Washing your hair may seem simple, but doing it properly is essential for maintaining healthy, shiny, and manageable hair. Many people are never taught the proper steps for washing hair. You were likely handed a bottle of shampoo and conditioner, and that summed it up.
In this article, we'll guide you through properly washing your hair, from selecting the right products to mastering the correct techniques. By following these expert tips, you'll be on your way to achieving stronger, glossier hair from the very first wash.
How to Wash Your Hair Properly Step-by-Step
Ever catch yourself rushing through hair washing without a second thought? We've all been there—grabbing shampoo, lathering up and calling it a day. But proper hair washing techniques can transform your routine into a self-care ritual that leaves strands stronger, glossier and healthier-looking.
Let’s dive into our top tips for how to wash your hair properly:
1. Select the right shampoo and conditioner
Gisou’s Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner are the ideal choice for all hair types. They’re powered by fermented Mirsalehi Honey, biomimetic ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and nourish your hair without weighing it down. The shampoo deeply cleanses while balancing the scalp microbiome, while the conditioner strengthens and polishes.
2. Brush and detangle first
Hair naturally tangles when you wash it, so if you’re prone to knots it's a good idea to brush and detangle your hair before you get your hair wet. Start at the ends and work upwards as gently as possible. When all the knots and tangles are removed, thoroughly brush and smooth hair. This leads to better results when you shampoo and condition.
4. Wet hair completely
Don’t just stand under the shower! You need to make sure your hair is completely saturated. If you have a removable showerhead, use it to get under and around hair, if not, make sure you’re tilting your head from side to side under the water. For long hair, lift sections to ensure every inch is drenched
5. Apply shampoo smartly
Dispense a coin-sized amount into your palm. It might not look like a lot, but it’s plenty for most lengths and hair types and you can always add more if needed. Rub palms together to emulsify into a luxurious lather, then massage into wet hair with fingertips, focusing on scalp and roots. For hair that weighs down easily, add small amounts along the hairline, crown, and nape instead of one spot.
Pro tip: Need more lather? Rather than reaching for extra product, try adding some more water to your hair.
6. Massage the scalp
Whilst shampooing, take the opportunity to give yourself a moment of self-care and massage your scalp. Using your fingertips or a scalp massager, massage in small, circular motions with light to medium pressure. Tools like our Honey Gloss Scalp Massager help to gently exfoliate the scalp, remove excess oils and boost circulation for a refreshed, balanced scalp and helathier-looking hair. It’s also a calming and relaxing way to end your shampooing step.
7. Rinse thoroughly
Rinsing is an important step that’s often overlooked. Product residue can leave your hair feeling weighed down and unclean, so it’s crucial that you’re taking the time to do it properly. Follow these steps and you’ll be off to a good start:
- Tilt head so the water flows from roots to ends;
- Use your fingers to lift sections and distribute the water gently;
- Continue rinsing for 60-90 seconds until water runs clear
- Rinse each section thoroughly.
8. Condition evenly
Squeeze out excess water and distribute the conditioner evenly from mid-length to ends. Use your finger tips in a raking motion or a wide-toothed comb, like our Soothe & Smooth Comb, to evenly distribute the product and detangle. Allow the conditioner to absorb for 1-2 minutes, then rinse.
9. Final cool rinse
Times up. It’s time for the final rinse. Use lukewarm to cool water to rinse each section of using your fingers to ensure each section is completely rinsed. Once the water runs clear finish with a final cool rinse to help seal the hair cuticle and boost shine.
10. Towel dry gently
How you dry your hair effects hair health, too. Skip rough towels and excessive rubbing to prevent frizz and damage. Instead, opt for microfiber towels, wrap gently to absorb moisture and avoid pulling wet strands.
How Often Should I Wash My Hair?
You can adjust how often you wash your hair based on your hair type, scalp, and style. You can typically tell if your hair needs to be washed by the feel and how well it does or does not style. If your hair is naturally oily, you may need to wash it more often. On the other hand, if you have very dry hair, you may want to wash your hair less frequently.
Elevate with our Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Routine*
Now that you've mastered how to wash your hair properly, level up with our Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Routine*. This 4-step ritual features our shampoo and conditioner, alongside our Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask and iconic Honey Infused Hair Oil to cleanse, nourish, polish and shine for transformational results. In just one use, it delivers up to 5 days of 30x smoother hair, 218% more shine, 89% less breakage and 63% less frizz*.
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*Ceramides present in Shampoo, Mask & Conditioner. Hair Oil does not contain Ceramides.
**Clinically tested after one use of the full 4-step routine. Results reflect highest or average values observed. Results may vary.