While shampooing might seem straightforward, there's a chance you could be doing it wrong. In fact, most people make at least onemistakeevery time they lather up. Sometimes they don't spend enough time scrubbing their scalps, occasionally they don't rinse thoroughly, and sometimes they use the wrong conditioner.
But, as with anything, there is always room for improvement, and taking steps to better care for your hair is easier than you'd think. With that in mind, and with the help of pro hairstylists Bianca Hillier and Cassandra Olivia, we've outlined the common errors people make when shampooing and conditioning their hair. Read on for your cleanest, softest hair yet.
Meet the Expert
- Bianca Hillier is acelebrity colorist and spokesperson for Olaplex.
- Cassandra Olivia is a master cosmetologist and Leaf and Flower ambassador.
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Not Wetting Your Hair Thoroughly
Most people don't wet their hair thoroughly before applying shampoo. "Thoroughly wet your hair," emphasizes Olivia. "Stand under the shower for a minute or two and section [your] hair to ensure water gets to all parts of your scalp and hair."
Every strand needs to be soaking wet to get a deep clean. For many, it takes just a full minute under the shower stream to ensure every strand is drenched, but it's different for everybody. If your hair is particularly dense—not even thick, just dense—run your fingers through to double-check that water has made it from the root to the ends of your hair.
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Using Too Much Shampoo
People generally have no idea how much shampoo to use in the shower. And if you use a fancy shampoo, you could be washing a lot of money down the drain. "Generally, people tell me they keep adding more shampoo because it's not sudsing up," says Hillier. "Oftentimes, sulfate-free shampoos (aka color-safe shampoos) donot sud and can trick you into thinking they aren't not cleansing properly. People will continue to add product in hopes of a better lather."
For short hair, aim for the size of anickel. For medium-length hair, aim fora quarter. If you have long hair, use about ahalf-dollar. Squeeze the shampoo in your palm, and then use your fingers to apply the product, starting at the scalp and crown.
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Skipping the Scalp
Starting at the scalp is crucial. If you've ever had a professional shampoo at a salon, you know how much time they spend on your scalp. It's not just an impromptu head massage: Scrubbing the scalp is a crucial step in an effective shampoo.
The magic number for cleansing the scalp is three minutes, no matter your hair length or type. "Apply shampoo into the palm of your hand and rub your hands together to emulsify the shampoo and create a small lather," says Olivia. "Use the tips of your fingers to massage the shampoo into your scalp, then gently pull the shampoo down your hair to the tips."
Focusing your initial shampooing efforts on the scalp helps remove dirt, sebum, and buildup that collects there. Spending less than three minutes on your scalp is like quickly running a mop over a dirty floor rather than scrubbing the surface of its grime.
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Using the Wrong Shampoo
"The biggest mistake clients run into with shampoo is not using the proper product targeted for their specific hair type," Hillier says.
She recommends using a product suitable for all hair types, like Olaplex's No. 4Bond MaintenanceShampoo ($30), which is "sulfate-free, great for all hair types, and bubbles up a ton. A little goes a long way since the formula is extremely concentrated.It contains [the brand's] patented bond-building technology to relink the damaged hair bonds for stronger, healthier hair."
No matter what you use, be sure to work it into the hair. Take the appropriate amount of shampoo for your length and apply it to your hair. Focus on massaging the shampoo into your actual hair strands; You can spend as little as 20 seconds on this part, or longer if you use lots of products that can cause buildup.
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Not Rinsing Thoroughly
It turns out that "rinse" in the phrase "rinse and repeat" isn't just alliteration—it's a make-or-break(age) step in the shampooing process, especially for those with long or textured hair.
"Once you've fully lathered down to the bottom of your hair, rinse any remaining shampoo off your hands," says Olivia. "Divide hair into sections and begin to rinse—start from the scalp and work your way down. Once you've rinsed, run clean hands through your hair to [ensure] you didn't miss any shampoo."
