HAIR washing is an integral part of our daily beauty and health routines.
One expert revealed that we could be using the wrong method when we soak our hair.
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Dr Vanita Rattan, Central Recorder spoke out to say that washing your hair properly can make a huge difference in how shiny and healthy your hair looks.
The expert explained that hair is most at risk of breaking when it’s wet. Therefore, regular mistakes can lead to damage and irritation such as contact dermatitis.
“Whether you are brushing your hair in the shower, shampooing first, or conditioning your scalp, there is always room for improvement in our typical routines.”
Dr Rattan reveals seven ways that you could be washing your hair incorrectly, and the potentially disastrous consequences.
1. Wash with boiling water
Hot water can damage hair, as it opens up the cuticles and exposes them.
The expert, who is a cosmetic formulator and a doctor in medicine and physiology/pharmacology, said that while hot water might feel lovely on a cold winter’s day, it can also be incredibly harmful to the scalp.
She warned that it can cause dry skin, dandruff and itching.
“Lukewarm is a better option to avoid the negative effects of conditioners on hair. It will penetrate your hair more effectively and moisturize it.
“Finish with cold water to close off the hair cuticles, locking in any moisture and reducing the risks of hair fall,”She advised.
The NHS states that dandruff may be caused by many illnesses like ringworm or eczema.
According to official guidance, a doctor should be consulted if your scalp is swollen or red.
2. Shampooing before conditioner
This might surprise many people, but the hair guru suggested that you first apply conditioner to your strands before applying shampoo.
Shampoos can strip hair strands of their natural oils by containing surfactant.
Dr Vattan, the woman who invented her own brand SkincarebyDrVAccording to, conditioner should be applied first on the hair strands, and then shampoo should be applied on the scalp.
“When you wash the shampoo out and it runs down the hair strands, it won’t dry out or damage the hair strands, and your hair strands cuticles will remain intact.
“This sandwich method (conditioner-shampoo-conditioner) works great on all hair types and an additional benefit is that it can prolong the life of a blowout after styling too.”
3. Twisting your hair
In an effort to lessen our electrical consumption, we may try to squeeze as much water as possible from freshly washed hair.
This is another error, Dr Vattan stated.
She said that the hair shaft can become roughed up during drying if it is squeezed too hard with a towel, or if you wring your hair too vigorously.
She said that this can cause split ends to worsen and small craters along hair shafts, which weaken hair.
You might notice a dry feeling in your hair or that it feels rough after you have rubbed your hair.
“Frizz” can also be a sign of dry hair. If your hair has not been properly protected, it will cause even more damage.
“If you don’t have time to air dry your hair, blot the hair with a clean, unused t-shirt or microfiber towel to reduce frizz and get rid of any excess water.”
Dr Vattan advised that you also use a strengthening oil to protect your hair.
4. Brushing too often
Dr Vattan explained that wet hair is more fragile, elastic and prone to breakage, than dry or moist hair.
According to the expert, if you attempt to use a hairbrush, or even your fingers in a shower, you will likely increase your risk for hair loss and split ends.
While many hair products claim that they can repair split ends, there is no way to actually do so. Split hair is permanent damage that will need to be repaired.
“Dry hair is protected from natural oils, while wet hair has no protection.”
“Unless you have curly hair, you should brush your hair before a shower with a wide-toothed comb, starting at the ends and brushing towards the root to minimise tugging and damage. “
Dr Vattan recommended that curly hair be washed in the shower, to minimize frizz.
Experts recommend using thick conditioners when you brush your hair. They also suggest that you use a hair detangler starting at the bottom to reduce stress on the scalp.
A common myth is that a shampoo will help reduce hair tangles.
“However, wet hair is more elastic and easier to tangle than dry hair, so loose strands after combing have an increased risk of matting and knotting in the shower,”She continued.
5. Overuse of product
Dr Vattan explained that you are probably using more shampoo or conditioner than you really need.
She stated that fine hair can be cut with a five-pence amount, but thicker hair will require a tenpence amount.
“Shampoo is designed to lift dirt, excess oil, and build-up from your hair whilst conditioner is designed to protect, shield, and nourish your hair,”She spoke.
“Using too much product can cause hair loss of natural oils, which help to hydrate hair, and product buildup that can lead to irritation and flakes.
“This can leave your scalp feeling itchy and cause your hairs complexion to lose its natural shine. Too much product can also weigh your hair down, resulting in less volume and flat hair.”
6. Shampoos to be changed
Dr Vattan stated that variety is the spice in life, but not when shampoo is concerned.
It is a myth, she stated that if you use the exact same product repeatedly it will cease to work.
“The truth is you don’t have to keep switching shampoos to have clean, healthy hair,”She continued.
“You should only change shampoos when your hair needs it — for example, if you’re blow-drying your hair more often you might switch to a cleansing product that has more moisturising components.
“For most of us though, we can stick with the shampoo that makes our hair look and feel great, without worrying about it losing its effectiveness.”
7. Use conditioner everywhere
Dr Vattan advised that you avoid applying conditioner to your scalp and instead focus on the hair strands.
“The vast majority of conditioners contain fragrance, and that in contact with the scalp can lead to contact dermatitis which three to four per cent of the population suffer with,”She explained.
“A popular myth is that conditioner will clean the scalp, but conditioner doesn’t contain any surfactant in it (unlike shampoo!) To do this.
“It will only weigh down the hair, causing it to appear flatter and limper. Instead, conditioner on the hair strands only will protect your cuticles from damage, breakage and stripping of your hair’s natural oils. “
She also mentioned that leave-in oil can be used on hair to protect it from damage and pollution.