Many people are surprised when I tell them that incorrect hair-washing is one of the most common issues I see in the salon. On the surface, it seems simple: we all wash our hair regularly, so what could we possibly be doing wrong?
However, when I explain the professional technique, clients often look amazed. The truth is that almost no one has ever been taught how to wash their hair properly.

One of my clients has a wonderful saying:
“If you’ve had to explain something more than three times — write about it.”
Following her advice, I’m sharing the essential steps to help your hair stay healthier, shinier, and easier to manage.

Let’s walk through each stage of the process.

Choosing the right shampoo is far more important than people realize. Many select a product based on how good it smells, how pretty the bottle looks, whether a friend liked it, or if it was on sale. Unfortunately, none of these criteria help you meet your hair’s actual needs.

Your choice of shampoo should always depend on:

• Scalp type: oily, dry, sensitive, or irritated

• Concerns: dandruff, hair loss, brittleness, tangles

• Goals: more shine, more volume, smoother texture

Because of this, I always recommend professional hair care brands. They are more concentrated, more effective, and offer specialized formulas for every hair type and concern.

Professional Tip:
Don’t save money on shampoo and conditioner. These two products determine 80% of your hair’s condition. If you need to cut costs somewhere, skip a few coffees and pastries – your hair will reward you.

Before washing, it’s important to prepare your hair. This step takes very little time, yet it has a dramatic impact on hair health.

If your hair is long:

1. Start by gently detangling it with a wide-tooth comb, working from the ends upward.

2. Once it’s smooth, switch to a natural boar-bristle brush.

This type of brush:

• Massages the scalp

• Improves blood circulation

• Spreads natural oils through the lengths

• Adds shine and nourishment naturally

Brush your hair section by section, from roots to ends. When practiced regularly, this simple habit helps strengthen the hair and supports long-term health.

Ideally, repeat this step daily, not only on wash days.

A proper wash has two stages:

1. Cleansing

2. Softening & Nourishing

✔ Cleansing

Shampoo is designed to clean the scalp, not the lengths. To wash your hair correctly:

1. Wet hair thoroughly with warm, comfortable water.

2. Emulsify a small amount of shampoo between your palms.

3. Apply it to your scalp, not the ends.

4. Massage gently in circular motions.

Avoid rubbing shampoo into the lengths. When you rinse, the foam will cleanse the hair perfectly.

Note:
Professional and therapeutic shampoos often produce less foam, but that’s a good sign — it means they contain fewer harsh detergents and more nourishing ingredients.

How often should you shampoo?

• Normal or oily hair: 2–3 times per week (shampoo twice each time)

• Dry hair: once a week

• Daily washing: only with a gentle, daily-use formula — and only one lather

Once your scalp is clean, the next step is to smooth and nourish the lengths.

✔ Conditioner

Use conditioner every time you shampoo. Apply it mostly to the mid-lengths and ends. Conditioner seals the cuticle, improves softness, reduces frizz, and adds shine.

✔ Hair Mask

If your hair is:

• dry

• brittle

• color-treated

• damaged

• prone to tangling

you need a hair mask.

For best results:

• You can use a mask at every wash until you see improvement.

• Leave it on for 3–5 minutes — professional formulas work quickly.

• For tangled hair, gently comb through with a wide-tooth comb before rinsing.

• Rinse with cool water to increase shine.

Avoid applying masks to the scalp unless the scalp is extremely dry.

Never go to bed with wet hair. Otherwise, you may wake up with unpredictable results and a difficult styling process.

If you wash your hair in the evening:

• Dry and style it your way, then in the morning, you’ll only need to refresh the look

Alternatively, move the entire routine to the morning.

After washing:

1. Blot hair with a towel — don’t rub

2. Apply heat protectant

3. Use styling products if needed

4. Blow-dry and style as desired

Proper drying protects the cuticle and enhances shine.

Need Help Choosing the Right Products?

Selecting the right shampoo, conditioner, or mask can be overwhelming. With endless options available, it’s easy to feel confused. That’s why I always encourage clients to come for a professional hair diagnosis.

At Caprice Salon in North Toronto, we offer:

✔ Personalized product recommendations
✔ A full range of high-quality professional haircare
✔ Guidance tailored to your hair’s exact needs

For a free consultation, call us at:
📞 416-661-6327

Wishing you strong, healthy, beautiful hair — and a life full of joy.