You might skip over this post on how to wash your hair, thinking this is too basic for you and that you are far more advanced with your hair care, but you may be making some simple mistakes.
Like riding a bike (something I only learnt last year!) I found most of my friends couldn’t explain how to start and stop. It’s easy to forget the correct way to do something when you are so used to it and have developed bad habits.
Everybody’s hair is different, but here are a few easy-to-follow tips to take better care of our tresses.
How to wash your hair – 10 tips for great hair
1. Don’t over-wash your hair. Most people don’t need to wash their hair every day. If you do, it could be because you are using the wrong products for your hair and scalp type.
2. Only apply shampoo to your scalp and massage gently. Don’t pile your hair on top and scrub it, as this will only create knots. Work the shampoo gently down to the ends of your hair and rinse thoroughly.
3. Forget about lather, rinse and repeat. It’s just a brilliant marketing idea to make you use more shampoo. You only need to shampoo once.
4. But you really like that “clean” feeling when you wash your hair twice, right? If you use a lot of silicone or wax products, try washing with a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month instead of your normal shampoo.
5. Curly-haired girls, you may want to consider skipping the shampoo entirely. Sounds strange I know but curly hair is often very dry, and washing with conditioner alone will freshen your hair without drying it out. I cut out shampoo for 4 months and it definitely works. Unfortunately I colour my hair, use too much product and swim in the sea too often to maintain the cycle.
6. Ever have an itchy scalp after washing your hair? Stop applying conditioner to your roots. Start from the mid-lengths and really condition the ends of your hair. Gently comb through and allow it to work for at least a minute, the longer the better.
7. Rinse your hair in cold water. Make sure you remove all your conditioner and finish with cold water. This is a bitch in winter, so don’t go freezing yourself in icewater, but a cool rinse of water will close the cuticle and seal in the moisture to each strand. It’s ok to shampoo your hair in hot water but finish it with a cold rinse.
8. Never brush your hair when it’s wet. Instead use a wide comb to gently smooth your hair.
9. Ease off with the towel drying. Don’t rub your hair with a towel, you’ll only cause damage and make your hair look dull. Instead gently squeeze out the excess moisture and allow to air dry. In saying that, I only do this on the rare occasion I wash my hair on a weekday night or have nothing to do on a Sunday. Parlux is my best friend and dries my hair in no time at all.
10. Treatments – hair masks are essential if you use heat stylers or colour your hair. Even if you don’t you will still appreciate the moisture a mask brings. Normally this is applied between shampoo and conditioner, so I either get out of the shower, have a cup of tea and catch up on blogs while I let it work, or get some chores done.
Once your have great hair, you’ll want to have more fun with your hair! Start with some of my hairstyle tutorials or my 30 Hairstyles in 30 Days ebook.
Do you use hair treatments? What type of hair do you have and what’s your favourite shampoo and conditioner?
Some great tips here. I struggle with the ‘don’t-shampoo-so-often’. I have extremely fine (sadly thinning, but that’s a question for later) hair that is curly. But I find that if I don’t wash my hair every 36 hours or so I feel disgusting. I literally get crabby and jumpy and just bleugh. I know it sounds dramatic, but that feeling of greasy, unwashed hair really agitates me. How do I get past that greasy feeling?
Also, I keep reading bits and pieces(mostly in comments) about curly hair V Sulfates? Can you tell me what shampoos and conditioners are bad for this? (I am vision impaired. I can honestly not read fine print (or much of any print) on the back of a bottle).
And I’m also hearing a LOT about Moroccon Oil. I’m terrified that this will just lead to that greasy feeling I was whining about a minute ago. 🙂 Does it do that at all?
And am I now already the most annoying commenter in the history of your blog? Disturbing you on a Sunday night? I only found you today, so I’ve been trawling through for 2 hours now. I literally burned the roast because of this site. 🙂
Hi Melissa, Thank you! Most brands now offer a sulphate free version so you can find them everywhere from supermarket to salon. The ingredients to avoid are sodium lauryl suphate, sodium laureth sulphate and ammonium laureth sulphate (and any other sulphates). If you have wavy / curly hair this will make a big difference to your hair. You have to find a routine that works for your hair, which takes a bit of trial and error, but if you can use no sulphate / silicone products your hair will be better for it.
