Washing your hair. A simple task, right? Wet it, lather it, and rinse it — and that’s it. Think again. After chatting with the Living Proof crew, we learned about several hair washing crimes that most of us are guilty of committing…until now. From cheap ingredients to brushing your hair wet, check out their handy tips below.
Piling Your Hair on Top of Your Head While Shampooing
This causes more tangles, more friction, and more damage. Instead, emulsify the product in your hands before applying to the scalp. Work shampoo into your hair in a zig-zag motion to break up the dirt and oil, and then you can move towards your ends.
Skipping Conditioner
No matter how oily or fine your hair is, do not skip conditioner. Shampooing is an abrasive act within itself, while conditioning is meant to rehydrate, restore, and detangle the hair. If you’re skipping the conditioner, your hair will be quite tangled, causing you to aggressively work that brush through your hair and causing some serious damage.
Using Drugstore Shampoo and Conditioner
Watch those ingredients. There are some less-than-desirable ones in the less expensive brands that fall under seemingly harmless names (i.e. sodium lauryl ether sulphate or sodium laureth sulphate).
Brushing Your Wet Hair
Your hair can stretch to 50% of its original length while wet. That means that if you’re battling with tangles, your hair is a lot more likely to break. If you need to brush your hair while it’s wet, use a wet brush, tangle teaser, or wide-tooth comb and always start at the bottom, working your way to the top.
(FYI, we are completely obsessed with the Original Tangle Teezer in case you’re looking for an awesome wet brush option!)
Turning up the Water Temperature During Your Shower
Using super hot water will cause the cuticle to lift. A lifted cuticle loses color faster and creates a more frizzy finished look. Rinse with cold water to seal the cuticle and create less frizz and more shine.
Not Brushing Your Hair Before You Get in the Shower
This one is specific to those who can brush their hair while it’s dry (aka not our curly friends). Brushing your hair while dry reduces the amount of wet detangling you’ll have to do, resulting in less breakage.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
