Most of my clients wonder why their hair doesn’t look the same when they style it at home. Well, I usually tell them that a good wash is the base of a good hairstyle, but unfortunately, as basic as it may seem, many people don’t know how to wash their hair. They don’t spend enough time shampooing the the hair and massaging the product into the entire scalp. And if they do, they’re not rinsing the hair completely, which often leaves a filmy residue. These are all simple steps that are easy to skimp on and often it is because they have not taken the time to properly shampoo it like we do in the salon. So follow these steps for a perfect salon quality shampoo!
Step One
Thoroughly wet your hair with warm water.
Step Two
Determine the right amount of shampoo you need. It really depends on the length and texture of your hair and usually the minimum amount is about a quarter size in the palm of your hand. Using enough product is very important.
Step Three
Apply the shampoo to your scalp and start massaging it in. A good head massage at this point will stimulate blood flow to the scalp, encouraging hair health. Sometimes adding a little water while shampooing will help encourage a good lather. Firmly massage with your finger tips all over the entire head. Remember that most of the “dirt” in dirty hair is oil at the scalp or dead skin that can accumulate and flake if not scrubbed clean.
Step Four
Now rinse thoroughly with warm to hot water. Rinsing until there is no trace of shampoo left in the hair. As the shampoo rinses out down the hair shaft the ends get clean.
Step Five
Repeat steps 1 through 4 if necessary.
Step Six
Apply conditioner focusing on the middle to the ends of your hair. Keeping conditioner off of the scalp to avoid flat hair later.
Step Seven
Use a wide tooth comb to comb the conditioner through the hair and to remove tangles.
Step Eight
Rinse out the conditioner. If you have extremely dry hair you can leave a bit in the hair, but I do not recommend this for fine or flat hair. Follow with a cool rinse if you can take it. This will close the cuticle, and enhance shine.
Step Nine
Towel dry your hair being careful not to rough it up too much. Use a blotting method and squeeze the moisture out of the hair. This avoids excess tangles and is much less damaging to the hair.
Step Ten
Style as usual.