A 4-Step Guide To Washing Your Hair The Right Way

Do you feel your hair has lost its natural shine and become weaker? While there are many factors you can point your fingers at (pollution, water, chemicals in products), sometimes it is the basics that we get wrong. Experts will tell you that from shampooing your hair to applying conditioner after the wash, you need to do it right to get healthy hair. More than anything else, it is important to understand one's hair type first. Go to a professional if need be and find out if you have a combination scalp, an oily scalp or one that is prone to dryness; and accordingly choose the right hair products.

Did you know that you should never wash your hair daily? Experts suggest washing hair at least thrice a week and oiling at least two times a week to keep it healthy and strong. So have you been washing your hair the right way? If you have a clueless expression, here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it right:

1. Prepare your hair

To prepare your hair for the wash, oil it two to three hours beforehand. An oil massage opens pores and enables better absorption of oil nutrients. Oil your hair from roots to tips and don't massage too hard. You can use coconut, mustard or olive oil and even a combination for your pre-shampooing routine.

^{Oil your hair from roots to tips}

2. Rinse gently

Start by rinsing your hair with lukewarm water. This will remove extra oil from hair and scalp and wash off dry skin on the scalp. It will further help open the cuticles and soften the hair. When rinsing, keep in mind to not start rubbing hair immediately but wait for your hair to be soaking wet.

^{Rinsing will remove extra oil from hair and scalp}

3. Pick the right shampoo

Choosing the right shampoo is important if you want your hair's natural shine and moisture to stay intact. For dry and damaged hair, it's best to opt for sulfate and paraben-free shampoo. Whereas for thin hair, go for a volumising shampoo. In any case, avoid shampoo with synthetic ingredients so that your hair doesn't get damaged.

Take a small amount of shampoo and work it up to lather. Start from the scalp and gently move on to the body straight down to the tip. Don't rinse off the shampoo with warm water. Wash your hair with lukewarm water as hot water is bad for your hair.

^{Choosing the right shampoo is important}

4. Apply conditioner

Hair conditioner is applied after you have rinsed out the shampoo completely. It helps in retaining moisture and binding hair cuticles. Apply it evenly along the length of hair (but not the scalp). Leave it on for a minute or so and then rinse it off with cold water.

^{Hair conditioner helps in retaining moisture}

Extra care for your hair

*Apply a conditioning mask once a week - a hair mask can offer deeper hydration and repair, leaving hair lush and shiny.

*Let your hair dry, the best way is to take a towel and wrap it around your head and soak all the extra water.

*Do not ignore dandruff. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo and alternate it with your regular shampoo till dandruff persists.

*Do not switch between brands. Using different brands may show you different results but can also damage your hair.

Inputs from IANS