The human body uses many techniques to keep itself in tip-top shape, but your scalp is not one of them. It needs some help from you. Sure, the hair on your head may hide what’s going on underneath — much like how a hat hides a bad haircut — but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy.
Shampooing is arguably the most important part of scalp health. It lifts the oils and flakes that can clog hair follicles and cause hair loss, as well as dry skin and itching.
In order to get your scalp back into fighting form, here are some little-known secrets of shampooing that will put you well on your way to a healthier head of hair:
- Shampoo twice for optimal results. There is a reason professional colorists always use two shampoos! The first shampoo gets rid of debris and surface dirt, while the second one gets deep into the scalp and cleans out product buildup.
- Treat your scalp gently. Avoid rubbing it with your fingernails or using a brush with stiff bristles. Instead, use the pads of your fingertips to massage in the shampoo with a light, circular motion. A soft brush can be used on long or thick hair to make sure the shampoo is thoroughly distributed.
- You can shampoo every day. Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair every day is not bad for it unless you have certain conditions like eczema or dermatitis. If you don’t have those issues and your hair gets oily easily (like mine does), then don’t feel bad about shampooing every day.
- You should use conditioner every time you wash your hair (or at least most times). Conditioner is just as important as shampoo because it adds moisture and softens your tresses so they’re more manageable and smooth.
