How To Take A Shower The Right Way To Keep Your Hair Healthy

Showering is a common activity that everyone engages in on a regular basis. It’s a quick, effective, and rejuvenating way to clean up. Looking for tips on how to shower properly? You are in the right place! Most women have a certain style of shampooing their hair that they learned as children and never change, even as they become older. While there’s nothing intrinsically wrong with sticking to a certain hair-washing schedule, the issue arises when it starts to harm your hair. For example, you may believe you have split ends or damaged hair as a result of a problem with the hair products you use, so you switch them out only to have the issue continue. Make a few tweaks to your hair washing technique and drying regimen, and you will see a difference in your hair within a few days. So, here are some of the best shower tips for keeping your hair healthy and strong. Check them out!

In This Article

1. Tips For Shampooing
2. Tips For Conditioning
3. Tips For Drying
4. Tips For Detangling
5. Some More Things To Keep In Mind
6. How Long Should A Shower Take?
7. Infographic: Easy Tips To Showering The Right Way To Keep Your Hair Healthy
8. Key Takeaways
9. Illustration: How To Take A Shower The Right Way To Keep Your Hair Healthy

Tips For Shampooing

• Steam your hair before shampooing it: The pores on your scalp are often clogged with oil and dirt.. The best way to cleanse them away is by steaming your hair. To do so, soak a towel in hot water and wring out the excess water. Wrap this towel around your head and leave it on for 20 minutes before jumping into the shower.
• Massage steamed hair before shampoo: After steaming your hair, gently massage your scalp with your fingers for a few minutes. Scalp massages can help loosen up the dirt and buildup and also root out the weak hair strands from your scalp.
• Use cool or lukewarm water: You know how they say using heat styling tools on your hair too frequently can damage it? Well, the same holds true for hot water. Water temperature is very crucial in keeping your hair healthy. The heat from hot water can strip off natural oils and leave your hair cuticles open, thus allowing all the moisture to escape from it. On the other hand, washing it with cool or lukewarm water can help close the cuticle and lock in the moisture, thus giving you shinier and smoother locks. It can also help reduce frizz.
• Use paraben and SLS free shampoo: I’m sure you must have heard some buzz about how you need to start using shampoos that are free of sulfates (SLS) and parabens. While parabens are added as a preservative, SLS helps in forming a lather. Both these chemicals have long been known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions (1). But recent studies have found that parabens can also be carcinogenici and an animal study has linked sulfates with severe eye damage (2), (3). So, it’s best to use organic shampoos that are SLS and paraben free and suit your hair type. Use color-protectant shampoo when taking a shower for colored hair.

• Apply shampoo only on the scalp: The purpose of shampoo is to cleanse and remove the dirt, dead skin cells, and product buildup from your scalp. Rubbing shampoo on the lengths of your will only strip it of its natural oils and leave it looking dry, dull, and lifeless. So, take a quarter-sized amount of shampoo and massage it into your roots and scalp until it lathers up.
• Gently massage while shampooing: When lathering the shampoo, gently massage your scalp with your fingers, moving in a circular motion. This easily cleanses away the dirt from your scalp. The massage will also help improve the blood circulation to your hair follicles and boost hair growth (4).
• What to do with hair after the shower: The massage will also help improve the blood circulation to your hair follicles and boost hair growth.
• Don’t wash your hair daily: Most shampoos contain chemicals that can make your hair extremely dry and brittle if used daily. So, it’s best to wash your hair no more than twice or thrice a week to maintain its health and optimum moisture level. Gabriella, a YouTuber, shared her experience of washing her hair daily and how it affected its health. She says, “See, when I was younger, and was beginning to be nagged about showering daily, I didn’t know that you weren’t supposed to wash your hair every day. I didn’t realise that it strips your hair of essential oils. I just didn’t know the damage that it could do (i).” The blogger added that the frequent washing of her hair made her curls unruly.
• Do not stretch shampooing time: Your hair is in its most fragile state when it’s wet. So, ideally, you should reduce your shower time and shampoo and condition your hair within 15 minutes of wetting it to keep damage and breakage at a minimum.

