All amazing hair gets its start in the shower. Whether it’s short and sassy or long and lush, if there’s not a great support system with diligent washing techniques behind it, then your hair is just not going to look its best.

We know you’ve been showering and washing your hair for a long time. You’ve not only got it down, but you’ve also got your own routine and it works for you. We’re about to change all of it, or at least suggest that you give change a chance.

The first step in shaking up your haircare routine is getting to know your hair a little better and understanding how its individual characteristics can affect the way you treat it.

Get to know your hair

If only you were able to introduce yourself to your hair. “Hi, hair—it’s me. I want to get to know you and treat you the best way possible. So, tell me, what’s good for you?” But, of course, it’s not that easy, and for some of us, the learning process might hold some surprises.

You already know some things about your hair, and your hairstylist can give you deeper insight. But you’ll have to find your own balance with trial and error. When considering your hair, don’t forget to include your scalp in the learning process.

For example, the ends of your hair may be split and dried, but your scalp might be oily. Your daily observations will be crucial in determining what is happening from beginning to end.

Hair types and washing tips

You’ll probably find that your hair falls into more than one category, you can certainly have thick hair that’s also dry and color-treated. We’re going to give you our primary tips, which you’re free to customize into your own recipe for long hair success. Try different tips in a mix and match way until you see the results you want.

Oily hair. Washing more often to remove the excess oil is often a natural response, but it might be creating more oil. If your scalp is frequently stripped of naturally hydrating sebum, it may produce more to make up for it.

Break this oily cycle with a shampoo like Hair La Vie, with no sulfates, no parabens and no harmful chemicals that can trigger oil production. You want deep cleaning without drying.

Dry and/or damaged hair. Less is always more when it comes to caring for damaged hair. Don’t overwash or layer on heavy oil treatments to give your hair body.

Start by scaling back on some of those products and washing less often. Experiment with every other or every third day and see if you start to notice results.

If you have particularly damaged and stressed hair, RX Blend Clinical Strength Hair Vitamins will strengthen your hair from within.

Colored hair. If you want to keep that color vivid and long-lasting, then washing less often is a good way to start. To finish, rinse your hair with cool water. Hair is porous, and if you end on a hot or warm note the hair cuticle remains open, allowing the color to leach out. A final cool rinse closes the pores and traps hair color. 

Thin hair. Thin hair easily gets weighed down by dirt and products, so more frequent washings are needed. This hair type is the most susceptible to appearing flat and lifeless due to synthetic ingredients. Reach for a Dimethicone-free Shampoo & Conditioner so your hair isn’t weighed down by added silicones that only improve hair at the surface level.

Thick hair. One myth is that thick hair holds more dirt, so it needs to be washed more frequently. This isn’t true. In fact, thick hair requires the scalp’s natural oils to look smooth and frizz-free, so less frequent washings are best.

Normal hair. Ah, to be normal. This hair type can withstand daily washings and a certain amount of serious styling. Fly-aways and less-than-manageable curls can be a problem, but a lightweight serum, like Hair La Vie’s, will help tame your hair and give it new life.

Wash for your scalp health

Now that we know a little bit more about what types of products to use for your hair and how frequently to wash, let's review some overall hair and scalp washing techniques.

♦ Wash regularly, but this might mean every other or every third day for you. You can track your washings in the Hair La Vie app to find the schedule that works for you.

♦ Don’t overwhelm your scalp and hair with too much product or harsh chemicals.

♦ Use a sulfate-free shampoo.

♦ Get a shower filter to remove chlorine and harmful chemicals from your water. (Your scalp, hair, and skin will love you for this.)

♦ Use just the right water temperature for an effective clean without damage. Aim for a shower slightly warmer than body temperature—about 100℉.

♦ Use a raspberry-sized dollop of shampoo—once again, less is more.

♦ Massage your scalp to clean, letting water flush down your hair, cleaning as it goes.

♦ Brush your hair daily to loosen and remove dead skin cells and oils. Always brush before you shower.

♦ Try a natural bristle brush to stimulate circulation and distribute natural oils.

♦ Use a quality hair conditioner every time you wash your hair.

♦ Exfoliate your hair monthly to deep clean your scalp.

♦ Feed your scalp and hair follicles with healthy nutritional choices or a hair-specific supplement. This Papaya Spinach Smoothie recipe is a great way to start your day and feed your hair naturally.

Final thoughts

Healthy hair begins in the shower with equal amounts of attention paid to your scalp and hair. Not all hair is created equally, and knowing how and when to wash your hair will give you an advantage. Getting to know your hair gives you that valuable insight into what products will help you get the look you want and what ones might work against you.

Going beyond products and into the shower itself; there is a technique to washing hair that might be different from the one you’re used to. With time and a thoughtful approach, it will become as familiar as your current routine, except this time, you’ll come out of it with the magnificent hair you’ve always wanted.