If you want to have healthy hair, it is essential to care for it both externally and internally. The most fundamental external care step is shampooing.
Shampooing plays a crucial role in maintaining hair cleanliness and health. While it may seem simple, improper shampooing techniques can harm your hair, making it dry, dull, and prone to breakage. Therefore, understanding the correct way to shampoo is vital to ensuring your hair remains healthy and strong.
Shampooing Guide to Keep Your Hair Healthy
Selecting the right shampoo
The initial step in shampooing is choosing a shampoo that matches your scalp type and specific needs. Hair types vary from person to person—some may have dry, oily, or dandruff-prone hair. Each type requires specialized care and a tailored shampoo selection.
For dry hair, choose a shampoo that contains moisturizing agents like argan oil or aloe vera to help retain hair moisture.
Oily hair benefits from a lightweight shampoo formula that cleanses while controlling excess oil production.
Dandruff-prone hair requires an anti-dandruff shampoo containing ingredients such as zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole (an anti-fungal agent) to combat dandruff and improve scalp condition.
Wet your hair with warm water
Before applying shampoo, ensure your hair is fully soaked with warm water. Warm water helps to open the scalp's pores and cuticles, making it easier to remove dirt and oil buildup.
However, avoid using water that is too hot, as it can lead to dry and brittle hair.
Use the right amount of shampoo
Some people feel dissatisfied using a little shampoo. Many people feel that using more shampoo leads to cleaner hair, but this is not true.
Excessive shampoo can strip the hair of its natural oils, which are necessary for keeping hair moisturized. Only a sufficient amount of shampoo is needed, applied to the scalp while gently massaging it. Refrain from scrubbing your hair harshly to prevent damage and hair loss.
Massage your scalp
Massaging the scalp during shampooing not only cleanses it but also promotes blood circulation to the hair follicles. Massage the scalp in a circular motion with your fingertips for 1-2 minutes. Be sure to avoid using your nails, as they can cause scalp injury and irritation.
Rinse with cool water
After applying shampoo, rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water. This step helps seal the hair cuticles, preserving its natural softness, shine, and moisture.
Use conditioner on hair ends
Conditioner is particularly important for dry or damaged hair after shampooing. However, it should be applied only to the ends of your hair, not the scalp.
The scalp produces enough natural oils, so applying conditioner to it can make the hair feel greasy and weigh it down.
After using conditioner, rinse your hair with cold water and gently dry it with a soft towel.
By adhering to these shampooing steps, you can keep your hair healthy and hydrated. However, if you experience more severe hair issues such as excessive hair loss, scalp infections, or severe dandruff, consider consulting a doctor or dermatologist.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
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