PS. Thanks for your awesome comment and so sorry I was the reason you burnt your dinner x
My granddaughter has very curly hair. Someone told me about Diva Curl and it has changed our lives. No more frizz, just fluffy beautiful curls! It is a little expensive, but worth it once you see the results.
I’m so glad you’re helping your granddaughter to lover her curls! You’ll find with a good product, it may cost a little more but you’ll use less xx
Coconut oil works great and is all natural! find it in the grocery store next to the other cooking oils. Once a week I saturate my hair, sleep with it in and wash it out in the morning. The rest of the week I use a small amount as a sealer on my wet hair.
Thanks Carrie, great tips!
P.S: Is it necessary for the shampoo and condiitoner to be of the same brand?
Hoping for a reply soon 🙂
They don’t need to be the same brand, it depends on what is best for your hair 🙂
Hey, I’m Sri Lankan and naturally my hair is long, dry and wavy (not thick, fine waves) and curls a bit at the end..currently I’m having problems with finding a good shampoo and conditioner to suit my hair..most of the good products listed on the internet are not available in Sri Lanka and I’ve tried out Pantene, Reebonn, Sunsilk and other products..the ones I’ve used so far makes my hair very soft and I like that, but it still appears rather dry and unruly..I do wish that it’ll give a wet, smooth and neater look..should I apply hair cream, gel or something? I’ve been reluctant to try that out though, because applying those regularly is not that good to your hair..should I apply some kind of oil? we mostly have coconut oil available but it’ll leave your hair smelling like coconut oil afterwards which doesn’t smell that good 🙁 and it looks too oily..if I should use oil, how often should I do that?
I also have a problem with how often I should wash my hair with shampoo and conditioner? because everytime I wash it, it looks really dry atleast till the third day..so I wasn’t used to washing it often..mostly like once or twice a week..should I use a rinse-off or leave-in conditioner? I was once told by a salon that I should not completely rinse off the condiitoner and to wash it off with as little water as possible because my hair is very dry..is that alright if it’s not a leave-in conditioner?
It’ll be a big help if you could let me know..thanks..
Hi Madara, if your hair is very dry, you can use conditioner on the ends. Don’t apply conditioner to your scalp, or rinse thoroughly if you do. If you want the wet, smooth look you probably need to use a styling product after washing your hair. Try a cream as these a more moisturising than gels on dry hair. Coconut oil is great for hair. Personally I like the smell, but if you don’t you can use it as a treatment before you wash your hair.
I’m not sure what brands to suggest as I’m not sure if they are available to you, but all the brands you said have different ranges of products available. Look for products designed for dry hair, and to smooth your hair. Leave in conditioner in the ends of your hair wil also help smooth your hair.
Hi, may i know the best way to apply hair mask? Is it applies straight after we washing our hair with shampoo and conditioner? i tried the Schwarzkopf Extra Care Hair Repair with Liquid Keratin hair mask however my hair was oily and sticky after i rinsed it with water..
Hi Janice, use a hair mask after you shampoo your hair. Comb it through the midlengths and ends of your hair and leave as directed (each mask is different, 3-10 minutes). Then rinse thoroughly and apply your conditioner as normal. You can also give your hair a final rinse with cool water to seal the cuticles.
I love this article. I have hair that looks very similar to the bair pictured above and like you described has taken many years to find the right products and routine to get it right. My problem now is with my daughters hair and any suggestions you might be able to throw at me would be great because I am lost. She is 11 years old and like myself has very fine hair (that I find very difficult to begin with) her hair tends to be very oily. She is very athletic and plays softball year round so her hair is constantly pulled into a ponytail. Her hair is begining to curl around the nape of her neck and remains wavy everywhere else. I have tried all sorts of things to keep her hair from looking dirty (oily) but nothing that I have put in it helps. Her hair is so bad that looks filthy an hour after she gets out of the shower. I even tried dry shampoo to no avail. HELP PLEASE!!
