If you don’t take care of your hair when you wash it, it can get really damaged. Experts say some of the most common mistakes are using dry and deep-cleansing shampoos too much, washing the ends instead of the roots, scrubbing too hard with your nails, and rushing in the shower. Other harmful practices include washing with hot water, using products that aren’t right for your hair type, putting products on strands that aren’t wet enough, ignoring seasonal changes, and roughly drying your hair with a regular towel instead of gently patting it dry with a microfiber cloth.
Everyone washes their hair, and it seems like a simple task: lather, rinse, repeat. But in reality, there are a lot of small mistakes people make when they wash their hair that can really hurt the condition of their hair and scalp. Everything from shampoo to water temperature and how often you wash can lead to dull, dry, unmanageable hair or even hair loss, according to Real Simple. Luckily, it’s easy to fix. Just make a few minor changes to your hair care routine.
The publication asked professional hairstylists about the most common mistakes people make when washing their hair. Here’s what they said.
You use dry shampoo too much?
Dry shampoo is great for oily hair on day two, but using too much of it can lead to product buildup. This can make hair look flat and clog the follicles.
“I usually recommend using dry shampoo no more than once or twice between full washes,” says professional stylist Paul Winter.
Hey, just a heads-up: you might have missed a step in your shower routine. It’s easy to rush, but for best results, make sure your hair is soaked with water before you hit the shampoo. “If you don’t do this, the shampoo will be harder to distribute, and you’ll probably use more than you need,” says Winter. Make sure your hair is nice and wet before you start.
You’re massaging your scalp too hard.
A lot of people love a vigorous scalp massage at the salon, but doing it every day isn’t the best idea. “Massaging too intensely can lead to hair breakage, and if you scratch your scalp in the process, it can leave scars. It’s better to use your fingertips instead of your nails, and massage the scalp in circular motions with light pressure,” the expert emphasizes.
You’re shampooing the ends, but the dirtiest part is actually near the hair roots. The ends are a lot neater now. Pay attention to the roots, because that’s where clogged follicles can lead to hair loss.
But if you rub the ends too much, it can lead to tangles and knots. Here’s the right way to do it: put the shampoo on at the roots and through the mid-lengths, and as you rinse, the lather will run down the entire length on its own.
You’re not spending enough time washing
If you’re only spending five minutes in the shower, you’re probably not doing it right. “It’s important to take enough time to massage your scalp thoroughly. “Massage boosts blood circulation, which promotes scalp health and, consequently, hair health,” says stylist Gina Rivera.
Winter suggests giving your hair a good wash with circular motions for about 2–3 minutes.
You shouldn’t change up your shampoo
Your hair’s condition changes with the seasons, styling, and coloring. For example, in the summer, you want a smoothing shampoo because of the humidity, while in the winter, you need volume. To avoid product buildup, Winter suggests switching between a clarifying shampoo and a moisturizing one. If your hair is dry, look for products that say “for dry hair.”
You might be using clarifying shampoo too much.
If you’re always using styling products, then a clarifying shampoo might be just what you need. But stylist Kat Thompson says to be careful and not use it too often. “Clarifying shampoos are great at cleansing the scalp, but if you use them too often, they can strip away the natural oils,” she adds.
You might not be using the right shampoo and conditioner. There are hundreds of products out there, and even if you have “normal” hair, it’s important to pick products that are right for your hair type. “Dry, curly hair needs more moisture, while fine hair needs lightweight formulas so it doesn’t get weighed down,” says Thompson.
You’re using water that’s too hot
A hot shower feels good, but it’s bad for your hair. “The hotter the water, the more it strips away natural oils, and the drier your hair becomes,” says Thompson. She says that if you keep the water cool, your hair will be shinier and more hydrated. When you’re rinsing your hair, it’s better to use warm water instead of hot water.
You might be rubbing your hair a bit too roughly
Are you in a rush after your shower? And definitely don’t rub your hair with a towel! “Be gentle. It’s better to blot your hair with a soft microfiber towel. This will help curly and wavy hair avoid frizz, prevent fine hair from breaking, and keep colored hair healthy,” says Thompson.