Hair Tips

Top 10 Hair Tip Checklist When Using Shampoo

Why a checklist of hair tips on washing and shampooing hair? Surely it's something most people do regularly without thinking. That may be so, but negligence or ignorance in this area of hair care can actually do damage.

Make sure you observe these guidelines when choosing and using a hair shampoo:

Hair Tip #1

Shampoo your hair regularly to keep the hair clean and the scalp healthy.

Depending on the environment in which you live and work, even washing your hair once a day will not damage the hair as long as you use good quality mild shampoo that does not strip all of the sebum from the hair. (Sebum is the natural oil produced in the hair follicle which contains a natural antiseptic and protects the scalp from infection.)

Hair Tip #2

Do not use soap on your hair. Soap is too harsh and especially when used on your hair in hard water areas it can leave a sticky residue. Experimenting with a variety of quality shampoos designed for your hair type will help you arrive at one that you are happy with and that leaves your hair clean and shiny.

Hair Tip #3

Wash your hair in warm water and make sure you give time for the hair to soak thoroughly before applying the shampoo. As sebum is a natural oil it will not dissolve in cold water.

Hair Tip #4

Put a dollop of shampoo in the palm of your hand relative to the length of your hair and spread it between both hands. Now spread it over your head by stroking the shampoo through your hair to ensure even coverage.

Hair Tip #5

Use the balls of the fingers (not fingertips) to gently massage the scalp as you apply the hair shampoo. This gets the shampoo right into the hair root. Pay special attention to the hairline and give it a little extra time as dirt can lodge in this area.

Hair Tip #6

Most times you only need to apply the shampoo once, especially if you wash your hair frequently. Unless you did not get a good lather the first time or if the hair is especially dirty should a second application of shampoo be necessary.

Hair Tip #7

Be meticulous with rinsing your hair. It should be done under running water and make sure you use lots of it! Residue shampoo left in the hair can cause damage.

Hair Tip #8

Dab or pat your hair with a towel to remove excess water or moisture. Do not rub with a towel to avoid damaging or breaking the hair. Remember, wet hair is fragile hair.

Hair Tip #9

Using a pH balanced shampoo can help ensure you do not damage it unknowingly. A pH (potential hydrogen) balance of between 4.5 to 5.5 is a good guide indicating the shampoo is slightly acidic, matching the pH value of your hair and sebum. A shampoo with a high alkaline content, while appearing to make the hair thicker, can actually damage the surface of the hair.

Hair Tip #10

Be aware of the ingredients in the shampoo you choose and examine the label carefully.

Fruit additives can help hydrate the hair.

Perfumed and coloured shampoos can in a few instances cause skin irritation so be prepared to try another if this happens.

While you may be tempted to use a shampoo that contains proteins, and no doubt it can help the hair, if you are concerned about your hair getting enough proteins, pay more attention to your diet and feed the hair from the inside, a far more effective way to help your hair than adding proteins from the outside!