Salon Questions...... Inspired to talk Shampooing!

My Salon Questions today revolved around...................

SHAMPOOING!

While in the salon today I had a few questions based around shampooing the hair and I was inspired! Here are some questions I would nearly get on a daily basis. Every person is different and as a hairdresser, would ask a series of questions to each person to work out each individual case.

How much shampoo should I use?

How much shampoo you use depends on your hair length and the quality of the product you are using. If using a salon shampoo you will use less as it is a more concentrated product and goes further. A few good tips.....

1. Use an afro comb in the shower (be gentle as hair is fragile when wet) to comb through product to ends reducing the amount of product you use
2. Shampoo twice, doing two smaller shampoos (first shampoo removes outer oil and second shampoo opens up hair and cleans inside. It will also froth more.) You will use less doing two small shampoos rather than one big one and cleanse hair more thoroughly.
3. Use a leave in moisturizer give more moisture, higher shine and less fuzz with continual use.
4. Use deep conditioning treatments especially when colouring hair as treatments will return strength to hair that colour can damage.

Example of size;  I have a bob just above the shoulders with fine hair. I use around a 10-20 cent piece size for first shampoo (depending on hairspray I have used as I am a hairspray addict) and a 10 cent piece size for the second shampoo.

How often should I shampoo my hair?

The one thing with washing hair is sometimes it is different for each person depending on scalp, hair colouring and hair condition. I recommend around every second day to twice a week. Sometimes you can wash your hair too much which removes the oil from the scalp and dries your hair out. You need this oil to moisturize your scalp and hair as well as regular brushing. Brushing moves the oil down the hair shaft to give your hair shine and close the outer layer of the hair to lock the moisture inside.

A leave in moisturizer also helps with keeping moisture in the hair. It is like using a moisturizer on the face. You also need to moisturize your hair. there are different types for different hair types including sprays, creams and foam forms.

Some people find they have oilier hair and have to wash everyday. In some cases this is the cause for oily hair. When you wash your hair and scalp you remove the oil on your scalp which is needed to moisture the scalp and hair shaft. This causes the oil glands or sebaceous gland to over react and then produce more oil. Creating a vicious cycle.

 In other cases in can be hormonal but talk to your hairdresser as there are many questions to ask in each individual case. A dry shampoo can help you reduce washing and reduce the oily appearance.

Also be aware of product sensitivity as this is a leading cause to oily and/ or irritated scalp.

Why does my scalp get itchy between washes?

There are many reasons for this but one of the main reasons that I find is the oil on the scalp attracts dirt and product which collects on the scalp. This then irritates the scalp and can cause redness and itching. It just means the hair needs a wash as there are things on the scalp that shouldn't be there.

It also can be due to shampoo choice and some chemicals in products that people develop a sensitivity to.

One last thing.......

Just remember using a good quality shampoo will save you money in the long run. The outlay is more but you will use less (especially using the above tips), reduce fading as the cleansing agents are gentler and give more moisture and strength due to the higher grade ingredients. If you were to experiment and see how much it works out to buy generic shampoo for a week and a bottle of salon shampoo that would last 3-4 months, your weekly dollar average should actually be less. An interesting experiment for you to try!

Have a Happy Hair Day!