Expert Reveals 8 Common Hair Washing Mistakes That Damage Your Hair
Many of us operate on autopilot during our daily shower routines, washing and conditioning our hair without much thought. However, if your hair appears lacklustre, brittle, or lacks vitality, the problem might not be your products but how you use them. According to Cos Sakkas, a three-time British Hairdresser of the Year and TONI&GUY Global Creative Director, achieving bouncier, more beautiful hair often requires only minor adjustments to your hair-washing habits.
Mistake 1: Not Detangling Your Hair First
Sakkas advises taking a few extra seconds before stepping into the shower to detangle dry hair. This simple step helps prevent tangling and breakage during washing, loosens built-up oil and dirt, and makes it easier to cleanse. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft boar bristles, gently working from the ends to the roots.
Mistake 2: Using Water That's Far Too Hot
While a steamy shower feels relaxing, hot water can fade hair colour and damage both hair and scalp. Sakkas explains that hot water affects the scalp's pH balance and opens hair cuticles, allowing keratin proteins and colour molecules to escape, leading to weakened hair and colour loss. Cooler water keeps cuticles sealed, reducing frizz and preserving colour. Wash with lukewarm water and finish with a cold-water rinse to seal cuticles, enhance shine, and soothe scalp inflammation.
Mistake 3: Using Too Much Shampoo
For an effective cleanse, ensure your hair is thoroughly soaking wet before applying shampoo. Sakkas recommends using two teaspoons for mid-length and long hair, or a 10p-sized amount for short hair, focusing on the scalp and roots. Emulsify the shampoo with water first, then gently massage the scalp. Avoid applying shampoo to the ends; let the shower naturally drive it down as you rinse. Washing with your head tipped upside down can boost volume and help access hard-to-reach areas.
Mistake 4: Vigorously Scrubbing Your Scalp
Aggressive scrubbing can cause hair breakage and scalp damage, potentially triggering excess oil production. Instead, use the pads of your fingertips in circular motions with gentle pressure to massage the scalp and distribute shampoo, promoting healthy hair growth.
Mistake 5: Rushing Through the Rinse
Sakkas emphasises spending two to three minutes rinsing out shampoo thoroughly—about the time it takes to sing your favourite shower song. Incomplete rinsing leaves residue that can irritate the scalp, clog hair follicles, and slow growth. Avoid overusing shampoo and ensure no product buildup remains.
Mistake 6: Mis-Using Conditioner
Conditioning after every shampoo is essential, but application matters. Sakkas suggests using a 50p-sized amount on the ends, where hair is most prone to breakage, then spreading it up to the mid-lengths. Avoid the roots to prevent greasiness. Use a wide-tooth comb for even distribution, leave it in for at least a minute, and rinse thoroughly.
Mistake 7: Tying Your Hair Up in a Tight Towel
Avoid twisting wet hair into tight buns or pulling it tightly in towel wraps. Sakkas recommends using a microfibre towel to blot moisture gently, not rub, to prevent frizz in wavy and curly hair, breakage in fine hair, and maintain colour-treated hair's condition.
Mistake 8: Using Heat Styling Tools on Wet Hair
Never use heat styling tools on wet hair, as this causes damage and breakage. Sakkas advises letting hair air-dry to 80% dryness before blow-drying and always applying a heat protectant spray to minimise damage and protect colour.
