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Beauty budget special

Ease up on your portions

Squeezing your shampoo into your hand until your entire palm is almost filled is so enticing. But that’s probably the most common mistake women make: using too much product. You actually only need a little – but you need to work it into your locks well. Most of the dirt and oil build-up sits at your roots, so that’s where you need to focus. Start by creating a lather by massaging your scalp thoroughly (the way they do at the salon basin). When you rinse, the foam runs down to clean your lengths. With conditioner, focus on your midlengths to ends – too much on your roots can cause oiliness. When it comes to serums, less is more. Rub a few drops between your fingers and work from the back of your head towards the front.

How much should I use?

Shampoo A R5 coin-sized amount. “It’s water that makes shampoo lather, not more shampoo. Add water as you massage,” says Shelene.

Mask Start with just a teaspoonful. “Build it up until you feel a bit of residue on the midlengths to ends,” she adds.

Conditioner Also a R5 coinsized amount. “Focus on your midlengths to ends before spreading the remainder to your roots,” Shelene says.

Serum Just two drops. Rub it in your hands and spread through your hair, focusing on your ends.