As a hairstylist or cosmetologist, it is important to know the right way to wash hair. This not only can help you to keep your hair looking clean and healthy, but it also helps you to provide a better service for your clients. A good wash creates the perfect foundation for a haircut and/or style. Plus, in many salons, a new stylist starts out as a shampooer, so you want to have the strongest skills possible to impress your boss and quickly move up to a full stylist. If you are looking to improve your hair washing technique, then be sure you follow these simple tips.
Start with Cold Water
For healthier hair, start with a cold water rinse
At the very start of the process, you should run cold water through the hair. This seals the cuticle, which helps hair remain sleeker and shinier. The entire washing process does not need to be in the cold for this to work; just a few seconds at the start is all that is necessary, according to Cosmopolitan.
Don’t Worry About Bubbles
Although it may seem as though the more bubbles, the more efficient the soap, this is not always the case. In fact, many shampoos that clean the best do not lather as much as others. Often, the sudsiest shampoos have more ingredients that cause build up in the hair.
Shampoo the Roots
When you wash hair, you want to concentrate the shampoo on the scalp and roots. This is where the oil, sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells accumulate. Take the time to really massage the shampoo into the scalp and roots to clear up all the product and build up to lighten hair and keep it healthier. The ends of the hair typically do not get too dirty, except for certain situations, such as a mud run or a food fight, so they do not need much shampooing.
Don’t Forget the Massage
Head massages are not just for relaxation; they boost circulation for healthy hair
When shampooing, it is best to spend some time massaging. This not only feels good for the client, it also helps to create a better, healthier circulation in the scalp. This in turn leads to healthier developing hair, according to Paula’s Choice.
Rinse Well… and Don’t Repeat
After you have shampooed the hair, be sure to rinse it well. Any traces of shampoo left in the hair can lead to irritation, itching, buildup, and more, all of which can also make hair appear flat. Unless the client uses a lot of hair products, then a second shampoo is usually not necessary, and may even lead to drying out the scalp and other problems.
Condition the Ends
Apply conditioner to the ends of the hair, where the most damage is found
Conditioning is an important part of washing hair, and the most important part to condition is the ends of the hair, according to Daily Makeover. This tends to be where the most damage lies, and the scalp and roots often do not require additional moisture beyond their natural oils. Even oily hair needs some conditioner to treat the ends to make the hair appear healthier. Certain conditioners need to stay on the hair for several minutes to really work, especially those that repair damage. You want to be sure to thoroughly rinse out any condition unless it is made to leave-in, as this causes build up and limp hair.
Washing hair may be one of the most basic services offered by hairstylists, but it can be the most important. By knowing how to properly wash hair, you can keep your clients’, and your own, hair healthier and shinier. It also will help you to be able to more easily comb through the hair, cut it, and style it so that your clients will walk out of your salon pleased with their new style.
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