HOW TO WASH YOUR HAIR PROPERLY

The owner of one of London’s hottest destination salons explains how to achieve your best – and healthiest – hair every time you shampoo.

‘Washing your hair gently yet thoroughly is one of the best things you can do for it – for strength, for shine and for a longer-lasting blow-dry. The thing most people don’t do right is make sure their hands are wet before shampooing.

If you wet them and create a bit of a lather before you massage shampoo into your hair, you’ll get a better cleanse. Always make sure you’re washing right around your hairline and into the nape of the neck, too, because those areas tend to be missed and product can build up. It’s a good idea to wring your hair out before conditioning so you’re not diluting the product. These days, most conditioners can be taken right up to the root. There was a time they were too heavy, so had to be kept to the mid-lengths and ends, but if you’re using something well formulated, there’s no reason to do that. In fact, it helps moisturise the scalp and I’d recommend using a soft brush or a scalp massager to gently exfoliate and lift away any dead skin cells. Dry your hair using a microfibre towel if you can – they are like sponges and absorb excess water, preventing the need to vigorously rub hair dry, which can break and damage it, especially if it’s over-processed. Finally, I always recommend using a Tangle Teezer or Wet Brush on just-washed hair; the bristles are weaker so there’s less resistance when you get to a knot, therefore less breakage.’