Hi Melanie, all is not lost! Avoid using any serums or oils on her hair. They can make your hair appear translucent, and creates an oily sheen. Dry shampoo will help, you just need to let it absorb at the roots before brushing it through. Spray it on, let it sit for 2 minutes, and then style her hair. That waiting time makes a big difference. Your daughter’s hair may keep changing, as mine did at that age x
Hi, I’m from Brazil and just discovered your blog. Loving it, but I do have a question for you. You say that curly haired girls should skip shampoo and wash hair with conditioner, then, you say that we shouldn’t apply conditioner to our roots. But if I use only conditioner to wash, do I use it on my roots also??
Hi Andrea! Thanks for reading Hair Romance. It’s a process described in the book Curly Girl, I’ll write a post in more detail soon. It’s quite a process and I’ll talk about it more soon x
I’ve started using coconut oil as a ‘mask’ about once a week. I’m interested in this no-poo concept. Perhaps January is the time to start that process. I ride my bike to work and go to they gym nearly every day. I can’t imagine NOT washing my head after sweating all over it. =)
Hi Shelly, it’s hard when you exercise a lot. No-poo works well for hair that is curly or naturally dry. It’s difficult to maintain if you colour or style your hair. Good luck with the transition and let me know how you go x
hi, one thing more i oil my hairs every after 2 to3 days is it good to warm oil before apply it
Hi Mishe, yes it helps to warm the oil a little before applying x
Great article!
I’m just starting to realize I may have been cowashing improperly for months. I co-wash my curly, thick hair every 3-4 days. The other day however (after two days) I noticed I had really bad, itchy buildup on my scalp, and that it might be a result of scrubbing my head with conditioner each time I cleanse. I’m going to attempt water rinses, but the hair at my crown is very dry and frizzy, leaving me to look like I have a lion’s mane. Is there any product I can apply afterwards to hair closest to my head to tame and help seal moisture? Usually I read that you’re suppose to apply products away from your scalp as doing so on can also cause buildup to accumulate. Much thanks for your response
Thanks Roo! It’s important to rinse all products off your scalp and you don’t really need to use conditioner there at all. I apply it to the ends of my hair, then comb it through gently from root to tip. Hair oils can help smooth those fuzzy hairs around your hairline, but you’ll probably find they calm down once your scalp gets back into a routine. Warm a drop of oil up in your hands and then gently smooth the hairs down. This won’t overload your hair.
sorry in my hair tension i 4got 2 tell u i m asian girl desperately waiting of your reply
can it possible my hairs grow longer n beautiful believe me its nw become my dreams n even i stop hoping some day my hairs will grow stop falling breaking n looks beautiful
Hi Mishe, It can take some trial and error to find the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair, in the same way as finding a good moisturiser for your skin. Ask your hairdresser to check out your scalp and recommend a product that would be suitable for you. It’s normal to lose about 150 hairs every day so don’t worry too much. A healthy diet and no heat styling / colouring will help you get long healthy hair. Good luck x
hi,thanx for reply i trailed lots of shampoos n conditioner like pantane,sunsilk n loreal for my dry curly frizzy brittle hairs but not works even i m very concious about my hairs i oil my hairs every after 2 or 3 days i oil my hairs with coconut oil in night n wash in morning but when ever i shampoo my hairs bunch of hairs falling during shower n after that when i applied conditioner again why hairs fall i used vitamins n iron tblets frm a month but no result shows my scalps r dry n nw what happened with my hairs it start thining from ends too much even i never used brush at all on my hairs i always use wide tooth comb but didn’t work.my hairs falling not normal 150 i think if its something like that then my hairs never starts thining from the end nw every1 making fun of my hairs hairs r curly thining n dried from the end even after using conditioner .I never applied any thing on my hairs like heating styling e.t.c i don’t know what to do nw can u advice me wat i do somtimes i think i don’t know what is the right way to wash hairs n what mositizer i use plz advice me waiting 4 your reply
Hi Mishe, vitamins take two months to start to make a difference to your hair so keep taking them. It’s normal to lose some hair when you wash and brush your hair but if it’s significantly more perhaps you should see your doctor. Some medications can affect your hair as can your hormone levels. I would seek the advice of a trusted hairdresser and consult your doctor too.
thnx for reply im gona cosult a doc tell c wat happen afterwards n tell me its good to comb hairs when its wet
What are your fave shampoo and conditioner?
