Improving your hair care routine can lead to healthier, more manageable hair, according to stylists Rogerio Cavalcante and Jerrod Roberts.
Choose the Right Shampoo
According to Rogerio Cavalcante, founder of Brazil Edition and owner of The Second Floor Salon in New York City, selecting a shampoo based on your scalp condition is crucial. If your scalp is oily, opt for a lightweight balancing shampoo. For dry or flaky scalps, hydration is key. Use clarifying formulas if you use many products or live in a polluted area.
Avoid Hot Water
Roberts, brand ambassador for BLVD & CO, advises against using hot water as it opens the hair cuticle and strips away natural oils. Warm water is ideal for washing.
Proper Washing Technique
Cavalcante emphasizes fully soaking your hair before applying shampoo. Use a dime-sized amount, emulsify it with water in your hands, and focus on massaging it into your scalp rather than the strands. Roberts warns against aggressive scrubbing with fingernails, suggesting gentle circular motions with your fingertips instead.
Take Your Time
Both stylists recommend not rushing the washing process. Cavalcante suggests shampooing for at least 30 seconds, while Roberts believes 60 to 90 seconds is ideal. Proper rinsing is also important to avoid leftover shampoo residue.
Conditioning and Cooling Down
Conditioner is non-negotiable according to both experts. Cavalcante points out the importance of conditioner for manageable, soft hair. A dime to nickel-sized amount is generally sufficient unless you have thicker or coarser hair. Apply from the mid-length to the ends rather than the scalp. Finish your shower with a cool rinse to smooth the cuticle for shinier hair.
Source: https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-wash-your-hair-like-you-mean-it
