This Is How You Should Be Washing Your Hair, Apparently

Alternative Hair Treatment Offered In Chelsea Salon
Getty Images | Daniel Berehulak

Leaving the hair salon is similar to leaving the dentist’s office. You walk out feeling so fresh and clean, because there’s nothing quite like a nice wash and blow dry to put a little extra pep in your step. If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t replicate this feeling at home, it’s likely because you’ve been doing things all wrong. There’s a right way to wash your hair, and these interviews with professional hair stylists will prove it to you.

Christophe Robin, a Parisian hair colorist, filled the New York Times in on his hair-washing musts, and I’ve got to say—I had no idea this was how things were supposed to be done. One of the biggest takeaways? Detangling should be done before you shampoo, while your hair is still dry. Seriously, who knew?

And that’s just the beginning when it comes to hair care tips. Check out some of the main steps (that you’re likely leaving out) that will have you on your way to professionally washed hair, without leaving home.

1. Detangle Before Washing

As I mentioned, this is a crucial step. I typically wash my hair and then comb it after the shower. But apparently, that’s not right at all. Robin tells the New York Times, “You detangle first so that way you don’t have to detangle hair after, when it’s wet,” he said.

“You never should use a comb on hair that is wet. It’s very stressing on the hair.” He recommends going in with a quality brush before ever stepping in the shower.

hair brush photo
Getty Images | Matthew Peyton

2. Rinse Hair Before Applying Product

It may not be the most time-saving, but washing your hair the correct way can really make all the difference. Before adding any shampoo, make sure you’ve thoroughly rinsed your strands with warm water.

“Hot water will open the cuticle, which is good for removing any dirt or product trapped in the hair,” lead colorist at Oscar Blandi Salon Kylie White told StyleCaster.

wet hair photo
Flickr | Brittany?

3. Be Gentle

Apply most of the product towards the scalp and work it down to the end of your strands, but make sure you’re gentle. According to Oscar Blandi of the Oscar Blandi Haircare line, “Don’t use your nails or massage the scalp too harshly,” he tells Teen Vogue.

“You want to apply minimal pressure. Your scalp might naturally feel it, but it’s not as dirty as you think.”

shampoo photo
Getty Images | Daniel Berehulak

4. Don’t Overwash

Once you have nailed a better hair routine, you don’t have to repeat this process too often. According to Robin, you shouldn’t be washing your hair more than twice a week.

The other days, instead of using dry shampoo, he recommends treating the scalp to an apple cider vinegar spritz (five drops of vinegar to five ounces of water). Simple as that.

hair photo
Flickr | _arktoi

5. Be Careful How You Dry Off

Celebrity hairstylist Monae Everett told the Huffington Post that using a microfiber towel or t-shirt over a regular terrycloth towel is best for the hair.

These will absorb excess water without causing frizz when used correctly. “Blot and squeeze your hair dry instead of roughly drying it by vigorously moving up and down the hair shaft,” Everett tells the publication.

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RELATED: This Salon Uses Nutella To Dye Women’s Hair Brown

With these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be on your way to having better hair days in no time!

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About the Author
Augusta Statz
I have a B.F.A. in Writing from the Savannah College of Art and Design. I’m an avid writer with a genuine sense of curiosity. I feel the best way to absorb the world around you is through fashion, art and food, so that’s what I spend most of my time writing about.

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