Are You Doing 'it' Wrong?
- Kelly Stokes
- Mar 23, 2017
- 5 min read
Now that you're using the correct products (see previous post) we need to work out if you are shampooing properly. Sounds like a stupid question, I mean, you've been washing your hair for most of your life right? The reality is that most women are doing it wrong. There are a lot of us are doing it too quickly, not scrubbing thoroughly enough, not washing often enough and then there is the ladies that are doing it too often. So Repunzel, let your hair down and lets get back to the basics of washing, treating, drying and styling those luscious locks.
Shampoo - Every 2 to 3 days. Now when I say shampoo, I mean actual shampoo, NOT dry shampoo - I know what you're thinking, you only need to wash your hair once a week? no. it might not look dirty but if it smells, you should wash it. Not use dry shampoo, get in the shower and wash it. But we'll come back to that. You should be shampooing your hair at least twice every time, keep in mind that shampoo is mostly about your scalp. For the first shampoo you should use about the size of a 20c to 50c piece depending on the density of your hair, its designed to remove all product from your hair, it should last about 30 seconds and won't foam much at all. The second shampoo should be a good scalp scrub, you shouldn't need as much shampoo as the first time, it should last about two and half minutes and will remove the build up of oil and dirt. Pro tip: When the shampoo has foamed is when you know your hair is really clean so if you still can't make a shampoo foam Mohawk, go again.
Conditioner - EVERY time you shampoo. Conditioner is essential - If you have fine hair and think your hair is feeling greasy/weighed down after, then you are most likely using the wrong type of conditioner for your hair type. Shampooing opens the hair cuticle and conditioner closes it, so not using conditioner will only leave your hair more prone to damage and frizz. You should only put the conditioner through mid-lengths and ends to hydrate the length of your hair that don't benefit from natural oils of your scalp. As a reminder, you should always be using a de-tangling brush such as an iKoo (RRP $39.95) when handling wet hair as your hair is more fragile when wet – and when you apply conditioner you should brush it through thoroughly to make sure you’ve applied it to every last spot, before you let it sit. leave conditioner in your hair for a minimum of three minutes or as per manufacturers instructions - while you brush your teeth/shave your legs/win fake arguments.
Olaplex No.3 - Once a week. Olaplex is the Queen Bey of all hair products, the answer to all lifes hair problems and an essential ingredient to bomb a$$ hair. It's applied to dirty hair, so firstly you want to use a water spray bottle to dampen your hair. Apply a generous amount to the mid lengths and ends and brush through thoroughly so it coats the entirety of your hair. Leave step three on for a minimum of 10 minutes, the longer it’s on, the more effective it is, especially for hair that is compromised. We’ve seen great results from people who leave it on 30 to 90 minutes and even better results if you leave it in overnight (maybe don't leave it overnight during a Canberra winter though, you'll get frost bite or die BRRRRR). After the treatment its as simple as rinse, shampoo and condition. Remember, this is NOT a conditioning treatment, Olaplex rebuilds the hair, making it stronger, healthier, and more resilient. Also, don’t go overboard with the application – a little goes a long way. Lastly, your ends are the most fragile part of your hair (split ends anyone?) so always concentrate your Olaplex to the ends of your hair as they are most likely the part that needs the most lovin'. You still want to follow with a moisture or protein mask if applicable.
Mask - Once a week/fortnight depending on the mask and condition of your hair.
Hair masks come between the shampoo and conditioner or replaces the conditioner all together depending on the mask, most will have instructions on them, if not, ask your stylist. Keep in mind that applying a mask does not need to take hours – you can find a mask that only needs to be on for 2 minutes as you’re shaving in the shower and get the moisture boost that your hair needs. If you find that your hair is greasy after you apply a mask, you are most likely using one that is too heavy for your hair type. Your stylist would have hooked you up with the correct mask but if you're buying from a wholesaler/online (eye roll *cough* support local business) - look for one that is specific to your hair (whether it is fine, curly, fat, skinny, disobedient etc) and that should lead to better results.
Heat protector - Before any heat tool (even if you're just touching up on the second day.)
A big no-no when it comes to heat styling, regardless of the tool, is skipping the heat protector. They not only provide a barrier between the cuticle of your hair and the direct heat, but they can also help your strands retain the moisture. There are different varieties of heat protectors for different hair types, sprays for finer hair and creams/oils if you need that little bit extra. Always read the back of the bottle and follow manufacturers instructions. if you don't believe that they actually work, let me show you next time you're in the salon, a little spray on the back of your hand and run the blowdrier over the top - you wont feel a thing.
Dry Shampoo - Once I said ONCE (between hair wash day)
Dry shampoo is a staple in most girls lives, it can be a god send on occasions such as sleeping through your alarm/just not wanting to get out of bed - but dry shampoo should only be used once, to get you through that second or third day. ONLY use a dry shampoo you've purchased from your stylist. You shouldn't be using it for consecutive days because it causes a build up in the hair and if you're using a cheap dry shampoo it will give you a dry scalp, think about it - your scalp is oily so you add a powdered substance and then add sweat. I've heard of girls that haven't washed their hair in two weeks because they didn't see the point as they were just going to get sweaty at the gym every day. *vom emoji* hygiene still applies, wash your hair every three days. I have witnessed on many occasions the build up of dry shampoo and how it effects the hair and how colours take to the hair, it can also give you scalp conditions - so use SPARINGLY
Next time you're in salon, chat with your stylist about the products she/he recommends for your hair, if you trust them with your $300+ cut and colour you should be hanging on their every word when talking about products to keep your hair looking 'amaze'. If you don't have the extra cash for all 6 products, get them to write down every thing they recommend or put it into the notes on your phone and you can add them into your budget for future visits. NOW..... just like that near full box of multivitamins in my medicine cabinet, these products won't work if you don't use them, so get on that ASAP. Run free my clean haired pretties. Kelly x
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