Hey Curlies,
We have been washing our hair for years and as a child we have always been given the same directions on how the process is done:
Shampoo is applied first and should cover all strands of hair. Conditioner is applied second and should also coat all strands of hair.
With lots of reading and research, I have found this to be slightly incorrect. Here is what I believe to be the proper way to shampoo and condition the hair.
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SHAMPOO
- The purpose is to get rid of any buildup on the scalp and therefore, it should only be used only on the scalp.
- As the shampoo is rinsed from the scalp, is gently cleanses the strands on its way down
- Only the tips of fingers should be used to cleanse the scalp
- I found that if I do apply shampoo all over my hair, it causes unnecessary manipulation, tangles and roughness.
CONDITIONER
- The purpose is to replenish the moisture that shampoos got rid of. The scalp produces its own natural oils, but the hair strands do not.
- Should only be applied to the actually strands of the hair and not the scalp
- Conditioner is needed most at the very ends of the hair because this is the oldest hair and needs to most moisture
- I find that if I do apply conditioner to the scalp, even with a through rinse, it is itchy
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Thank you for pointing out that shampoo is for the scalp and conditioner is for the hair. I do this every washday and it make a huge difference. Hopefully more naturals will catch.
It completely makes a difference in how your hair behaves. Thanks for reading, Olena!
If your hair is straightened you might want to do it the other way round. Put the conditioner in first. Then wash. Then possibly condition again. If you use essential oils/natural oils after your shampoo you shouldn’t need to condition again. The reason for conditioning before, is because if your hair is straightened, (or has been for some time), then your hair is at its weakest point. In order to reduce breakage and brittle strands, you put conditioner in first, so by the time you wash it, your hair is at it’s strongest therefore roots and tips will be more resilient to scalp massage to get rid of build up. It also helps to soften any build up you have making it easier to clean that scalp. To hot oil/conditioner treatment – add colder avocado to soothe any irritation or itching.
That’s a great point to make for those going from straight back to curly. Thanks, Lola!