Shampooing Hair - Complete Step by Step Process for Shampooing Hair

Shampooing is meant to cleanse the hair and scalp of the dirt and grime without affecting the natural sebum mantle and hair shaft.

Shampoos are designed to cleanse the hair without stripping away too much of the natural sebum. Sebum has a mildly acidic pH of 4.5-5.5 that provides a protective mantle against bacteria. Hence the pH balance shampoos have the same acidity level as the hair, suited for individuals with fragile, permed or coloured hair. For strong hair in good condition, a pH providing shampoo is not necessary. Also, the highly alkaline common soaps and liquid detergents upset the natural pH balance apart from washing away the natural oils from the hair, thus a no-no for the hair wash regime.

Use the shampoo formulated for your hair type. When in doubt, go for the mildest shampoo available in the market. Buy the small sachets to test for a brand most suitable for your hair. While using a shampoo don't go by the lather factor alone. A shampoo that doesn't lather has as good a cleaning ability.

To shampoo is to wash, cleanse or remove all dirt or other impurities from the scalp and hair by the process of shampooing. The selection of the shampoo should depend upon the hair type. Egg shampoo is good for dry hair but avoid products which contain alcohol as they will dry out the hair even further. For oily hair use some mild shampoo. Care should be taken while using shampoo. Do not scrub or over massage . It is better to rinse thoroughly with Luke warm water. If the hair is too oily, add lemon juice in Luke warm water and rinse.

Shampooing can be done as often as required to keep the hair clean and healthy, as long as you condition regularly. Switch shampoos once a month to avoid hair buildup.

Tips for Shampooing

These includes:-

• If your shampoo isn't lathering, your hair most likely isn't wet enough! Add water, not more shampoo.

• Some people feel anxious about possible side-effects of the shampoo formulations that they use.

• You do NOT have to switch shampoos, you only need to change products if your hair goes through a change like if you perm it or color it.

• Wash your hair with warm water! Don't use cold, even if your best bud says it is good for your hair. Shampoos are formulated to work best with warm water.

• To eliminate frizz or to define curls use a wave enhancing shampoo like Back to Basics Get Curly Shampoo.

• Don't pour shampoo onto your head! Pour it into your hands then work it through your hair.

• Shampoos do not interfere with hair growth.
  
• The ingredients in these formulations do not harm the hair or the scalp.

Shampoo not only washes your hair, it keeps it healthy and strong. Make sure you're using the best shampoo for your hair type.

Steps by Step Process for Shampooing your Hair

• Identify your hair type. Is it oily? Normal? Consult your hairdresser if necessary.
• Feel lucky if you have normal hair. Choose a shampoo that is made specifically for normal hair, and make sure it's meant for daily or every-other-day washes.
• Choose a gentle shampoo that is made specifically for oily hair and/or for daily use, if your hair gets greasy. Make sure it has ingredients like tea tree oil, sage oil and chamomile.
• Opt for a moisturizing shampoo for curly hair, and a protein-based shampoo for kinky hair.
• Read the label on a protein-based shampoo and make sure that protein is listed as one of the first ingredients, followed by shea butter, glycerin, sulfur or carotene.