Tips For Conditioning

• Condition your hair with oil before shower: To stop frizzy hair after shower, a good way to condition and moisturize your hair the natural way is to massage it with hair oil. Massage some coconut, almond, or olive oil onto your hair and scalp an hour before you wash it. This oil will penetrate your hair shaft and nourish it from within to give you softer, shinier, and frizz-free hair (5).
• Towel dry before conditioning: This step may sound a bit tedious to you but it’s what you need to get frizz-free hair after showering. Towel drying soaks up excess water from your hair. After shampooing your hair, wrap a towel around your head and then apply conditioner. The conditioner will get absorbed into your towel-dried hair much more easily and prevent it from frizzing up. Similar to a sponge, the less water is absorbed into the hair the more room there is in the hair to absorb hydrating conditioner.
• Don’t use too much conditioner: Applying too much conditioner will weigh your hair down and make it look super greasy and difficult to keep hair straight after a shower.

• Do not apply conditioner on the scalp: You’ve probably already heard this a million times, but I’m still going to reiterate it once more – don’t apply conditioner to your scalp. This is because it will form a build-up on your scalp and clog your pores, leading to reduced hair growth and increased hair fall. If you do apply to the scalp, be sure to thoroughly rinse it out. Applying conditioner to the scalp is like applying washable lotion to dry skin. If the scalp is dry, put conditioner on it but be sure to rinse it out well.
• Don’t leave the conditioner in for too long: If you think leaving the conditioner on your hair for extra time will moisturize your hair more, then you are dead wrong. Conditioners work quite instantaneously when the wet hair cuticle is swollen and open. So, there’s no way that the conditioner can penetrate further than it already has when you first apply it. In fact, leaving the conditioner on for too long can actually make your hair greasy.
• Deep condition every two weeks: You need to deep condition your hair at least every 2 weeks, especially if you have curly or kinky hair as these hair types tend to dry up pretty quickly.

Tips For Drying

Drying your hair effectively while minimizing damage can make a big difference in maintaining its health and appearance. Here are some tips for drying your hair:

1. Towel Drying

• Blot, Don’t Rub: After washing, gently blot your hair with a towel to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing, as it can cause frizz and breakage.
• Use a Microfiber Towel: Microfiber towels are softer and more absorbent than regular towels, reducing frizz and drying time.

2. Air Drying

• Partial Air Drying: If time allows, let your hair air dry partially before using a blow dryer. This reduces the amount of heat exposure.
• Style While Damp: If you’re air drying, style your hair while it’s still damp to help it set naturally as it dries.

3. Blow Drying

• Use Heat Protectant: Always apply a heat protectant spray or cream before blow drying to shield your hair from heat damage.
• Choose the Right Temperature: Use a lower heat setting, especially if your hair is fine or prone to damage. A higher setting can be used for thicker or coarser hair.
• Keep the Dryer Moving: Don’t focus the heat on one spot for too long. Keep the dryer moving to avoid overheating any section of your hair.
• Blow Dry Downwards: Aim the nozzle downward along the hair shaft to smooth the cuticle and reduce frizz.
• Use a Diffuser: If you have curly or wavy hair, use a diffuser attachment to maintain your natural texture while drying.

4. Finish with Cool Air

• Cool Shot: Finish drying with a blast of cool air to close the hair cuticles, which helps lock in shine and reduce frizz.

5. Avoid Overdrying

• Stop Before Completely Dry: Stop blow drying when your hair is about 90% dry to avoid over-drying and reduce the risk of damage.

6. Use the Right Tools

• Invest in a Quality Dryer: A good quality blow dryer with multiple heat settings and a cool shot button can make a big difference in the drying process.
• Use a Round Brush: If you’re looking to add volume or smoothness, use a round brush while blow drying to shape your hair.

7. Consider Your Hair Type

• Fine Hair: Use a low heat setting and be cautious not to over-dry. Volume-enhancing products can help give body without damage.
• Thick or Coarse Hair: You might need a higher heat setting, but be sure to use a heat protectant and consider sectioning your hair to ensure even drying.

8. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Dryer

• Regular Maintenance: Clean the lint filter of your blow dryer regularly to ensure it’s working efficiently and to prevent it from overheating.

Following these tips can help keep your hair healthy and styled to perfection!