Hi Kylie! I’m always testing new products but I love O&M Hydrate and Conquer, Pureology blonde range and Aveda curls range.
Hi,
I am Asian, I have to go out a lot and my hair gets very dirty so I need to shampoo everyday. My hair is curly, brittle and very very dry. So now I shampoo after one day.
You told not to shampoo at all and use only conditioner! I’ve never heard this before. How can I keep my hair clean if I don’t shampoo?
Please answer. Thanks
Hi Priyanka, everyone’s hair is different so you need to work out the system that’s right for you. Google ‘co-washing’ or ‘no-poo’ for more info about eliminating shampoo to see if it’s right for your hair x
Hi,
thanks for your reply. One thing I forgot to ask is that I’ve heard that applying conditioner in scalp is harmful. So, while co-washing, isn’t it damaging to apply conditioner on scalp? I’ve never done this co-washing before and my hair is already a disaster. I don’t want to damage more. That’s why I’m concerned. Hope I’m not disturbing you.
Hi Priyanka, I don’t think it’s damaging to apply conditioner to your scalp, but it’s not necessary. The idea behind co-washing is to wash your scalp with water, and to let it adjust back to a normal oil production (which can take some time to settle down). Then you just use conditioner on the midlengths and ends of your hair to soften the ends and to detangle hair. The adjustment period can be anywhere from 2-8 weeks so I’d do some more research to see if it’s right for your hair type, and be prepared for a few tough weeks while your hair settles into the new routine. Good luck x
wow well this dose work but what you want to do is you want to make sure that you give your hair plenty moisture but to make your hair grow longer then use an oiling treatment like castor oil my hair was to my chin and now to my waist because i took a year challange.!
How do you get layers under control? I got a new hair cut and my hair is always poofy and sticking up every where! Help would be HIGHLY appreciated!
Hi Beetle bug, I use a curl cream or smoothing cream after I wash my hair which adds some hold. You can also curl the ends of your hair under to give it a smoother finish x
Hi my hair is long but thin and is receding at the front which is stressing me out, my hair is also coloured.
I use jojoba oil on my hair every day after washing everyday and that works. I like to wash my hair everyday and the jojoba oil afterwards does a great job of nourishing it.
I have to try this, I love jojoba oil as a night moisturiser but haven’t used it on my hair.
I use Moroccan oil in the blue box. This is the best stuff out there, i also dont use shampoos or conditions with sulfites.
Thanks Lana, I’m a huge fan of Moroccanoil too
Thanks sooooooo much
also I have bad acne, and have heard Moroccan oil may help with this, is that true? thankyou so much x
Argan oil is also good for skin, but Moroccanoil is a blend for your hair and isn’t good for your skin.
I used to have long hair and then I cut it, and got extensions so I used to straighten my hair all the time to help blend it, so it’s really dry. I barely ever do anymore and I wear my hair up in a bun most of the time now, because i’m trying to grow it, I brought moroccan oil to use on my hair but im not sure how often to use it! Can you please tell me how often and give me some advice on other things I can try to help it grow fast! x
Moroccanoil will help nourish your hair. You don’t need to use much. I use one pump on my hair after I wash my hair. I apply it to the ends of my hair first, then run my hands through my hair with the residue on my hands. You can also use 1/2 pump on dry hair to smooth it. To help your hair grow faster eat a healthy balanced diet, high in protein and iron and stay away from the straightening irons. They will cause damage which will mean you’ll need to cut your hair more often.
