Mane event: Washing your hair

FROM ISSUE # 144 (December 2007) | IN THIS ISSUE
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You might probably never go wrong with washing your mane. After all that is what you have been doing all your life. But without actually knowing it, you might also be contributing to the hair damage by not considering the nitty-gritty of hair washing.

What is important to remember about hair is that each individual strand of our hair, no matter how thick or strong it looks is actually very delicate and is prone to damage even in the simple washing and drying routine.

The right way of washing your hair is brush it before you wet it. Then let your hair stand naturally while wetting it with water. You can use either warm or cold water for it. But for best results, wet hair with warm water to open the scale-like cuticles as it will help remove oil and dirt while you shampoo.

Use a dollop of shampoo enough to create lather all over your hair on your palm. And start shampooing from your scalp. Work it into your strands by massaging it with your fingertips. Take note not to pour shampoo at the hair ends as it causes split ends and also causes it to be too dry. Also, do not pile your hair on the top of your head as you shampoo because that would again tangle your hair. Then rinse your hair with cold water.

More often than not, we need to shampoo our hair for a second time. The purpose of the first shampoo is to clean the oil and dirt off; the second shampoo is supposed to let the shampoo treat our hair. So, repeat the process and let the shampoo sit for a couple of minutes. Rinse your hair completely after this.

Let the water run through your hair whilst you stroke it downwards with your fingers. Don't rub it too fiercely because the friction might also damage your hair.

Then get the excess water off your hair by squeezing it out. But never tug and pull your hair while washing because hair is at its most delicate state when it is soaked. Now apply conditioner to your hair. Apply it along the hairline, the nape and the ends of the hair. Then pile your hair inside a shower cap and let the conditioner stay for ten minutes (if you have time or else two is enough). Then, rinse it off completely and get rid of the tangles with the help of a wide toothed comb. Allow it to dry naturally. Or else, bloat the dripping water with a towel and then dry it using a blow dryer.

The process described here does seem tedious and time-consuming but remember, having great hair takes time and effort. And it is definitely worth it for a picture perfect look.