Tips For Detangling

Detangling your hair can be tricky, but with the right techniques and tools, you can minimize breakage and make the process much easier. Here are some tips for effective and gentle detangling:

1. Start with Wet or Damp Hair

• Condition First: Detangle your hair when it’s wet or damp, ideally after applying conditioner. Conditioner provides slip, making it easier to work through tangles.
• Use a Leave-In Conditioner: For extra moisture and slip, apply a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray before starting.

2. Use the Right Tools

• Wide-Tooth Comb: A wide-tooth comb is ideal for detangling as it glides through hair with less pulling and snagging.
• Detangling Brush: A brush designed specifically for detangling can help minimize breakage and is especially useful for thicker hair types.
• Fingers: Sometimes, your fingers can be the gentlest tool, allowing you to feel and work through knots without causing damage.

3. Section Your Hair

• Work in Sections: Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips. This ensures that you detangle thoroughly and reduces the risk of missing knots.
• Start at the Ends: Always begin detangling at the ends of your hair and gradually work your way up to the roots. This prevents pulling and reduces breakage.

4. Be Gentle

• Patience is Key: Don’t rush through detangling. Take your time to gently work through knots, especially if your hair is prone to tangling.
• Use Small Strokes: Use small, gentle strokes rather than trying to force the comb or brush through large sections of hair.

5. Dealing with Stubborn Knots

• Apply Extra Conditioner: For tough knots, apply a bit more conditioner or a detangling spray directly to the knot.
• Loosen with Fingers: Use your fingers to carefully separate and loosen the knot before using a comb or brush.

6. Avoid Dry Detangling (Unless You Have to)

• Dry Hair Caution: If you must detangle dry hair, be extra gentle and consider using a light oil or serum to provide slip. However, wet or damp detangling is generally safer for reducing breakage.

7. Protective Styles

• Prevent Future Tangles: Consider wearing your hair in protective styles (like braids or buns) to reduce the likelihood of tangling, especially if you have curly or coily hair.

8. Regular Trimming

• Trim Regularly: Regular trims can help prevent split ends, which can tangle easily and make detangling more difficult.

9. Detangle Regularly

• Consistency: Detangle your hair regularly, not just on wash days. This helps prevent large tangles from forming and makes the process easier each time.

10. Hydration and Care

• Keep Hair Moisturized: Well-moisturized hair is less likely to tangle. Regular deep conditioning treatments and using moisturizing products can help maintain your hair’s health and manageability.

By following these tips, you can detangle your hair with minimal stress and damage, leaving it smooth and manageable.

Some More Things To Keep In Mind

• Apply a leave-in conditioner after drying your hair: If the question “How to get rid of frizzy hair after a shower?” has nagged you throughout your life, here’s an answer to it. Just apply a bit of leave-in conditioner or smoothening serum after your hair has dried partially. If you have particularly dry hair, make sure you use a product that is alcohol-free as alcohol dries out your hair even more.
• Limit using hair care products: Avoid applying too many hair styling products like hair sprays, moussesi , gels, etc on your hair as they tend to build upon your hair and scalp, clog your pores, and ultimately lead to poor scalp health and hair fall. Wear nourishing hair masks to deeply rejuvenate your scalp health and improve follicle growth.
• Keep showers short: Try to get in and out of the shower as quickly as possible because the longer your hair is sopping wet, the longer it is in its fragile, breakable state.

According to a 2020 survey, submitted by 5533 US adults, 62% person preferred using a separate shampoo and conditioner, 27% used an all-in-one shampoo/conditioner product, 4% did not use any of the two, 3% answered “don’t know”, and 4% either did not have hair or they did not wash their hair. Let’s get into the details of in general, how long a person should take a shower. Scroll down to know.

How Long Should A Shower Take?

An average shower should last around 8-12 minutes. Ideally the length of your shower depends on your hair and skin type. When it comes to hair, the weaker or more damaged your hair is, the shorter your showers should be. Water makes hair more porous and open to damage. For dry hair, a quick hair wash with a mild shampoo followed by applying conditioner, leaving it for 5 minutes, and then rinsing it off, is ideal. Those with oil hair may need a little longer as their hair might require double application of shampoo to thoroughly remove greasiness. When it comes to skin health, those with dry skin should limit their shower time to 10 mins max. Those with oily skin should limit their shower time to 10 minutes, then exfoliate their skin with a body scrub to properly remove excess oil, followed by a rinse.

