You may not have realized that there is a correct way to Shampoo and Condition your Hair.
We are going to take you through the process and add a few tips and tricks to help along the way!
The first and most important step is to have a hair and scalp analysis preformed by your hairdresser. This will help to determine what shampoo and conditioner is right for you hair type!
Lets talk a little about those nasty chemicals found in shampoos and conditioners!
Sulfates - Chemical sulfates are found in most supermaket shampoos, dish liquid and laundry detergent. They are designed to create the foamy texture you get when you massage shampoo into your hair and scalp. What they really do is strip away all of your naturally occurring proteins and oils from the hair and scalp! In salon shampoos you will find most are sulfate free, the occasional shampoo has a sulfate derived from plants and vegetables.
Parabens - They are supposed to inhibit microbial growth in common cosmetic products like lotions, creams, shampoos and so on. However, they may also disrupt the normal hormonal cycle of the body, parabens can mimic estrogen and reduce the production of this important hormone in women. This increases the risk of breast cancer and parabens are being suspected to be the cause of early puberty in girls as well.
Silicone - It's almost like rubber and plastic. It is used as a sealant against water and even air. It is not a natural ingredient, and its side effects are bad for our hair. It gives the hair the illusion of shine, but it is not the shine we want it's a fake shine from the plastic.
Now lets start with the Shampoo process, firstly completely soak your hair so the hair cuticle is open and ready for a cleanse. Warm water loosens excess oil, helps to open pores allowing for a deeper clean from your shampoo.
Apply a small 5 cent piece for short hair and 10 cent piece of shampoo for long hair into your palm then rub your hands together, this guarantees even coverage and less over use of shampoo! Applying the shampoo to the scalp and lather using your finger tips not nails, as you dont want to cause hair lose or irritation to the scalp. Always Shampoo twice, your first shampoo removes dirt, grime, build-up on your hair and scalp the second shampoo treats the hair and scalp!
Thoroughly rinse to prevent buildup of shampoo on your hair and scalp, overtime this can create dandruff, oiliness, flat and limp hair. (yuk!!)
Now Conditioning your hair, apply a pea size amount on short hair and a 5 cent piece amount on long hair to the mid-lengths to ends only. If applied to the root area it will create a oil build-up from day one. Conditioner generally needs only 1-2 minutes to soften and close down the hair cuticle layer. Don't forget to throughly rinse out the conditioner in warm/cool water, this helps to close the cuticle further and slow down the production of sebum. (oil from the scalp)
A Key Point - your shampoo and conditioner work in opposite directions. Wash only your scalp and condition only your mid-length and ends!
Happy Hair Wash Day!
Madeeka Hair xx
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