Many people lather up their hair and never give much thought on how you should be washing it, or that there was a correct way to wash it. There are many different options out there in reference to shampoo and it can be overwhelming when deciding what product to use. It does not matter if you need volume, shine, damage repair, or clarifying, there are simple techniques to wash your hair that will keep it healthy and strong.

What Are the Different Types of Shampoo?

There are many different types of shampoo on the market and they are for specific circumstances. I will outline a few of the basic types:

• Clarifying Shampoo
• Daily/ 2-in-1 Shampoo
• Cleansing Conditioner (I know I meant to put conditioner, you will see why later!)
• Hydrating

When do I use a certain type of shampoo?

• Clarifying
  • Clarifying shampoo is the “big daddy” of all shampoos. These shampoos are designed to get rid of excess dirt, grime, dead skin, etc. that are clogging your follicles. When your follicles are clogged, you are more prone to breakage and flaking of the scalp which ultimately, leads to unhealthy hair. Clarifying shampoos are not meant to be used daily. Once to two times a week should be the maximum that you should use these shampoos, even if you have oily, fine hair.
• Daily/2-in-1 Shampoo
  • These shampoos are made for people who regularly have oily hair that needs a little “pick me up” now and again. These shampoos can be used 2-3 times a week. They are ideal for after a workout or refreshing your hair during the week. Although I think 2-in1 shampoos are a time saver, I still recommend using a conditioner with it.
• Hydrating Shampoo
  • A hydrating shampoo is more moisturizing than a 2-in-1 shampoo but more clarifying than a cleansing conditioner. A hydrating shampoo is often used by people who find it difficult to retain moisture in their hair. Hydrating shampoos can also be used 2-3 times a week but with caution. Because of its hydrating formula, the shampoo is creamier and can cause clogged follicles.
• Cleansing Conditioner
  • I know what you are thinking. “But, NYL, this is a cleansing conditioner, not a shampoo!” And yes, you are right. Cleansing conditioners are ideal for people with curly hair, damaged hair, or sensitive scalps. A conditioning cleanser does the work of shampoo but in a gentler hydrating fashion. Some cleansing conditioners can be used daily while others should only be used 1-2 times a week. It is not necessary to use conditioner every time you use a cleansing conditioner. In many ways, a cleansing conditioner is like a 2-in-1 shampoo, except with more emphasis on hydration.

What is the Wrong Way To Shampoo My Hair?

In many commercials, you see people piling their hair on top of their head and moving their hair all around to obtain those amazing suds. Don’t do that and here are some reasons why:

Breakage: Piling hair on top of your head and rubbing it all over will cause split ends and more hair shedding that is necessary.

Wasteful: When you try and lather up all your hair, you are wasting shampoo as in not all your hair needs to be washed. The only part of your hair that needs to be cleaned is the first few inches of your hair closest to your scalp. This hair is still growing and therefore very fragile.

What is the Right Way to Shampoo My Hair?

In order for your hair to grow and be healthy, there are certain things you have to remember.

1.Only wash your scalp. You do not need to pile your hair on top of your head and wash all of your hair. When you rinse the shampoo, the suds will run through the rest of your hair which provides a gentle cleansing.

2.Only use the pads of your fingers. Using fingernails to scrub your scalp not only causes hair breakage, but it irritates the delicate follicles on your scalp. Instead, gently massage shampoo in your head to slowly develop a lather. You will provide the same deep clean of your scalp while diminishing the amount of shedding.

3. Don’t repeat. If you take your time shampooing your hair, you will not need to shampoo your hair twice. Many people who are used to shampooing their hair twice will complain that their hair is too oily with one round of shampoo. This is because your scalp is used to being stripped of a lot of moisture and, therefore, overcompensates by producing even more oil, creating an oily scalp. If you stick with it then you will see wonderful effects in a few weeks (be patient!)

Do you have any shampoo questions? Do you want to tell us about your shampooing secrets? Please leave a comment below!

-NYL