Washing your hair well using just shampoo is not complicated a priori, and yet, so many people are mistaken. Whether it’s the type of shampoo used, the amount, the frequency… It’s much more complicated than just “wash, rinse, repeat”. Here are some tips for learning how to wash your hair the WOLFMAL way.
1. Use a shampoo that suits your hair (and your goal)
If you have curly hair, you absolutely need a moisturizing cleansing shampoo. If you have thick or straight hair, opt for a product that smoothes your strands. Men with fine or thinning hair should favor a shampoo that adds volume. Maybe you keep your hair really short and just want to rinse it out and that’s totally normal. But if you have long hair or are trying to add volume, avoid frizz, add texture, or whatever, choose a shampoo that fits that goal.
Here is a link to a scientific article on the effects of shampoo on hair.
2. Always apply conditioner
Just like you use moisturizer after applying facial cleanser, you should also use conditioner…after your shampoo. The shampoo dehydrates the hair, while the conditioner nourishes it (proteins, keratin, etc.) and strengthens its structure.
Let the conditioner sit for a minute or two before rinsing it out. Start your shower with a shampoo in the shower, then let the conditioner work while you wash your body. Then, rinse it all out and finish with a facial cleanser, as conditioner ingredients can sometimes clog facial pores. Oh, and make sure your conditioner, like your shampoo, matches your hair type and goals.
3. Never do 2 in 1
Stop using 2-in-1 shampoos and conditioners, please. Would you use a 2-in-1 cleanser-moisturizer? No. Let both products do their job: the shampoo cleans, the conditioner repairs. You negate the revitalizing effect if you do everything in one step. Again, always start with the shampoo, then apply the conditioner (leaving it on for 1-2 minutes) and you’ll have soft, strong hair every day.
4. Not washing your hair every day
This is not how often you should shampoo. Rather, you should do it every two or three days. Daily washing is the perfect recipe for dry hair and scalp. Most of the time, you only need one rinse. Now it’s up to you to judge at the time. Just because you shampooed yesterday doesn’t mean you can’t shampoo today. If you’ve used harsh hair products or had a sweaty workout, you might need a wash. But in general, remember that the health of your hair will be better if you do not wash it every day.
As for conditioner, you might consider a “co-wash” on non-shampoo days. It’s about using a conditioner like a shampoo, enjoying its nourishing benefits while letting the product remove excess dirt and oil. You can also invest in a good dry shampoo, which will absorb excess oil on the scalp and give the hair some lift.
5. Avoid these ingredients
You have to be vigilant to find a shampoo without any “bad” ingredients, as many contain one of the following: sulfates (ALS, SLES, SLS), parabens, polyethylene glycols (PEG), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) , formaldehyde, alcohol, sodium chloride, synthetic dyes and fragrances.
These last two elements, dyes and fragrances, can be particularly difficult to avoid. Above all, try to avoid sulfates, which can seriously dry out your hair, despite the miraculous lather they produce. Try to buy brands that promise to contain none of these ingredients, or a minimal amount. Note that price is not always synonymous with a clean ingredient list.
6. Use little shampoo at first
How much shampoo should I use? Much depends on the foam it produces naturally. It’s best to start with a coin-sized amount and add more. It all depends on how much water you have in your hair, how much lather it produces, how much hair you have, and even the temperature of the water. (Unfortunately, the colder the water, the better it is for your hair cuticles). Longer hairstyles may require more time and product. You’ll get used to it pretty quickly – start with a moderate amount and increase it as you go.
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