Mistakes you are making with shampoo

Many of us think that once we wash our hair, we are good to go. However, there are right and wrong ways of doing it, especially when it comes to shampoo. Your hair is bound to look shinier and healthier if you shampoo it well.

So how do we use shampoo for best overall effect on our hair? What mistakes have you been making with shampoo that has compromised the look of your hair?

• Right shampoo: Use shampoo that is suitable for your hair. Oily hair and dry hair will not use the same shampoo. It is unfortunate that most salons use the same shampoo on all their clients regardless of hair type.

Use a shampoo that is designed to work for your hair type and issues you have like dandruffs, split ends or coloured hair.

• Enough shampoo: Moderation is the key word here. Too much or too little shampoo will do harm to your hair. When you wash your hair too much, you strip it of essential/natural oils; when you rarely shampoo it, there will also be issues.

• Incorrect shampooing: Using too much shampoo at a go can lead to over drying of hair. The length of your hair should determine the amount of shampoo you use on your hair. Even as you shampoo, focus on the right areas of your hair; people with dry hair should focus on the scalp more.

Those with oily hair should use more shampoo in the areas that are oilier. The first shampoo should not be enough. Rinse off the first shampoo, which only loosens the dirt and oil, a second round of shampooing will leave your hair clean.

• Ensure you wet your hair completely before you apply the shampoo. Shampoo will only lather with enough water.

• Vary the spots on which you begin applying shampoo. When you always do it on the same spot, that part of your hair may end up looking drier than the rest. Also, avoid focusing only on the ends of your hair and forgetting the roots. If anything, use shampoo on your roots and conditioner on the ends.

• Avoid damaging your hair by using less friction when shampooing. Your hairdresser may scrub your hair hard and you assume that she is the best. Unfortunately, too much friction damages the hair. Also ensure you massage using your fingertips; not palms or fingernails.

• Hot water rinsing will dry your scalp. Ensure your hair is rinsed with lukewarm water.

• When you apply shampoo on your hair, let it stay on for a few minutes; at least three, for it to work well.