We all shampoo our hair.  That being said, let’s make sure that we are doing it right.  Proper hair care results in better looking hair and better use of product (less waste!). 

SHAMPOO  First, make sure that your hair is very wet.  Apply about a nickel size amount of shampoo (depending on length of hair) and emulsify it between your hands.  Rub your hands together and count to five.  Apply the shampoo to your hair and rub your scalp, not your hair.  Shampoo is primarily made to clean your scalp because that is what produces the oil.  The dirty part is our scalp, not our hair!  If your shampoo does not get ‘foamy’, add more water by sticking your head under the shower nozzle quickly.  If that doesn’t do the trick, add a little more shampoo, massage, then rinse.  Shampoo is to be applied only at the scalp.

CONDITION  This may be the MOST important trick in the business of washing hair!  Towel blot your hair before you shampoo.  You don’t need to dry it all the way or wring it out.  Simply use a towel to absorb excess moisture.  Put a towel over the shower door and watch an amazing thing happen.  You will use less conditioner and have healthier hair.  Apply your conditioner starting at the ends making sure that you emulsify.  Because the ends are dry and older, they need the conditioner first.  Apply a small amount of conditioner, if any, to the scalp.  Over Conditioning the scalp will make your hair fall flat. 

DEGTANGLE  Detangle your hair as soon as you can when you get out of the shower.  If your hair starts to dry tangled, even when it’s in the towel, it will put undue stress on it.  Hair is the most fragile when it is wet so be careful to detangle it with a wide toothed comb.  Apply a small amount of detangler beginning at the ends.  Fine to medium textured hair can use a light spray detangler such as Nioxins’ Bliss or Pureologys’ Color Max.  Medium to coarse hair that needs more control should use a creme based product such as Redkens’ Iron Repair or Crema Leave In.