How to wash your hair correctly: mistakes to avoid

The most common mistakes we make when washing our hair are often small daily habits that, over time, can affect the shine, volume, and health of our scalp. These include the initial mistake of washing our hair too often or using water that's too hot, two conditions that can weaken the scalp. And finally, at the end of the wash, when we mistakenly think we're drying our hair by rubbing the towel:

When hair is rubbed, the cuticles (the outer layer that covers it) can lift and become less uniform, the surface feels rougher and the hair appears more swollen and unruly.

But let's take a closer look at how to wash your hair correctly and effectively.

Index of topics

Always brush them before washing

This is the first thing to do, even before washing. Start from the ends, to remove any dust or residue . A good combing is the best way to start a good wash. Keep in mind that hair gets dirty more easily, depending on its characteristics: for example, this happens with straight, fine hair, because the sebum contained in the scalp tends to coat it more easily. By brushing gently from the roots to the ends, some of the sebum produced by the scalp is distributed along the lengths, and this can help protect the drier ends in particular.

After brushing, you can dampen your hair with warm water . A common mistake is using water that's too hot: it can stress the hair shaft and irritate the scalp, promoting dryness and frizz. It's better to use warm water and, if you like, give your hair a slightly cooler final rinse.

The right shampoo

Each hair type requires its own specific shampoo to dissolve in water . Dry hair, long hair, hair with dandruff: check carefully if you're using the right shampoo for your hair type. You can also use a natural homemade shampoo.

The correct dose

Don't overdo it with shampoo: it's a wasteful use. Adjust the amount you use based on the length of your hair, and be careful to distribute it evenly throughout. A teaspoon is usually the right amount . Furthermore, too much lather can prevent the shampoo from penetrating deeply. A large amount of shampoo doesn't cleanse better: it can leave residue and weigh down your hair. Furthermore, it's not necessary to apply shampoo to the lengths of your hair as well. Shampoo primarily cleanses the scalp of sebum, sweat, and impurities; the lengths are cleaned by the lather that drips down during rinsing; rubbing them too much can dry them out.

Foam on the head

In the first phase, the very hot water should foam up on your head. Then you can begin massaging your hair. Gently, without rubbing it, and without overdoing it, so as not to scratch your scalp. Your movements should be slow and vigorous. Let the shampoo do its job for a few minutes , then move on to the second wash with water. This means you've removed the shampoo, which will be certain when you feel your hair glide easily under your fingers. Only then can you rinse again with cooler water, which stimulates circulation. Massage your hair while washing with your fingertips, in a circular motion, and without rubbing. Avoid tilting your head upside down, as this can open the scales and cause frizz.

Don't overdo it with the conditioner

You can use conditioner, but in extreme moderation. And only on the ends. The benefits? Your hair will be shinier and softer. If you want smoother hair, choose the morning hours to wash it . This will avoid rubbing the pillow after washing, which could cause kinks.

Too much conditioner can coat the hair with conditioning substances that make it soft, but also less voluminous: the result can be dull, lifeless hair, especially in fine hair.

Don't comb your hair while it's still wet.

And no brushes. Your hair is already stressed from washing, so it's best to wait. When your hair is wet, you can assess the presence of dandruff . In this case, circulation should be reactivated by alternating cool and warm water , massaging the scalp with light circular movements, especially between the ear and the scalp. In some cases, and for a limited period of time, it may be necessary to use a special anti-dandruff shampoo. In an initial phase, you can try using vinegar to combat dandruff.

First drying

Don't wring out wet hair in a towel; dry it upside down for the first time, running the towel over the loose ends. Wet hair is very sensitive . Air-drying is ideal at first; otherwise, use a hair dryer, but set the heat to warm, not hot. Rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel before using the dryer can roughen the cuticle and cause frizz. This makes it appear duller. It's best to towel-dry your hair and wrap it in a turban for about five minutes.

Moisturize the ends

For this, you can use natural oils, such as lavender, sweet almond, or argan oil . If your ends are dry, an hour before shampooing, you can use a simple, very effective natural treatment: wrap them in a mixture of honey and olive oil.

When to comb your hair

Start while they are still slightly damp , not before.

The best time to comb your hair after washing depends on your hair type, but in general, it's best to avoid brushing it when it's completely soaked , because at that stage it's more fragile and breaks more easily.

Here are some pointers:

Straight or slightly wavy hair
- Wait until they are dab with the towel and have lost a good part of the excess water.
- Then you can comb them delicately, starting from the ends and working your way up towards the roots.
Curly or very wavy hair
- It's often better to comb them from wet or very humid, because the curl tends to form knots when it dries.
- Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb and apply a detangling or leave-in product if necessary.
Fine or fragile hair
- It's best to wait a few minutes after washing, pat them dry without rubbing, and use gentle tools.
- Avoid pulling on knots: pulling on damp hair can promote breakage.

Frequency of washing

Don't overdo it with the frequency of washing and therefore the use of shampoo. In fact, if your hair doesn't have any specific problems (such as dandruff), you can wash it once a week . That's more than enough.

In any case, the ideal frequency for washing your hair isn't the same for everyone : it depends primarily on your scalp type, sebum production, hair length, hair type, and daily habits. The goal is to keep your scalp clean without over-stressing your hair.

Indicatively:

Oily hair or skin that produces a lot of sebum
- They may require more frequent washing, too every day or every other day if necessary.
- It is important to use gentle cleansers to avoid irritating the skin and creating a cycle of excessive sebum production.
Normal hair
- They often do well with a wash of about 2–3 times a week, but it can vary a lot.
Dry, curly or very wavy hair
- They usually benefit from less frequent washing, for example 1–2 times a week, because natural sebum takes longer to distribute itself along the lengths.
Fine hair
- They can look dirty more quickly because they lose volume easily; some people prefer to wash them more often using light products.
Treated hair (dyed, bleached, permed, or chemically treated)
- It is often useful to reduce the frequency of washing and choose more delicate products to preserve the treatment.

Some signs that you are washing your hair too often are :

hair that is dry or crunches to the touch;
fragile tips;
skin that feels tight or uncomfortable;
increased frizz effect.

How to wash your hair