Shampooing & Conditioning:
The very first step in determining your hair care routine is to determine your hair type and texture! This is essential, because it determines what type of shampoo to use and how many times to shampoo during the week.
SHAMPOOING? Shampooing removes all dirt, oils, and other debris from the scalp and hair shaft. This is a necessary step in your hair care routine. As a general rule, oily hair should be shampooed more often than normal or dry hair. There are many types of shampoos out there & your job is to find what will work best for you. Shampooing is Step 1 of 2 when it comes to cleansing your hair. Turn your water to the warmest you can stand for shampooing your hair. First, drench your hair with the warm water (this opens your cuticle allowing the shampoo to penetrate and do its job). Then apply your shampoo and give yourself a vigorous scrub. (be careful. use your fingertips, NOT your finger nails to scrub your scalp if you have a sensitive one). Make sure to really work it in all areas of your hair to ensure a thorough clean.
CONDITIONING? Conditioning plays a vital step in your hair care routine. I know many people who only shampoo their hair and forget about conditioner! Not a good idea. Conditioner seals the hair cuticle locking in moister (that the conditioner gives back to your hair). Closing the hair cuticle is a very important step. Conditioning is Step 2. Wash out your shampoo with warm water like I listed you do BEFORE you shampoo above, and use warm water so it keeps the cuticle open to receive benefits from the conditioner you are about to apply. Apply your conditioner all over your hair. This part is not suppose to be as vigorous as your shampoo, this is more of a lather. When you go to wash out your conditioner, use the coolest temperature water that you can stand, because this closes the cuticle. You want to close the cuticle so it locks in the moister! Conditioner and cool water will also help with SHINE!
WET HAIR? Your hair is at one the most fragile states it can be in when wet. The water has broken down the hydrogen bonds which create the weakness. This can result in your hair breaking & splitting! This is also why it is never good to go to sleep with wet hair! (though I admit I do it, we all do, but if you have the time & you care about your hair - dry it first!) After you shower (or anytime you get your hair wet really) never use a BRUSH. Always use a wide tooth comb to brush out tangles and part where you like. This is a more gentle approach than a brush would be. Take your time to reduce the chance of breakage! You can find these at a local beauty supply store or drug store. They are extremely cheap! Start de-tangling your hair from the bottom and work your way up to your roots.
The very first step in determining your hair care routine is to determine your hair type and texture! This is essential, because it determines what type of shampoo to use and how many times to shampoo during the week.
SHAMPOOING? Shampooing removes all dirt, oils, and other debris from the scalp and hair shaft. This is a necessary step in your hair care routine. As a general rule, oily hair should be shampooed more often than normal or dry hair. There are many types of shampoos out there & your job is to find what will work best for you. Shampooing is Step 1 of 2 when it comes to cleansing your hair. Turn your water to the warmest you can stand for shampooing your hair. First, drench your hair with the warm water (this opens your cuticle allowing the shampoo to penetrate and do its job). Then apply your shampoo and give yourself a vigorous scrub. (be careful. use your fingertips, NOT your finger nails to scrub your scalp if you have a sensitive one). Make sure to really work it in all areas of your hair to ensure a thorough clean.
CONDITIONING? Conditioning plays a vital step in your hair care routine. I know many people who only shampoo their hair and forget about conditioner! Not a good idea. Conditioner seals the hair cuticle locking in moister (that the conditioner gives back to your hair). Closing the hair cuticle is a very important step. Conditioning is Step 2. Wash out your shampoo with warm water like I listed you do BEFORE you shampoo above, and use warm water so it keeps the cuticle open to receive benefits from the conditioner you are about to apply. Apply your conditioner all over your hair. This part is not suppose to be as vigorous as your shampoo, this is more of a lather. When you go to wash out your conditioner, use the coolest temperature water that you can stand, because this closes the cuticle. You want to close the cuticle so it locks in the moister! Conditioner and cool water will also help with SHINE!
WET HAIR? Your hair is at one the most fragile states it can be in when wet. The water has broken down the hydrogen bonds which create the weakness. This can result in your hair breaking & splitting! This is also why it is never good to go to sleep with wet hair! (though I admit I do it, we all do, but if you have the time & you care about your hair - dry it first!) After you shower (or anytime you get your hair wet really) never use a BRUSH. Always use a wide tooth comb to brush out tangles and part where you like. This is a more gentle approach than a brush would be. Take your time to reduce the chance of breakage! You can find these at a local beauty supply store or drug store. They are extremely cheap! Start de-tangling your hair from the bottom and work your way up to your roots.