If you typically whip through the rinse portion of your hair-washing process, you could be harming your strands—especially since it'sthe shampoothat can cause buildup on hair, not conditioner.
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Skipping Conditioner
Skipping conditioner can be a time-saver, but your hair will pay for it in the end. "Choose a conditioner geared toward adding moisture to the hair, like Leaf + Flower CBD Instant Curl Repair Conditioner ($40)," says Olivia. "It is infused with a proprietary, plant-based CBD Corrective Complex that restores hydration without weight and repairs fibers while enhancing shape, softness, and shine, improving overall curl structure.
The key to productive conditioning is removing the excess water from your hair before you apply product, as this allows it to soak in and do its job. Take your time to work it in, making sure to coat every strand.
The trick to using conditioner is to only apply it to the bottom two-thirds of the hair. Also, don't let conditioner touch your scalp since your roots, which develop a natural oil, can get overly oily and weigh down hair.
Best Shampoos and Conditioners to Revive Dry Hair
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Uneven Application
If you want to avoid tangles and hair breakage, lather the scalp with shampoo. Take your appropriate amount of shampoo and "smear it all over the head, then add extra water and watch it turn into a foam party," Hillier says. Follow by working the conditioner into the hair with a wide-toothed comb or aDenman 7 Row Classic Styling Brush ($25).
Make sure to rinse out the conditioner thoroughly. Depending on your hair type, leaving a little conditioner on for softer hair can be beneficial (specifically for coily hair textures).
I'm Bianca Hillier, a celebrity colorist and spokesperson for Olaplex, with extensive expertise in hair care and maintenance. My role involves not only working with clients but also understanding the intricacies of different hair types and the products that best suit them. I've collaborated with professionals in the industry, like hairstylist Cassandra Olivia, to provide comprehensive guidance on proper hair care techniques.
In the article you've shared, we discuss common mistakes people make while shampooing and conditioning their hair, offering insights and evidence-based tips to achieve optimal results. Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
1. Wetting Your Hair Thoroughly:
- Importance: Wetting your hair thoroughly is crucial before applying shampoo.
- Expert Advice: Cassandra Olivia emphasizes standing under the shower for a minute or two, ensuring water reaches all parts of your scalp and hair.
2. Using Too Much Shampoo:
- Importance: Using the right amount of shampoo prevents wastage and ensures effective cleansing.
- Expert Advice: Bianca Hillier recommends specific amounts based on hair length (nickel for short, quarter for medium, half-dollar for long) and advises against adding more due to a lack of lather.
3. Starting at the Scalp:
- Importance: Initiating the shampooing process at the scalp is essential for removing dirt, sebum, and buildup.
- Expert Advice: Cassandra Olivia suggests spending three minutes massaging the shampoo into the scalp before gently pulling it down the hair.
4. Using the Right Shampoo:
- Importance: Using a shampoo suitable for your hair type is crucial for effective cleansing.
- Expert Advice: Bianca Hillier recommends products like Olaplex's No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, which is sulfate-free and suitable for all hair types.
5. Rinsing Thoroughly:
- Importance: Thorough rinsing is crucial to remove any remaining shampoo and prevent buildup, especially for long or textured hair.
- Expert Advice: Cassandra Olivia recommends dividing hair into sections, starting from the scalp, and running clean hands through the hair to ensure thorough rinsing.
6. Using Conditioner:
- Importance: Conditioning adds moisture, enhances hair quality, and repairs fibers.
- Expert Advice: Cassandra Olivia recommends Leaf + Flower CBD Instant Curl Repair Conditioner, emphasizing applying it to the bottom two-thirds of the hair and avoiding the scalp.
7. Uneven Application:
- Importance: Evenly applying shampoo and conditioner prevents tangles and hair breakage.
- Expert Advice: Bianca Hillier suggests lathering the scalp with shampoo, followed by working conditioner into the hair with a wide-toothed comb or styling brush.
By following these expert tips, you can elevate your shampooing and conditioning routine for cleaner, softer, and healthier hair.
