Hair Washing: 10 Amazing Hacks

Hair washing every day! It’s just something you do. But when you look at the ingredients in most commercial shampoos, it becomes clear that they’re not really meant to be washed into your hair every day, which can result in dryness and irritation, making your hair look and feel worse than before you washed it! Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to wash your hair without chemicals and have healthy, shiny locks all year long with these amazing hair washing hacks!

1) Wash less often

We wash our hair because it gets dirty. That’s all well and good, but washing your hair too often can strip it of natural oils, making it dull and dry. Haircare guru Pantene recommends washing every other day or so to keep hair healthy; on your off days, just rinse with cold water and dry shampoo will help soak up excess oil at your roots. To reap more benefits from that drying process, switch to a cold-water rinse for some gentle cleansing. A study from the England’s University of Bradford found that those who washed their hair in warm water lost more than twice as much hair volume than those who used lukewarm or cold water—and there was less breakage, too.

2) Do a scalp massage

A scalp massage is a great way to treat yourself (especially if you’re going solo with your hair washing) and can also be incredibly beneficial for your hair. Massaging your scalp increases blood flow, stimulates blood circulation, and helps to improve circulation—all of which are good things for your hair. Add a little oil or conditioner for a double treat. The massage itself is an easy five-minute routine that helps keep split ends at bay. While you don’t have to do it every time you wash your hair, working in some scalp massages throughout each week is recommended; if it sounds like something you want to try but aren’t sure how, ask one of our hairstylists!

3) Use baby shampoo

This one might sound weird, but it works. Baby shampoo is made with milder chemicals than regular shampoo, so it’s less likely to dry out your hair. Plus, baby shampoo usually has a pleasant smell and leaves your hair soft without additional conditioning. If you want to get an extra deep clean without drying out your locks, use baby shampoo instead of harsher cleaning products. Use multiple shampoos: If you’re looking for a more intense cleaning experience, using two different shampoos in one wash is a great option.

4) Use baking soda

Baking soda is a natural deep-cleansing ingredient, so if you have oily hair and you aren’t keen on washing your hair every day, all you need to do is add a half-teaspoon of baking soda to some water and apply it onto your scalp with a cotton ball. Let it sit for about 20 minutes then rinse. You can also use a mixture of half vinegar and half water on dry hair as an alternative cleanser to your shampoo or conditioner. Leave it in for three minutes before rinsing out.

5) Use apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a cleaning product, but it also has benefits for your hair. To use apple cider vinegar for hair washing, mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water and pour over your head after you shampoo. This should help to neutralize any leftover styling products from your hair and create a nice base to start with when you’re styling it. Apple cider vinegar also helps to strengthen your hair, which will ensure that it stays healthy even if you color or straighten it often. When using apple cider vinegar for hair washing, try not to rinse out; instead, leave it in overnight and then wash it out in the morning with regular shampoo and conditioner. Your locks will be well-maintained by that point!

6) Use dry shampoo

Wash your hair less frequently by using dry shampoo. Hair doesn’t necessarily need to be washed every day, especially if you don’t style it and just let it fall naturally. If your hair feels greasy before bedtime, then washing it with gentle shampoo at night and letting it air-dry is all you need to do. The next morning when you wake up and feel ready for an extra kick of volume, just refresh your roots with some dry shampoo, and voila—no washing required! Be sure to follow up with a conditioning mask once or twice a week as well to keep locks hydrated. Once you get in the habit of only washing your hair every other day, you won’t even want to go back!

7) Don’t shampoo every day

If you’re trying to improve your hair’s health, especially if it’s damaged, washing your hair less frequently may be a good idea. Shampooing too often can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause scalp irritation—resulting in frizz and split ends. On top of that, every time you lather up and rinse off, you lose some natural sebum (oil) from your scalp, causing your follicles to produce even more oil in an attempt to make up for it. Which only makes matters worse. All of which is a long way of saying that you should wash your hair as little as possible while still staying relatively clean. Once or twice a week may be enough for most people.

8) Air dry your hair more often

Drying your hair with a towel will add extra friction, resulting in frizz and more split ends. Instead, set your hair on a cool setting and let it air dry. If you have to use a blow dryer, try using low heat instead of high heat, which will also help reduce damage to your hair’s cuticle. And don’t forget that not all products create with equality. Some products can actually make it easier for your hair to absorb moisture than others; if you aren’t sure what kind of shampoo or conditioner is best for you, ask your stylist to recommend one when you visit for a cut or color service.

9) Avoid hot water

Hot water doesn’t only dry out your hair and scalp, it’s also terrible for color-treated hair. Instead of turning up your water heater temperature, try using warm or cool water to rinse with. The cold water will help close your cuticles, which gives you shinier, smoother-looking hair. If you do want to go for a full-on hot shower to unwind after a long day at work. Just make sure you use a deep conditioner afterward. It will lock in moisture so your strands stay healthy even when exposed to heat.

10) Invest in some quality brushes and combs

The right tools can make all of the difference when it comes to hair washing. And investing in a good quality brush (preferably one made from natural materials) is well worth it. Brushes like those from Mason Pearson uses by salons, but their prices are rather high. But if you’re only using your brushes for hair washing, there’s no need to break your budget! Check out sites like Goody for more affordable options that do a great job. When it comes to combs. Be sure to grab some wide-tooth ones so you don’t damage any hairs when combing out tangles.