There are some things we do on autopilot. We go through the motions without giving much thought to what we’re doing or why; washing our hair is one of those things. Aside from choosing what products we put in it we often give little thought to how we wash it and why this is important. And why would we, right?

You might think it’s simply a case of lathering in shampoo,  applying some conditioner and giving it a good rinse and while that might cover the basics there is so much more to hair washing than we think. From the right way to wash it to things we should avoid here are five things you need to know when it comes to keeping your locks squeaky clean.

The Right Way To Wash Your Hair

Let’s tackle the big one first; is there a right way to wash our hair and are we doing it wrong? Although it might seem like a simple task there are some things we’re all doing wrong when it comes to hair washing. Try following these steps for the ultimate salon style wash:

• Make sure your hair is thoroughly soaked before applying product
• Temperature is everything! Use warm water as opposed to hot or cold. If the water is too hot it can encourage your scalp to produce extra sebum (this is what makes your hair feel greasy) and if the water is too cold it won’t wash out the grease
• Go easy on the amount of product you use; lots of product is difficult to wash out and will just cause build up
• Apply conditioner FIRST. This might sound crazy but applying your conditioner first is a great way to add moisture to your hair without weighing it down; this works especially well if you have fine, dry or damaged hair
• Speaking of conditioner let it sit in your hair for at least three minutes before you rinse it out. This will allow it to deeply penetrate the hair and moisturise each strand
• Apply shampoo into your scalp but be careful not to massage it too vigorously; this will only cause the hair to knot and tangle making it difficult to brush and dry afterwards
• Although the scalp is where most of your attention should be focused when it comes to shampooing don’t forget the rest of your hair! Product can build up midway and at the ends of your hair so these need cleaning too
• Finish washing your hair with a blast of cold water; this will help seal in any moisture and invigorate your scalp

Things To Avoid When Washing Your Hair

Now you know the things to do what about the things to avoid?

1. Laurel Sulfate

Most shampoos contain sodium lauryl sulfate which works to trap dirt and oil from the hair which is then rinsed away. It is also what creates foam and lather in shampoos, soaps and body washes. Although sodium lauryl sulfate is safe to use it can be very drying on both your skin and your hair. When washing hair make sure you  keep your head tilted upwards and away from the direction of the water; this will help stop shampoo coming into contact with the delicate skin on your face.

Ideally try to avoid products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, especially If you suffer from dry hair. Most shampoos that come in bar form are free from sodium lauryl sulfate and will still clean your locks without drying them out. Dr Organic (from Holland and Barrett), The Body Shop and Lush all stock sodium lauryl sulfate free shampoos.

2. The Wrong Products For Your Hair Type

Another big mistake is using the wrong shampoos and conditioners for your hair type. How many times have you picked up a shampoo because it’s got fancy packaging? Or chosen a conditioner purely because it smells nice?

Using the wrong products can damage your hair; it’s important you know your hair type and then buy products in relation to this. If you dye your hair, choose products that are specifically formulated for coloured hair. If you suffer from dandruff then opt for a shampoo that will help treat this. It can be difficult to understand your hair type; is it dry, normal, oily, or a mixture of two? If you’re not sure then be sure to ask your hairdresser; they’ll be able to advise you of your hair type and recommend the best products to use.

The Right Way To Wash Your Hair Will Improve Scalp Health

When we wash our hair we should also pay attention to washing our scalp. Having a clean scalp will help encourage strong, healthy hair growth. Similar to how we exfoliate the skin on our face to remove dead skin cells we should do the same to our scalp. Invest in a good scalp scrub or scrub shampoo to clear away any impurities and debris from the follicle and keep your hair and scalp happy. Nioxin, Soap & Glory, Kèrastase and Philip Kingsley all have great exfoliators that really clean the scalp and create a healthy environment for hair  growth.

Busting Hair Myths

When it comes to hair washing there are certain myths we grow up repeating as gospel; your hair will eventually self clean itself if you stop washing it, your hair will get used to a shampoo and stop working if you use it all the time, and washing your hair everyday is bad for you. But is there any truth in these myths?

Myth One: Your hair self cleans if you stop washing it

Truth: Your hair is self sufficient and certainly can clean itself. However, for many of us stopping regularly washing our hair will lead to a build up of impurities  that will  clog the hair follicles and result in weak and damaged hair.  If stopping washing your hair is something you really want to do, go ahead, but be prepared the road to clean hair will be a long and greasy one without much reward!

Myth Two: Your hair becomes used to the same shampoo and it stops working

Truth: If your hair is in good condition you should be able to use the same shampoo without your hair ‘getting used to it’. If you feel like your regular shampoo isn’t doing the job anymore the chances are it’s more to do with the quality of your hair rather than the shampoo you’re using. It might be that your hair has become dry or damaged and requires a more nourishing washing routine.

Myth Three: Washing your hair everyday is bad for you

Truth: The truth is washing your hair everyday isn’t a bad thing, but washing it everyday with the  wrong products is. Most experts agree that you should wash your hair when it begins to feel dirty and greasy; this will vary from person to person and the environment you’re in. If you live or work in a city where there’s lots of pollutants or you do a lot of exercise or swimming then you might need to wash it more frequently. Your hair type also plays a part in how often you wash your hair; for example fine, thin hair will need more washing than thick, coarse hair.

What Is Co Washing?

For many people washing their hair can be a chore; it takes too much time, uses too many products or they can’t find a sulfate free shampoo they like. Enter co washing! Co washing is washing your hair with conditioner only.  It’s a great way to keep hair moisturised and allows your hair’s natural oils to cleanse and nourish  your scalp. It’s not for everyone (those with  fine or naturally oily hair should avoid it as it will only weigh the hair down) but it can work wonders for those with thick, curly/wavy or coloured hair.

How Does Co Washing Work?

To co wash your hair replace your regular shampoo with a cleansing conditioner specifically designed for co washing. There are some great options on the market and some of the big  brands like Palmer’s, Olaplex, Bumble and Bumble and Aveda all have great cleansing conditioners.

Thoroughly wet your hair and apply the conditioner; use more than you would shampoo and make sure you gently massage this into both the scalp and the ends of your hair. Once rinsed out follow up with a normal amount of your favourite conditioner and dry as normal.

When And How Should You Co Wash Your Hair?

There is some debate whether you should totally replace your shampoo with co washing but most experts seem to agree it’s a great idea to co wash your hair a couple of months out of the year (obviously only if your hair is suitable to do so). If you’re looking to start co washing it’s a good idea to start in the summer months when our hair can become damaged by sun, chlorine and saltwater and needs a little more TLC. Here are a few things to avoid when you start co washing your hair.

Our hair needs are so much greater than wash, rinse and repeat. When we establish a proper hair washing routine, choosing products that best suit its needs and implementing small changes, the results will speak for themselves. Start treating your hair care with as much care as you do your skin and you’ll be amazed at the results and maybe that haircut can wait a little longer!