Help! I love to swim but the chlorine is really hard on my color-processed blond. I do everything you’re supposed to do: wet my hair and cover with conditioner under a cap before I get in the water. My question is, do I have to shampoo with a chlorine remover shampoo every time I get out of the pool? I honestly think all the shampooing is making matters worse. What would happen if I just rinse with cold water every other time? Anyone out there with suggestions?
Hi Zoe, chlorine can be so hard on hair. You’re doing all the right things. If you’re using conditioner under your cap, you don’t need to shampoo after swimming, just rinse out the conditioner, and even add a little more on your ends. Less shampoo will help. Let me know how you go x
u r saying that dont use shampooo so how can i wash my hair after using oil my scalps n hairs are too dry too curl frizzy i use shampoo after2-3days when i use shampoo my hair is start falling down n a bunch of hairs come out during shampoo n in conditioner nothng works n even during comb nw my hairs start thining i m too much worried n dnt knw wat to do i used everythng i m too much disheartd from my hairs.my hairs are nw going towards disaster side u r my last hope plz help me tell me wat to do which shampoo,conditioner n oil i use
O God, I should have read this earlier, before my hair dry. My hair is actually curly, but a little greasy. about 2 years ago, I decided to straighten my hair. I still straighten my hair, about once in 8 months. I never use a any heat product for everyday use. but either because of the use of flat iron when hair straightening or what, about 5 months ago I found out that my hair feels rough and brittle at the end. my root still got oily though. I used to shampooing my hair twice, but two weeks ago I decided to try to wash once. and I found it really worked great to that brittle hair. On my third trial to shampoo my hair once, I can see that the brittle is gone! I have this smooth hair. Just wish they don’t come back again 🙂
however, perhaps because of heating process for a couple times, I found that my hair tone is a bit changing. I used to have black hair, but then lately persons around me saying that my hair just a bit turn to red or chocolate tone. Do you have any suggestion to get my black shine hair back? Or the tone changing is normally inevitable for person who uses any heat products?
Hi Kesha, do you colour your hair? It could be that your colour is fading due to heat styling. You could always try a semi-permanent colour to bring back the darker shine. Have a chat to your hairdresser about colour options.
whenever i wash my hair big chunks of hair comes out how can i stop that
Hi Aimee, I would see your doctor as losing large amounts of hair can be connected to a medical issue such as a thyroid condition. Stress can also be a factor in hair loss but it doesn’t leave permanent results. See you doctor and check your diet to see what could be the cause. Good luck x
Try using WEN cleansing conditioner, you won’t regret it. It cleanses and moisturizer without stripping hair of it’s natural oils. It works really well on all hair types. It is worth every penny!!
Hi! I have hair that gets oily so quickly! Do you have any tips to reduce the oiliness?
Sometimes over washing can cause your scalp to produce more oil, making you think you have oily hair. This used to happen to me. I would have oily roots and dry ends. Check with your hairdresser, but maybe you need a special shampoo for oily hair, or you need to train your hair back into washing less often.
I also use dry shampoo if my hair is looking a bit flat or oily and it’s great.
Good tips. But I do find that I actually have to wash all of my hair (the ends only marginally) and wash twice. My hair is just that oily, but I only wash twice a week. But any tips on what to do for oily hair would be great.
Hi Hannah,
I’d make sure I was using a shampoo for oily hair. Then only use a small amount of shampoo when you wash your hair and wash your hair well, massaging your scalp with your fingertips. Don’t apply conditioner to your scalp, just to the midlengths and ends and comb it through your hair. Most important thing is to make sure you rinse out all the shampoo and conditioner and product residue can make your hair oily.
Hope this helps!
Christina x
I have got a WHOLE lot of super baby fine hair… I have to wash it and dry it every day to get any volume. Any hait health tips for the baby fine headed with a tendency to be oily.
