A top trichologist has issued a stark warning to anyone who washes their hair, revealing that a single, widespread mistake is causing significant damage and hindering growth for millions.
According to expert Sara Gabbani, the critical error isn't the shampoo you use or the water temperature, but a fundamental part of the washing process itself that weakens the hair's very structure.
The Primary Culprit: Rough Shampooing
The biggest mistake, Gabbani explains, is aggressively rubbing shampoo into the lengths of your hair. This common practice creates intense friction, causing the hair cuticle to roughen and leading to widespread breakage, split ends, and frizz.
"When the hair is wet, it's in its most fragile state," the trichologist states. "Scrubbing it like you would a dirty pan is incredibly damaging and is the number one cause of mechanical damage I see."
The Right Way To Wash Your Hair
Instead of focusing shampoo on your lengths, Gabbani advises a targeted approach:
- Apply shampoo only to the scalp: The primary goal of shampoo is to cleanse the scalp of oil, sweat, and product buildup.
- Gently massage the scalp: Use the pads of your fingers (not nails) to work the shampoo into the scalp in a gentle, circular motion.
- Let the suds do the work: As you rinse, the soapy water running down your hair is more than enough to clean the lengths without any harsh scrubbing.
This simple shift in technique prevents unnecessary stress on the hair shaft, preserving its strength and integrity.
Bonus Tips For Optimal Hair Health
Beyond the shampooing technique, Gabbani shared additional advice for protecting your hair:
- Always use a conditioner or a hair mask after shampooing to smooth the cuticle and add moisture back into the strands.
- Gently squeeze excess water from your hair with a microfiber towel instead of rubbing it vigorously.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots to prevent snapping.
Adopting these gentle habits can dramatically reduce daily damage, leading to visibly stronger, healthier, and longer hair over time.
