Hair Washing Done Right—Here’s What You Need to Know

For most people, hair washing is the most no-brainer activity in the world. You might think you can just hop in the shower, suds up with shampoo, and rinse your hair. But it turns out that how you wash your hair isn’t so cut and dry after all. In fact, there are quite a few common hair washing habits that may not be so great for the overall health of your strands.

Understanding how to wash your hair properly can prevent issues like dry hair, dullness, or color fading. Below, we’re sharing six hair care tips that sum up how to wash your hair the right way and avoid making common hair washing mistakes. Keep reading and learn how to transform your shower routine for better results.

Why Proper Hair Washing Matters

Learning the correct way of washing hair is more than just a matter of cleanliness; it is foundational to your hair's overall health and appearance.

• Impacts scalp health: Proper cleansing removes excess oil, product buildup, and dead skin cells that can clog follicles and lead to scalp issues.
• Affects oil balance: Washing too often or with harsh formulas can strip the scalp, causing it to overproduce oil—this might even lead to dandruff. Not washing enough can lead to greasy roots and dull strands.
• Influences hair condition: The right hair washing technique directly influences shine, volume, and manageability, setting the stage for any style you want to create.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

The frequency with which you wash your hair is not one-size-fits-all. It depends on your hair type, scalp condition, and lifestyle.

• Oily hair: May need washing every 1-2 days to manage excess sebum.
• Normal hair: Typically requires washing 2-3 times per week.
• Dry or curly hair: Can often go longer, benefiting from washing just 1-2 times per week to retain natural moisture.

It may take some trial and error to find your personal balance. The goal is to cleanse away impurities while keeping your hair’s natural oils intact and your ends hydrated.

How To Wash Hair The Right Way

There is a best way to wash hair that ensures every strand is treated with care. Remember these hair-washing tips the next time you break out the shampoo.

1. Use the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type

Using a system formulated for your specific hair concerns is the first step in a successful hair washing routine. Here are some great options for every hair type:

• Damaged hair: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair+ Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair+ Conditioner. This system works to strengthen weak hair bonds and protect against future damage from heat or coloring. Apply the shampoo to wet hair and follow with the conditioner for hair that feels stronger and looks healthier.

• Dry hair: L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. These moisturizing formulas replenish dry hair with essential nutrients and 2X more moisture for a silky-soft finish. Lather the shampoo well before applying the creamy conditioner from mid-lengths to ends.

• Frizzy hair: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Iron Sleek Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris EverPure Iron Sleek Conditioner. These products help to smooth the hair fiber and provide heat protection for those who frequently use flat irons. Apply the shampoo to your scalp and then use the conditioner to seal the cuticle for a frizz-free look.

• Oily hair: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Restoring Conditioner. This clarifying duo removes heavy product buildup and excess oil while keeping the scalp refreshed. Use the shampoo once a week or as needed to detoxify your strands without stripping them.

• Curly hair: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Curl Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Curl Conditioner. This duo provides deep moisture and curl definition for up to 48 hours without weighing down your loops. Use it by massaging the shampoo into the scalp and smoothing the conditioner through the ends to maintain bounce.

• Thin hair: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Thickening Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Thickening Conditioner. Formulated with rosemary, this system helps to strengthen thin hair and boost volume for a fuller appearance. Massage the shampoo gently into the roots to stimulate the scalp while you cleanse.

• Color-treated hair: L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss Shine Boosting Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss Shine Boosting Conditioner. These products are enriched with a Glycolic Acid complex to smooth the hair cuticle and provide a lasting, laminate-like shine. Simply apply to wet hair, massage, and rinse to see immediate radiance.

• Blonde hair: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Toning Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Toning Conditioner. This system uses purple pigments to neutralize brassy yellow and orange tones in blonde, bleached, or highlighted hair. You should use it 2 to 3 times a week in place of your regular shampoo to keep your color cool and bright.

2. Soak your hair with water before shampooing

When you’re in a rush in the morning, you may speed through your hair washing routine. However, it is important to get your hair completely wet before shampooing to ensure the product lathers correctly and cleanses evenly. Applying shampoo to dry or even damp strands can lead to uneven distribution and wasted product.

3. Don’t wash your hair with water that’s too hot

Yes, taking a shower with scorching hot water can feel amazing, but it is not a good idea for the health of your hair. In reality, showering in too hot water can strip your hair of its essential oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Instead, rinse your hair with lukewarm water to keep the cuticle smooth. Your hair will look much shinier.

4. Don’t scrub too hard

When it comes to your scalp and hair, being gentle is key. Your hair is more fragile when it is wet, so avoid being aggressive to wash your hair correctly. Simply massage your shampoo onto your scalp gently before you rinse your hair. This method protects your strands from breakage and prevents scalp irritation.

5. Focus shampoo on your scalp

You should focus your shampoo scrubbing mainly on your scalp and not on your lengths and ends. Your scalp is the area that really needs cleansing since that is where oil and dead skin cells can accumulate. In contrast, the lengths and ends of your hair may be on the drier side. Applying shampoo to these areas too vigorously can dry them out even more.

As a general rule for all hair types, focus your shampoo on your scalp and your conditioner on the lengths and ends of your hair.

6. Don’t skip out on conditioner

Regardless of your hair type, you should always apply conditioner after hair washing to help keep your hair nourished. Slather on conditioner from your mid-lengths to your ends. This ensures that the oldest parts of your hair get the moisture they need without making your roots greasy.

Next Up: Which L’Oréal Shampoo Is Right for Your Hair?

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris