8 Hair Washing Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making

To Wash or Not to Wash: That is the Question

Every evening, we stand in front of the mirror and ponder this very question. I’ve been washing my hair regularly for decades, and it never occurred to me that I might be doing it wrong. But my stylist recently shocked me by revealing that there are numerous common mistakes we make when washing our hair.

1. Brushing Before Washing

It’s challenging to wash your hair when it’s tangled, so most of us brush our hair before hopping into the shower. However, according to Fernando Salas, the founder of the White Sands shampoo line, improper brushing can cause significant damage to your hair.

Always start from the bottom and work your way up, focusing on smaller sections to gently detangle your hair. Even if you’re in a hurry, begin with the ends and finish with the crown. Think of it like untangling a necklace: the first tiny knot seems impossible, but once it’s undone, the rest becomes easier.

2. Not Considering Your Water Type

Water hardness indeed affects how your hair looks. SPA salon experts claim that excessive salt in water can even alter your hair color! Moving to a new place just for better water might be extreme, but you can try using special filters.

Finding an apartment with spring water from the tap is tough. Instead, visit professional cosmetics stores and purchase shampoos designed for hard water or special ‘pills’ for filtration.

3. Using Hot Water

Hairdressers advise women to avoid using hot water when washing their hair, as it strips away natural oils. This is especially true for those with colored hair. Stylist Stephanie Johnson states:

The cuticle is your protective layer, and it’s crucial to preserve it. Hot water on thin and damaged follicles will affect the cuticle’s condition and, consequently, your hair’s structure. Use conditioners only at low temperatures.

However, don’t always use cold water, as it seals in all the ‘shine’ of your hair by smoothing the cuticle. Find a balance between temperatures.

4. Using Certain Chemical Ingredients

Any hairdresser will tell you to avoid products containing sulfates, and now doctors support this advice. Certified dermatologist Joel Schlessinger says that sodium lauryl sulfate can cause significant harm to people with sensitive scalps, leading to eczema, allergies, and other irritations.

Hairdressers also recommend avoiding conditioners with parabens, which leave an unpleasant waxy layer on the hair. Synthetic keratin is also not recommended, as it can damage the cuticle down to the base.

5. Washing Your Hair Too Often

98% of people on the planet don’t need to wash their hair every day. Some believe that if they don’t, their bangs will get greasy, but often, frequent washing leads to this problem.

The more you wash your hair, the more oils your scalp produces. Your body has to use more resources, leading to the depletion of your hair’s structure. Hairdressers recommend washing your hair every other day and using dry shampoo in between. It may take some time to see results, around two to three months. Also, remember that hair structure is usually genetically inherited.

6. Not Considering Your Hair Type

If your hair is truly oily, you can apply shampoo before wetting it to better remove traces of oil. It’s also essential to consider your hair color. For example, blondes are recommended to use a special purple shampoo to combat brassiness.

7. Rinsing Improperly

The last step, but certainly not the least important. The creative director of PRORITUALS says that most women make mistakes at this stage. We usually think that we should rinse out all the conditioner from our hair, but this actually reduces its effectiveness. Conditioner provides smoothness and protection, so you should leave that slippery feeling on the ends.

With shampoo, it’s the opposite: if even a little remains in your hair, it will feel sticky and heavy, so rinse thoroughly.

8. Not Considering Your Hair Color

Colored hair also requires different care: it’s more sensitive to external factors and breaks more easily, so it needs genuinely good care. Spending a couple of thousand on a colorist and then skimping on shampoo is not a wise idea.

For more information on hair care, you can visit Heroine, a reputable source for beauty and lifestyle advice.