Hair Care Basics: Tips for Shampooing the Salon-Style Way

Is your hair dry and frazzled? Or oily and limp? Do you have to fight tangles every time you wash your hair?

Surprisingly, a lot of the problems you might be having with your hair could be caused by the way you shampoo it. And making a few minor changes in the way you wash your hair could make a world of difference.

Here are some tips on how to shampoo your hair the right way.

Use the Least Amount of Shampoo Possible

You might think using a large amount of shampoo is the best way to get your hair clean. But using too much shampoo can make the shampoo hard to rinse out thoroughly, and could leave a film on the hair that will leave it looking dull and lifeless, as well as causing other problems, like flaking.

Instead, only use enough shampoo to work up a decent lather. And, again, make sure you thoroughly rinse the shampoo from your hair.

When Shampooing, Don't Pile Your Hair On Top of Your Head

When you wash your hair, you probably pile it all on top of your head to lather it up. But this is a no-no. It might seem like this is the way everyone washes their hair. But piling your hair on top of your head will just cause tangles and snarls.

Instead, when shampooing your hair, let it hang straight down (over a sink if you're washing your hair outside of the shower). Use your hands to work the shampoo from the roots down to the ends. Washing your hair this way will result in fewer tangles.

You should use the same method when toweling your hair dry. Instead of balling your hair into the towel and giving it a vigorous rubbing, let it hang straight down. Put a towel over your head and pat out as much moisture as you can. Then, use the towel to gently squeeze sections of your hair.

Not only will this result in fewer tangles, this gentler treatment is better for your hair.

Should You Lather, Rinse, and Repeat?

The bottle might say lather, rinse and repeat, but it's not always necessary. Often times, your hair is clean after the first lather. And washing your hair too much will strip it of essential oils.

You should definitely avoid lathering up more than once if you have dry hair because it will only make your problem worse.

Follow these tips, and you just might put an end to some of your most bothersome hair care problems.