I have the worst hair ever!!! Its so DRY, DAMAGED, and POOFY!!! I thought the only way would be to cut it all off…haha and look like a monk… I'm a girl by the way, so not a good idea. I've been using the MoroccanOil Treatment for 2 years now and it didn't really do anything to my hair… only sorta moisturize my ends. Then I bought the MoroccanOil Intense Hydrating Mask, Curl Control Cream,Restorative Hair Mask, and Glimmer Shine Spray! Haha I'm crazy… I'm a teenager so spending a lot of money on hair products is really crazy! I don't really like the Curl Control Cream because like I said before my hair is too dry… I should've bought the Intense Curl Cream because I heard it is more moisturizing! Hehe too late… I have medium wavy hair and its my natural color: black. I'm asian so I'm supposed to have an oily scalp from eating so much oily food but its normal. I got a perm last month even though my hair was wavy! I sort of regretted it when I found the MoroccanOil products… I keep my hair up all the time for what seems like and is 4 years. Do you know any products that weigh the hair down? Haha funny question because nowadays everyone wants volume… but I have a lot of hair that is so dry that it dries up to be a bush! I am underweight for my height so is it my body health? I eat everything… I think. Please help!!! Thanks!!!!
u should try getting your ends trimmed more often and also try the assuie 3 minute mircile deep conditioner
awesome! love this post. just found your blog, pinterest is a great place! going to try some of your twist and pin hair styles from the 30 days of twist and pin. i usually pile my hair on top of my head when i shampoo… oops! will have to not do that today.
Hi PaperBella
Moroccanoil restorative hair mask is very moisturising. I also love KMS silksheen treatment.
For a budget version you can use your conditioner but leave it in for a long time. Shampoo and towel dry your hair then apply conditioner midlengths to ends. Clip hair up and wrap in cling film and leave for as long as you can. Rinse out and let it dry naturally and you'll feel all soft again.
Christina x
Can you recommend a hair mask for thick coarse dry hair?
Loreal is what I always use, I have the same thick hair, but it also works for coarse hair obviously. Try it and reply!
Hi Felicia
I write about my top five hairstyles for after the gym here – https://www.hairromance.com/2011/01/five-fabulous-hairstyles-to-take-you.html
These are great for sweaty or greasy hair. Give them a try and see how you go xx
What are some good hairstyles for greasy hair? Because, like you advised, I don't shower every day and the grease builds up, and it does NOT look good. Help is much appreciated!
Great post- some great advice!
Thanks so much for all the lovely comments!! xxx
@Readysetparty – Hair masks are hair treatments, I think I am developing an addiction to them!
@Monique – it's hard to get past the first few days but once you do it's so worth it. Let me know how you go xx
@Nuha – I also love Moroccan OIl but it contains a lot of silicon, so in the long run it can form a coating on your hair and stop it absorbing moisture and become dry. Try using a leave-in conditioner before applying Moroccan oil. I use Matrix spray leve in conditioner (just apply to midlength to ends)
@Emily – I haven't tried that – will give it a go next time
@Nat – conditioner (and the cold water rinse) seal the cuticle so it's best to apply the mask before so your hair can absorb more moisture, but read the label as I have one or two that are used after conditioner.
Thanks again for commenting xxx
Great tips! Didn't know masks are supposed to be applied between shampoo and conditioner. I normally use them in place of conditioner. Will try using in between next time!
Great post- some great advice!
x
Michelle
http://www.michellesstylefile.blogspot.com
I always try to go three or four days without washing my hair. I have noticed that my hair feels healthier and actually grows more. It is so good for your scalp to have those oils build up in your hair..even though at times it might be greasy. If you do want to get rid of the grease or build up in your hair..once a week sprinkle a teaspoon of baking soda over your scalp while you are shampooing.
Thanks for the tips!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing. I never knew about the rinsing in cold water. I'm going to have to try this as the weather gets warmer.
Thanks for the tips! I already do most of these, but it's nice to know that I'm on the right track 🙂 I am really conscious not to shampoo or conditioner my whole head, because like you said it either dries up my hair or leaves build up on my scalp. (making it look oily) do you have any suggestions for dry hair? I use moroccan oil, but it's a fine line between too little and too much. Thanks!!
Thanks for the tips on healthy hair, especially the fact that curly girls don't need shampoo! I am completely a "no-poo" convert for my curly hair. I stopped using shampoo, silicone and sulfate products about a year ago and my curls have never behaved so well or looked so good! I highly recommend it.
