Washing and Conditioning Your Locks

A lot of people don't know how to wash and condition properly. Did you know it's a complete myth that you need to get a large lather worked up in order to get your hair clean. If the shampoo isn't lathering much it just means the oils and dirt that is in your hair is "using up" the surfactants (foam) ability. You only use an apporopriate amount in accordance with how much hair you have. Less is more and too much on shorter hair will damage.

Shampoo:
About a tablespoon will do on long hair. Make sure your hair is completely wet. Apply shampoo. As long as you're massaging the shampoo into your scalp you're doing it correctly. Don't worry about the ends - as the shampoo is rinsed out it will clean the rest. Massaging will remove dead skin cells and help control dandruff. Rinse well - ensure no shampoo is left in your hair.

Conditioning:
Apply conditioner. Do not apply it on your roots, but apply on the ends. The ends are damaged most and require extra care. Leave the conditioner for at least a minute - if you can go longer do so. Rinse your hair if necessary. Check the conditioner you pick on. If the conditioner is a leave in one do not rinse, otherwise use less water to rinse your hair. Rinse your hair with hot water to remove dirt and rinse in cold water to make your hair shine and to close the cuticle

Aftercare:
Squeeze out as much water as you can from your hair. Blot your hair with a towel to remove water. DO NOT rub the towel, as it may hold fibers damaging to your hair. When combing do not use a small comb - use a large toothed comb as small combs damage wet hair and create split ends.

Tips:
I have naturally curly hair and find that when I am conditioning I use fingers to run through my hair and get out as many knots as you can in the shower. This will help the conditioner get to most of the hair and it's much easier to comb through afterwards.
Try not to wash your hair everyday - natural oil is healthy for hair!
If you find you're getting flaky scalp or dandruff this may be that you're eating richer foods or drinking too much wine. It can happen in the colder months.