5 Signs You’re Washing Your Hair Wrong

Fear not, we pulled together the most common signs of incorrect hair washing practices to help you find out what element of your routine is letting you down.

1. Brittle & Frizzy - Temperature

The temperature of the water you use to wash your hair can have a lasting impact on its health and texture.

Using water that is too HOT can have a drying effect on your scalp, leaving your hair damaged and brittle and eventually leading to split ends and frizz. In extreme cases, this can even result in dandruff or more serious skin conditions.

Using water that is too COLD doesn't allow your hair cuticles to open effectively, meaning they can not be properly cleaned of unwanted dirt and oils. Colder water is arguably better when washing your hair, but to an extreme, it can leave you with dull ends or unwashed roots.

The most ideal temperature to wash your hair at is a happy middle ground - warm enough to ensure a healthy blood flow throughout your scalp, but cold enough not to strip your hair of essential oils.

2. Limp & Lifeless - Products

It is important to have an adequate understanding of the texture of your hair, and as a result what products you should be using. Using the wrong products for your hair consistency can leave your hair limp and lifeless, taking away any of its amazing potential. There are many complex forms that hair can take, but the most common hair types include:

Curly

Curly hair patterns are largely defined by a distinct 'S' shape, however, this can take many forms, and therefore often needs personalised care depending on your needs. Curly hair is generally more prone to becoming dry or dehydrated, which is why it is so important to use products that keep it moisturised and healthy.

Kinky

Kinky hair patterns are widely associated by tight and defined coils, naturally giving a gorgeous volume to your hair. Kinky hair can be prone to dryness and fragility if not given enough moisture and care.

Wavy

Wavy hair is naturally full of volume and texture and sits somewhere between curly and straight hair types. Similar to curly hair, it can be dryer than straight hair types, so needs moisturising through conditioning.

Straight

Straight hair types are deceptive, and although can be seen as easy to care for, they are susceptible to oil, dirt and unwanted moisture causing greasiness. Use of a good shampoo is extremely important, especially as this hair type can become limp and lifeless due to a lack of natural volume.

3. Becomes Greasy too Quickly - Frequency

One of the worst things you can do for your hair is overwashing! Of course, it's tempting to just start fresh for a new look or after a long day, but this will only hurt your hair in the long run.

Over stimulating your scalp through needless washing can cause an excess buildup of sebum, the oily residue produced by your skin, causing the greasy look you are trying to avoid. Essentially, by trying to treat your dirty hair with frequent washing, you are unintentionally trapping yourself in an endless cycle of wash - grease - repeat.

By washing your hair less often, and allowing for a few average hair days at the start of the process, you can train your hair to stand strong for much longer looking amazingly clean and healthy.

4. Dandruff & Hair Loss - Treatments

Cosmetic care for your hair is extremely important to your overall hair health and positive self-image, but it is crucial that we address when a hair situation might be medical.

There are many conditions that can impact your hair production and scalp sensitivity - one of the most common examples of which is Dandruff. Although it is not a serious ailment, and can be treated through pharmacy approved shampoos and washes, if left untreated it can lead to serious inflammation and even hair loss.

Fundamentally, if you are noticing signs of discomfort or potential problems when washing your hair, it is important not to ignore them. Seek medical attention for peace of mind to make sure not just your style is protected, but your foundations as well.

5. Weak & Misbehaving - Application

Although it might not seem crucial, how you apply your hair products when washing can have a direct link to how your hair holds up in styling and even its structure and strength.

Similarly to what products you use, how you use them is just as important when keeping curls or protecting you from split ends.

There are many hair habits that should be broken for the greater good of your style. Using too much of any product can weigh down your hair and cause a build-up on your scalp, leading to the dreaded grease trap and styling difficulties. A little goes a long way, making it also unnecessary to wash your hair twice through - another popular hair myth.

Where you apply products is equally as important - depending on your hair type and consistency you will most likely not need too much moisture near your scalp. It is advised to avoid using conditioner on your roots, keeping it on the ends to give your grease one less reason to misbehave.