Washing your hair may seem like the most trivial task and a complete no-brainer, but it turns out that most of us have actually been doing it wrong.
There are many tricks and tips of there to make sure your locks are looking their best – from shampooing twice to conditioning first.
But how should it actually be done?
Kieran Tudor, creative director for Centred. and principal stylist at Josh Wood, has explained the whole process for us and it’s much simpler than you think.
He’s debunked the best techniques and the most common pitfalls, so you can really get the most out of your hair washing routine.
Ditch SLS
The first step to a healthy hair care routine is the correct shampoo, says Kieran.
He explains: “Using the wrong shampoo can do more harm, than good.
“I always advise clients to avoid products containing Sodium Lauryl Sulphates (SLS) as these detergents can easily strip the hair of its natural oils leaving it dry and brittle over time, as well as stripping the colour out of the hair, making it fade twice as fast.”
Pay attention to your scalp
But that’s not all. You should be shampooing in a certain way too to really cleanse your scalp.
Kieran adds: “The scalp should be your focus when shampooing your hair! It is an extension of our skin so needs to be effectively cleansed and nourished for healthy hair to grow.
“Massaging your shampoo into your scalp for two minutes will not only deeply cleanse, but gently exfoliate and stimulate blood flow, both crucial for boosting hair rejuvenation and growth.
“You should generate enough lather to effectively cleanse your entire hair with your scalp massage.”
Co-wash
Whilst we can get to grips with chemical-free shampoo and scalp stimulation, we’d never considered washing your hair without shampoo – but apparently it’s not always necessary.
The stylist revealed: “You don’t always need to use shampoo, you can instead opt for a ‘co-wash’. Simply rinse your hair with water, then apply a moisture-rich conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends before rinsing thoroughly.
“This is particularly helpful for those who exercise often or have dry/coarse hair. A co-wash allows you to rinse away any sweat or grime build up, without affecting the balance of the scalp, whilst strengthening, softening and moisturising the ends.”