Thanks for the tips, I'll definitely be trying a couple out.
Thanks for sharing this! Great tips. 🙂
Great tips! I stopped washing my hair everyday and once I past the initial ‘gross-&-greasy’ phase, my hair was better than ever! Now I just need to stop shampooing twice. Thanks for the tip, I will let you know how it goes. Have a lovely day : )
How do u over come the greasy phase
Use dry shampoo to get over the worst of it, and you can still wash your hair just not every day. It won’t take long and dry shampoo makes it so much easier x
I have a question about this for my hair type…or rather skin type. I am 31 and my skin is still excessively oily. I wash my hair in the morning and my 1pm my skin is already so oily that my bangs are visibly becoming greasy too. By the next morning the hair around my scalp is very greasy too. I feel like my hair becomes to greasy to skip washing my hair every morning. Could I be in the small group of people that needs to wash their hair every day? Would this greasy cycle slow down if I didn’t wash my hair every day? I will pick up some dry shampoo to try… Thanks!
Hi Nicole, it may be that you need to wash your hair every day but dry shampoo will still make looking after your hair much easier. Try the Klorane dry shampoo for oily hair, even if you just use it on your bangs.
I used to deal with oily skin (very shiny). If you use Jojoba oil or Coconut/Avocado oil on your skin (it feels like it would be greasy, but isn’t). Your skin will adjust with in a short period of time (approx. 2 weeks) and produce less oil – with the additional benefit of less black-heads and breakouts.
I have VERY curly hair (natural) and have finally found that a bit of coconut Hair Magic keeps my hair lovely and non-frizzy. The next day, I just dampen my hair (no more product needed) and it is beautiful another day. I also have less breakage and NEVER have split ends.
I am excited to try your advice and “wash” my hair with conditioner instead of shampoo.
Great tips Carla! Thanks for commenting 🙂
I used to have extremely oily hair. I talked to my hairdresser and she told me that since I washed my hair everyday, I was stripping away all the oils – good and bad. By doing this, my hair was working overtime to replace the good oils making it get greasy faster. She told me that when I had about 4-5 days off of work in a row (I used some time around holidays when I knew I would be off) to not wash it at all for those few days. Then, wash it once and wait a few days before washing again and to use dry shampoo to get the oily spots between washes. I now have a informal routine where I wash my hair every 3-4 days. I am also in the pool a lot and rinse it after and sometimes apply conditioner between shampoos. It’s pretty amazing. I also get a few more minutes of sleep in the morning 😉
That’s great Shannon! It can be hard to break the daily washing cycle and choosing a holiday or break is the perfect time. Who doesn’t need more sleep in the morning 😉
Love this!
I must not be paying enough attention, I've never even SEEN a hair mask at the store. Must find one and try it out!
Target has some in the Haircare aisles. There should be a section or two dedicated to hair treatments, not just shampoos and conditioners, but actual treatments.
You need to go to Sally’s! They have some amazing hair masks!
I second what Liz said. My favorite is the Argan Oil Restorative Mask.
As a woman in her late 60’s who has long, very thick, naturally curly reddish hair, which I shampoo every 4-5 days, I use a home-made hair pre-shampoo mask made of 2 eggs, 2 Tbsps olive oil, 2 Tbsp of honey, 1 Tbsp of coconut oil, and a few drops of both jojoba oil and tea tree oil. I then mix them altogether with a whisp. Starting at the ends and mid-length, I work it all into my hair, comb it out with an extremely thick-toothed comb, and then massage the mask into my scalp for five minutes.
I then put a disposable shower cap over my hair, put a heated thermal cap over it for a total of a half hour, remove the thermal cap and leave the homemade mask in for another half hour, rinse out the mask, and then shampoo, condition and style it as usual. I have found that the pre-shampoo/conditioning mask has helped add moisture to it (I have to use both rinse-out and leave=in conditioners for my hair, or it would be totally impossible to comb out after a shampoo.), and has made my hair somewhat easier to comb out, with the thick-toothed comb, as well.