Shampooing and conditioning our hair is something we do so often that we probably don’t give it much thought. However, the right cleansing and conditioning techniques can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your healthiest head of hair. Next time you’re under the stream, incorporate Dr. Joel Schlessinger’s tips to get the most out of your products and routine.
Hot showers can cause hair to become dry and damaged, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
Before wetting your hair, brush or comb it thoroughly. This will remove knots and tangles and make your hair much easier to manage post-shower. Next, massage your scalp with the pads of your fingers to loosen any buildup and debris, making it easier to cleanse away. You may shed 150-200 hairs a day if you shampoo daily. This number could increase if you wash your hair less. Though it may be alarming to see hair in your hand or comb, this isn’t cause for concern. If you suspect that you’re shedding more than normal, consult with your physician.
When you’re ready to turn on the water, it’s crucial to make sure that it doesn’t reach an overly hot temperature. “Hot water may feel relaxing, but it can strip the hair of its natural moisture, causing it to become dry, damaged and brittle,” says Dr. Schlessinger. Warm water is optimal for shampooing and conditioning, as it effectively removes oil and buildup without over-drying.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger stresses not to judge a shampoo’s quality by how much lather it produces.
Thoroughly saturate your hair by standing under the water for two to three minutes. Then, squeeze a quarter-sized amount of shampoo in your palm and begin to gently rub it over your scalp, working up a lather for about a minute. Note that a shampoo’s lathering capability has nothing to do with how well it is working to cleanse your hair. Lather differs between products and has to do with how much foaming agent a formula contains.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends conditioning only the bottom half of hair.
Rinse away all shampoo suds and gently squeeze the excess water out of your hair. Then apply a quarter-sized amount of conditioner to just the bottom half of your hair, focusing on the ends. Avoid applying conditioner directly on your scalp. The new hair growth at your roots doesn’t need nearly as much moisture as the older, dryer growth at the ends, and applying conditioner to your roots could leave them oily and unbalanced.
Leave the conditioner on your hair for two minutes before rinsing completely. Before you step out of the water, seal the cuticle with a blast of cold water. This helps protect hair from damage, minimize frizz and lock in shine.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger and other dermatologists can help you determine how often to shampoo and condition your hair.
How often you’ll need to shampoo and condition your hair depends largely on your hair type, the condition of your hair and any treatments you’ve had. Though hair is normally shampooed every day, those with naturally dry or brittle hair may find that this strips hair of its natural oils and causes it to become frizzy. Some individuals with straight hair shampoo every other day or three to four times a week, while others with curly or aging hair only wash it every one to two weeks. If you need to go a long time between washes, you may experience a buildup of keratin on the scalp and subsequent itching. Dr. Schlessinger recommends a tar shampoo, like Tarsum Professional Shampoo, to help improve excessive buildup and itching. The medicated gel works to diminish redness, itching, flaking and irritation with a blend of proven ingredients.
Hair that has been colored, relaxed or permed is more brittle, so avoid shampooing the day after receiving a styling treatment. Dry shampoo can help absorb oil at the roots to add volume and keep your hair fresh between washes. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk is suitable for all hair types. It contains protective ingredients to help clean the hair and soothe the scalp, making it great for balancing oil production and absorbing odors and impurities.
Try salon-quality shampoos and conditioners, selected by Dr. Joel Schlessinger, from LovelySkin.com.
LovelySkin.com offers a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners for every need and hair type. If you have significant allergies, Dr. Schlessinger recommends Free & Clear Shampoo and Free & Clear Conditioner. The formulas are free of harsh fragrances, preservatives, chemicals and dyes. Cleansing agents remove oil and product buildup from hair while calming ingredients hydrate and minimize breakage. Hair is left clean, balanced and smooth.
The TIGI Hair Reborn line uses advanced technology to help restore and revive dry, damaged, frizzy hair of every type. The different products are formulated for multiple levels of damage and help to strengthen hair for the future. One of our bestsellers, TIGI Hair Reborn Sublime Smooth Shampoo, helps to bind down the cuticle so that hair is shinier and easier to manage. The shampoo is color-safe and perfect for all hair types. Rene Furterer hair care features essential oils and plant extracts to naturally enhance your hair. These salon products are formulated to target specific needs and conditions like lifeless hair, flat hair and an oily scalp. Rene Furterer FORTICEA Stimulating Shampoo targets the scalp in order to improve hair strength and promote growth. Microbeads of essential oils help improve microcirculation to restore life to thinning hair.
Do you have a question for Dr. Schlessinger about shampooing and conditioning? Let us know in the comments section.