Think You Know How to Shampoo? Think Again!

Admit it, we’re way harsh on our hair – especially in the shower. And while we may all feel like we’re shampooing experts, there are a few tips you can do to maximize cleansing and minimize hair damage. Here’s how to turn getting clean into getting gorgeous:

Detangle Before Washing: Don’t even think about stepping into the shower with tangled hair! Hair is the weakest when it’s wet because it swells up and stretches, meaning it can break much more easily. By gently detangling with a wide-tooth comb while you’re hair is dry, you’ll minimize breakage.

Shampoo like an Expert: Take it from the top down. To prevent new tangles, apply shampoo to hair roots where styling residue and oil tend to accumulate, and work it through to the ends, moving in the same direction as the water. Frantically rubbing hair into a big rats nest may be your go-to routine, but it can lead to snarls that even the most moisturizing shampoo can’t fix. Start shampooing at the roots and work your way through the length of your to avoid the knots and minimize damage. Consider a second round of shampoo if the bubbles don’t last through the first wash. Excess oil and dirt kill bubbles. If the foam doesn’t last, you know your hair isn’t fully clean.

Conditioning 101: Unlike shampooing, apply conditioner from the bottom, up. After rinsing out the shampoo, apply conditioner to the ends of your hair, and work your way to the roots. Then, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb in the shower to gently comb hair starting at the ends, moving up the length of the hair. Continue your showering routine while the conditioner sits on your hair before you rinse it out last.

Blot, Don’t Rub: Gently blot the extra moisture from your locks with a dry towel or even microfiber cloth. If you rub vigorously, you’ll create tangles by roughing up the cuticles, setting your hair up for frizz. Use a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush to get your hair ready for styling.