How to Wash Your Hair At Home to Encourage Growth: Tips From a Hair Expert by Gabie Gaggero

The real reason your hair looks and feels so good after a journey to the salon is to understand that it is all in the wash. It all comes down to knowing how to wash hair for your specific hair type. Whether your hair is straight, curly or highly textured, thin or thick, here is the hair-washing advice I share with my salon clients. Plus, additional tips for any hair type.

1. Begin With a Nourishing Oil Massage 

Take time for a pre-shampoo ritual. Oiling the hair has been considered the most efficient way to enrich the roots of your hair, because washing your hair can strip the oil off your scalp, leading to hair loss and other issues. Oiling will increase moisture in the scalp, and the restorative properties of the oil you use will strengthen hair follicles, promoting growth. Pay close attention if you want to grow long hair because oiling becomes very specific.

To get the most out of a hot hair oil massage. I personally use Nurtiplenish from Aveda. It is a 100 percent naturally derived formula with a concentrated blend of five power oils. It offers multiple uses, delivers nutrient-powered hydration, shines for all hair types, helps restore hydration and is also free from silicones, sulfate cleansers, parabens, gluten, mineral oil and petrolatum. At home, gently warm 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of castor oil. Then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, rose, geranium, lavender or bergamot. If you don't mind the smell, I suggest rosemary oil, which stimulates hair growth.

Section your hair into four quadrants, apply the warm oil directly to your roots, and work it up into your scalp. While doing this, take the time to saturate a towel in warm water. Just be sure to squeeze out the excess water when ready. After the roots have had some love, massage the scalp gently using your fingertips. Apply light pressure in circular motions for about five minutes. Cover your head with a warm wet towel and steam to stimulate your hair follicles for about 10 minutes before washing.

2. Water Temperature 

It is vital that you get the temperature of the water correct. No matter how relaxing it is, using hot water will increase damage to your hair while robbing the scalp of natural oil, leaving your hair parched and vulnerable. Water temps should be warm yet still cool. Sounds confusing, we know. The goal is a perfect lukewarm. Always caution on the side of cooler water. An exact temperature has not been proven according to haircut specialists, but it is common knowledge warm water opens the hair cuticle and assists in flushing out built-up residue. The most significant mistake people make when cleansing hair in the shower is using too hot of water. Frequent use of hot or too-warm water will cause your hair to grow dry and brittle over time.

Before stepping out of the shower, rinse off with a cold plunge to your hair. The cooler, the better. A cold water plunge will seal your hair cuticle, leaving a smooth surface that will reflect light and makes your hair look glossy.

3. Over-washing 

Over-washing your hair will strip it of the natural oils produced by your scalp, forcing your scalp to work double time to overproduce even more oil. Soon, it leaves you with an oily scalp. To break the cycle, you might need to retrain your hair.

My go-to is a waterless style extender from the Davines line. It cleanses hair and adds volume without leaving any residue. It absorbs oil and impurities and leaves a soft natural finish. Dry shampooing also helps to prolong the use of your blow dryer by delaying the time of washing. Reducing any dry-heat time on your hair helps. Using a safe, recommended dry shampoo between hair-washing days is OK. Of course, if you have a sweaty gym sesh, wash it.

When to wash also depends on your hair thickness and type. Although it's still a good idea to go a bit longer if you're able, fine hair can be washed every other day since it usually shows scalp buildup faster. Those with thicker, coarser hair should strive for infrequent washings, every five to seven days if possible. Because curly or highly textured hair leans to dry, it can significantly benefit from the natural oils the scalp cultivates over several days.

4. Sudsing Up 

Scrubbing the scalp improves blood circulation and stimulates the hair follicles, enhancing hair growth. As you lather your shampoo, use your fingertips to give another relaxing massage to your scalp. After cleansing your hair for a good couple of minutes, wash the suds thoroughly to prevent buildup. Lather the shampoo with a bit of water in your hands before applying; this will also reduce the buildup that weighs your hair down.

5. Conditioning

Conditioner's intended to leave your hair smooth and soft. It also forms a protective layer on the scalp to prevent further damage. Most think more is best, which is a huge mistake. If you are not using a chemically-free product you are canceling all your previous efforts, and most OTC conditioner contains harsh chemicals that can weaken the hair follicles, leading to stunted hair growth. You should also set a limit on the conditioner to the middle of your hair and just the ends and allow it to penetrate a few minutes before rinsing it off.

6. Toweling

Ever notice at the salon how after your trip to the shampoo bowl, your stylist tucks the towel up gently around your head and does not twist? When shampooing is complete, never rub the towel vigorously on the hair. The friction created by such harsh rubbing weakens the hair roots and makes your hair prone to damage and fall. Instead, use a soft towel or old T-shirt to squeeze the excess water from your hair and let it air dry.

And with that, your hair-washing routine is complete. It might seem like a lot to you, but it will become a quick habit and a quick avenue to beautiful, healthy hair. Let me know if you see an improvement!

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