Are you washing your hair correctly? The scientific aspect of hair washing is crucial, and it’s important to understand the following correct ways to wash your hair:
Brushing the hair: If you don’t brush your hair before washing, dust and dirt on the scalp will stick to it, making it difficult to clean thoroughly. Before washing your hair, comb it to remove tangles and then rinse it with water. This not only ensures a cleaner wash but also reduces hair breakage.
Thoroughly wetting the hair: Applying shampoo to hair that is not fully wet can result in incomplete cleansing or tangling, leaving residue such as dirt and dandruff in the hair. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly wet your hair before washing.
Using moderate water temperature: Excessive water temperature can damage the sebum layer on the scalp, making the hair roots increasingly fragile and increasing the risk of hair loss. A water temperature of 32°C to 38°C (90°F to 100°F) is appropriate. Washing your hair with warm water not only promotes blood circulation in the scalp, allowing for better nutrient supply to the hair, but also expands the superficial capillaries of the dermis, opening up the skin pores and facilitating the metabolism of scalp impurities.
Creating rich lather: Rubbing the shampoo directly on the hair may not clean it thoroughly and can damage the scalp. Instead, it is recommended to lather the shampoo in your hands first and then apply the foam to the hair, gently massaging the scalp. This ensures proper cleansing while minimizing damage to the scalp.
Using fingertips to massage in circular motions: Scratching the scalp with nails can harm the scalp and hair follicles, as nails harbor bacteria and scratching the scalp can lead to bacterial infections. It is best to use the fingertips to massage the scalp, using small circular motions in different areas.
Proper use of conditioner: When using conditioner, apply it only to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, avoiding contact with the scalp and roots to prevent clogging of the pores and excessive sebum secretion.
Patting the hair with a towel: Vigorously rubbing the hair can damage the cuticles and may cause hair breakage and loss. Instead, wrap the hair in a towel and gently squeeze or pat it to remove excess water.
Controlling the blow-drying temperature: When blow-drying, keep the hairdryer about 15cm (6 inches) away from the scalp and gradually blow-dry from the roots to the ends using a warm setting. Use your free hand to gently move the hair in a “Z” motion. When the hair is halfway dry, switch to the cool setting to close the cuticles that may have opened due to heat.
Additionally, it is important to choose a suitable shampoo based on your hair type, avoid using excessive amounts of shampoo, and refrain from combing or sleeping with wet hair. By following the correct hair washing methods, we can maintain a clean scalp, promote healthy hair, improve blood circulation in the scalp, and reduce the risk of hair damage and loss.
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