strengthen the hair.
If you are actively seeking to encourage healthy hair growth then our En-Root Scalp oil pre wash treatment is an excellent addition to your hair care routine.
Key active ingredients include:
Healthy hair growth - Rosemary leaf extract, Peppermint essential oil & Castor oil
Exfoliation and detoxification - Salicylic Acid & Tea Tree oil
Hydration and protection - Argan, Coconut and Lavender Oils
Keeping the scalp in optimum health contributes to healthy strong hair growth.
Keeping in mind these pointers for how to wash your hair correctly, we hope you can continue to maintain your healthiest, fullest hair. If you have any questions please reach out to us by emailing - hello@wearecentred.com