1. Efficiency and Water Conservation

• 5 to 10 Minutes: A quick, 5 to 10-minute shower is generally sufficient for most people. This length is ideal if you’re focusing on basic hygiene, such as washing your body, shampooing, and conditioning your hair.
• Water Conservation: Shorter showers help conserve water, which is beneficial for the environment and can reduce utility bills.

2. Skin and Hair Health

• Avoid Overdrying: Prolonged showers, especially with hot water, can strip your skin and hair of natural oils, leading to dryness. Keeping showers under 15 minutes can help maintain your skin and hair’s moisture balance.
• Temperature Matters: While the length is important, the water temperature also plays a role. Lukewarm water is less likely to dry out your skin and hair compared to hot water.

3. Relaxation Showers

• 10 to 15 Minutes: If you’re taking a shower to relax, de-stress, or enjoy a longer skincare routine, aim for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives you enough time to unwind without risking overdrying your skin.

4. Skin Conditions

• Shorter Showers for Sensitive Skin: If you have skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, shorter showers (around 5 minutes) with lukewarm water are recommended to prevent irritation.

5. Cold Showers

• 2 to 5 Minutes: Cold showers are usually shorter, as they can be invigorating and help close pores. If you’re taking a cold shower, 2 to 5 minutes is typically enough.

6. Shower Tasks

• Multi-Step Routines: If your shower involves multiple steps (e.g., exfoliating, deep conditioning, shaving), you might need closer to 15 minutes. Just be mindful of the water temperature and time to avoid drying out your skin.

Summary

For most people, a 5 to 15-minute shower is optimal. This range allows for efficient cleansing, good hygiene, and even some relaxation, all while being mindful of skin health and water usage.

Infographic: Easy Tips To Showering The Right Way To Keep Your Hair Healthy

Once you learn how to shampoo, condition, dry, and detangle your hair properly, you will see a significant improvement in your hair health. Making these minor changes may not show you immediate results but, over time, they will benefit your hair greatly. Some of these showering tips may appear to be very simple but make all the difference to your hair care. For example, washing your hair with lukewarm water and limiting the amount of hair products you use. Don’t blindly take our word for it! Scroll back up and check out the science behind each of these tips to really know how effective they are.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of using a pre-shampoo treatment before washing your hair?

Pre-shampoo treatment may help nourish your hair, moisturizing the scalp and hair to protect against split ends and breakage.

2. How can you tell if you’re using too much shampoo or conditioner?

The best way to know if you are using too much shampoo is to check how much it lathers. If the foam is too much and not rinsing off smoothly, chances are that you are using more than necessary. Too much conditioner can make your hair greasy and weighed down. A dime-sized amount of shampoo and a quarter-sized amount of conditioner works fine for most people. You may need more if the water is hard.

3. What are some natural ingredients that can be used in place of commercial hair products?

You can use coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil for pre-shampoo conditioning. Occasionally you may use fruit hair masks made of cucumber as their antioxidants may help prevent premature graying, hair fall, and dryness .

4. Can taking too many hot showers lead to damage to your hair?

Yes, taking too many hot showers can damage your hair. Hot water can make your hair frizzy and your scalp flakey as it strips off the moisture and natural oils from your hair and scalp. You may also observe getting brittle hair and an itchy scalp. So, make sure you wash the shower with lukewarm water and use a leave-in conditioner to moisturize your locks.

5. What is the difference between using a clarifying shampoo and a regular shampoo?

Cleansing shampoos are formulated with chelating agents to deeply cleanse the impurities from your scalp and hair due to pollution of hard water minerals. Regular shampoos contain fewer surfactants and mildly cleanse hair and scalp while nourishing your hair.
You should use clarifying shampoo occasionally while regular shampoo can be used daily followed by a moisturizing conditioner

Key Takeaways

• Never apply your shampoo directly to the hair length, as it can strip it of its natural oils.
• Avoid applying conditioner to your scalp to prevent build-up that can lead to increased hair fall.
• Always detangle your hair when it is semi-dry to avoid breakage.
• You can use a leave-in conditioner or smoothening serum on damp hair for extra nourishment.