Étapes d'un shampooing.

The steps to a successful shampooing.

Step No. 1 in her hair care routine, shampooing is an action performed several times a week, a gesture that has become almost automatic. However, for it to be effective and to maintain a healthy scalp, this step should not be overlooked and the right techniques should be adopted. But how can one optimize its effects: tighten the cuticles, reactivate the scalp's blood microcirculation, eliminate impurities, etc.? Here are the eight steps to follow for a successful shampooing.

Summary
Published October 12, 2022, updated on July 25, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 7 min read

The 8 steps to properly wash your hair without damaging it.

To maintain shiny, flexible, and healthy hair, it needs to be cared for. This begins with washing. Here are the different steps to properly shampooing.

  1. Apply oil to your hair lengths. If you have long hair, or dry or damaged ends, it is recommended to first apply a fatty oil, such as coconut oil, sunflower oil, castor oil, avocado oil, etc., to the mid-lengths and ends. Studies have shown that their application reduces breakage during brushing or washing on various hair types. Indeed, it will coat the hair fiber with an oily film, thereby protecting the hair scales from the detergent agents of the shampoo. It will also protect the lipid barrier naturally present on the hair, and limit the "opening" of the cuticles and thus the absorption of water.

    Note : It should be known that sebum remains on the first few centimeters of the hair and never reaches the tips.

  2. Carefully detangle your hair (straight and slightly curly hair). Continue with the detangling of your hair, an important step to eliminate knots and remove any dirt, residues of hair products... To do this, use a comb suitable for your hair type, starting from the ends, the mid-lengths and gradually moving up towards the scalp. The brushing should be gentle so as not to sensitize the scalp, break the ends or promote the appearance of split ends.

    Note : If your hair is textured (curly, wavy, kinky), detangling it when dry can create mechanical stress due to the bends, potentially causing damage.

  3. Wet your hair. Run your hair under warm water, from roots to tips. Using water that is too hot can potentially harm your scalp, causing an overstimulation of the sebaceous glands that produce sebum, and weaken the hair fiber.

    Note : We recommend that you wash your hair before your body, or even wash them separately, at a different time.

  4. Properly distribute the shampoo. Pour a dose of shampoo, equivalent to a hazelnut size, into the palm of your hand and lightly lather it between your hands. Then distribute the product only on the roots, over your entire scalp (frontal area, temples, nape, around the ears...). In reality, washing your hair means washing your scalp. Therefore, it is not necessary to lather the lengths, and it is even advised against doing so. During rinsing, the foam will slide along the lengths, which will be sufficient.

    Note : If the shampoo does not lather sufficiently, it's better to add more water rather than more product.

  5. Massage your scalp. Then proceed with a gentle massage of your scalp using your fingertips in circular motions. This action helps to stimulate blood microcirculation, provide a moment of relaxation, and effectively remove dirt lodged at the root level. However, avoid rubbing the scalp too vigorously.

    Note : It is common to read that one should do a second shampooing. It is not essential to reapply the shampoo.

  6. Rinse your hair thoroughly. Once the product is well spread over the entire scalp, remove all traces of shampoo by rinsing abundantly with warm water. Use your hands to eliminate as much product as possible. A good rinse can be determined by the absence of foam, hair that squeaks, and a rough touch. If your hair is poorly rinsed, it can dry out and have a "sticky" effect, in addition to having an irritated scalp.

    Note : Some shampoos will require a leave-in period, particularly those referred to as "treatment" shampoos. Please read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before use.

  7. Apply a conditioner. If you have long hair, you should consistently follow up with a conditioner. This treatment is essential for your hair, as shampooing weakens the hair, making it drier and coarser by removing the lipid barrier that protects the hair. This type of treatment contains conditioning agents (silicones, fatty acid esters, waxes, etc.) that will coat the surface of the hair with a protective layer to prevent potential damage, soften and/or strengthen the hair, discipline it, and improve its elasticity.

    Apply a dollop of the treatment to drained hair, squeezed out as much as possible to minimize water content, so as not to dilute the product. Theconditioner should only be applied to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. Before rinsing thoroughly with clear water, let it sit for about 2 minutes. Take this moment to style your hair and detangle it with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb, especially for textured hair (curly, wavy, kinky), but also to distribute the product evenly.

    Note : Once a week, perform a hair mask instead of the conditioner. It will require a longer setting time. This deep treatment will help to nourish and repair the hair fiber.

  8. Wring out and dry your hair. Once your hair is cleaned and rinsed, opt for blow-drying at a distance of 15 cm over natural air drying to keep your hair in good health. However, precede this step with a gentle dabbing of the hair with a terry towel to absorb excess moisture. How? Place the towel on your head and dab gently, and definitely do not rub as this risks breaking the fibers and tangling them, or even creating a turban with the towel.

    Tip : To add volume, dry your hair with your head tilted forward.

Sources

  • MOHILE R. B. & al. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of Cosmetic Science (2003).

  • LEE W.-S. & al. Hair shaft damage from heat and drying time of hair dryer. Annals of Dermatology (2011).

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