Are You Lathering Your Shampoo Correctly? The Right Way Is Gentle On Hair And Saves Money

Are You Lathering Your Shampoo Correctly? The Right Way Is Gentle On Hair And Saves Money

When you wash the dishes in the sink do you mix the detergent with the water before you put the plates in? Or do you just apply a dollop of washing up liquid straight onto the plate?

The former would be a more effective way to clean, the latter a waste of product -- and the same applies when shampooing your hair.

So many people squeeze out (too much) shampoo onto their palm and apply it straight onto their hair to start foaming it up. By doing so you're using more shampoo than necessary (which can result in limp hair with no volume) and you're making wet hair more susceptible to damage with all of the vigorous foaming.

Instead, try working the shampoo into a light lather in your palm first.

"Many people have an oily t-zone and that doesn't just stop at the hairline, it extends to the scalp. As the scalp is an extension of the skin, it is important to remove impurities, dry skin build up and sebaceous oil," Janis McNicholas, Scientific Regional Trainer for French haircare brand Klorane told The Huffington Post Australia.

McNicholas suggests the following steps:

  • Start by rinsing your hair with lukewarm water (not too hot). Apply a small amount of shampoo into the palm of your hand.
  • Rub hands vigorously together, distributing the shampoo onto the fingers while keeping the majority on the palms.
  • Beginning at the nape, push fingers through the scalp, entwining in the centre, keeping the palms off and away from the scalp.
  • Rub hands again, emulsifying and distributing more product onto your fingers and work the product from the fingers through the crown.
  • Again repeat the process moving forward to towards the forehead.
  • Once the product has been distributed through the scalp, start at the nape and very gently massage the scalp in circular motions. Do not do this this too vigorously.
  • The lather of the shampoo can then be 'raked' or distributed through the mid lengths and the ends of the hair using your fingertips.
  • Rinse well.

Using this process will thoroughly cleanse the whole scalp, use less shampoo and cause less damage to the hair. It may take a little getting used to as it will feel as though you aren't using enough shampoo at first, but it's all you need. Hair will be less weighed down (and shinier) as a result.

When it comes to conditioner the same technique should be used, but applied to the mid lengths and ends instead of the scalp.

"Conditioner should be applied from the mid lengths to the tips or ends of the hair. I recommend that a small amount of product is emulsified, and milked through the hair, section by section. Leave on for a minute or two, and rinse thoroughly," McNicholas said.

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