Washing your hair might seem like the easiest part of your routine. Wet, lather, rinse, repeat – right? But if your locks are looking lacklustre or your scalp feels off, your washing habits might be the culprit. Let’s dive into the tell-tale signs you’re not washing your hair properly, and how to fix them.
1. Your Hair Feels Greasy Soon After Washing
If your hair feels oily a day (or even a few hours) after washing, it’s a clear sign something’s amiss. Overloading on shampoo in a bid to make your hair squeaky clean can backfire. Your scalp might be overproducing oil to compensate for the harsh cleansing.
The Fix: Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo and focus on your scalp rather than your strands. Massage the shampoo into your roots using your fingertips (not your nails!) to effectively cleanse without stripping natural oils. Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue.
2. Your Scalp Feels Tight or Itchy
A tight, itchy scalp can indicate you’re either over-washing or not rinsing your shampoo properly. Shampoo residue left behind can irritate your scalp, while washing too frequently can strip it of its natural moisture.
The Fix: Wash your hair 2-3 times a week, unless you have a specific scalp condition or heavy buildup. Ensure you’re rinsing for longer than you think necessary – at least 30 seconds under running water.
3. Your Ends Are Dry and Brittle
Dry, straw-like ends often result from neglecting your hair’s lengths and tips during the washing process. Shampooing your entire hair length instead of focusing on the scalp can exacerbate this issue, especially if you’re using a formula that’s too harsh for your hair type.
The Fix: Concentrate shampoo on your scalp, letting the suds naturally cleanse the lengths as you rinse. Always follow up with a conditioner, applying it mid-length to the ends. If your ends are particularly parched, a weekly deep-conditioning treatment is a lifesaver.
4. Your Hair Lacks Shine and Volume
Hair that looks flat or dull despite regular washing might be weighed down by product buildup. This can happen if you’re not clarifying your hair occasionally or if you’re using too much conditioner.
The Fix: Introduce a clarifying shampoo into your routine once a fortnight to banish buildup. Be mindful of how much conditioner you’re using – a coin-sized amount is usually enough for most hair types. Apply it only from the mid-length to the ends to avoid weighing down your roots.
Bonus Tip: Temperature Matters
Using scalding hot water might feel heavenly, but it’s not doing your hair any favours. Hot water can strip your scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Opt for lukewarm water to wash and a quick cold rinse to seal the cuticles for added shine.