How to wash your hair properly?

Washing your hair properly comes down to a few steps: wet it thoroughly, massage the shampoo into your scalp rather than your lengths, rinse with lukewarm water, apply conditioner to the ends and dry without rubbing. Shampooing is an essential step in any hair routine, and we often make mistakes without realising it that harm the health and look of our hair. Here is the right method, followed by the mistakes to avoid.

How to wash your hair properly, step by step

1. Detangle before the shower. Gentle brushing, for example with a wooden pin brush, limits knots once the hair is wet.
2. Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly with lukewarm water.
3. Apply the shampoo to your scalp and massage with your fingertips, in small circular movements.
4. Let the lather run down the lengths, spreading it without rubbing.
5. Rinse thoroughly, finishing with lukewarm to cool water.
6. Apply conditioner to the lengths and ends, then rinse.
7. Dry gently, patting with a towel.

Using a solid shampoo? The technique is slightly different: here is how to use a solid shampoo properly.

Mistakes to avoid when washing your hair

1. Washing your hair too often

The temptation to wash your hair every day can seem irresistible. In reality, it can upset natural sebum production and dry hair out. It is best to space out your shampoos and find a frequency that suits your hair type.

2. Scrubbing your scalp hard

Scrubbing your scalp vigorously can irritate it and stimulate excess sebum production. Instead, use gentle circular movements to massage the scalp delicately and stimulate blood circulation. If your scalp is sensitive, use the pads of your fingers, never your nails.

3. Washing the lengths first

Many of us apply shampoo directly to the lengths and ends, neglecting the scalp. Yet it is the scalp that needs cleaning: start by gently massaging the shampoo into your scalp, then work the lather through the lengths.

4. Putting conditioner on the roots

Conditioner nourishes and detangles hair, as long as you apply it in a targeted way. On the roots, it can weigh them down and make them greasy faster. Concentrate it on the lengths and ends, where hair needs hydration most.

5. Rinsing with water that is too hot

Hot water can damage hair by drying it out and making it more brittle. Choose lukewarm to cool water for the final rinse: your hair keeps its moisture and shine.

6. Rubbing your hair with a towel

When you step out of the shower, it is tempting to rub your hair vigorously to dry it fast. This friction damages the hair cuticle. Instead, wrap your hair in a soft towel and pat gently to remove excess water.

7. Overusing heated tools

To keep your hair healthy, let it air-dry as much as possible. When you cannot do without the hairdryer, hold it at least 15 cm from your hair.

How often should you wash your hair?

Two to three times a week is generally enough for most people. The right frequency depends mainly on your scalp: if it gets greasy quickly, choose a suitable shampoo rather than washing more often. To go further, read our article: washing your hair less often, miracle or mirage?

Not sure which shampoo suits your hair? Our online hair diagnosis helps you choose.

In short

• Wash your hair two to three times a week, adapting the frequency to your scalp.
• Massage the shampoo into your scalp without scrubbing hard, and let the lather clean the lengths.
• Rinse with lukewarm to cool water and keep conditioner for the lengths.
• Pat dry with a towel and limit hairdryer heat.

Also worth reading:

• About us