How to Shampoo Hair in a Salon the Right Way

If you’ve ever had your hair professionally cut, color-treated, or otherwise styled, you are probably aware that getting a shampoo is often part of the process. Hair treatments involve a variety of steps, and all of them are important. From the shampoo to the cut to the color to the blow-dry, salon styling requires balancing several essential processes to produce a result that makes the client happy.

While you may already be aware of the reasons for having your hair washed at the salon, did you know that there is actually a wrong way and a right way to shampoo it?

Numerous salon professionals would likely confirm that shampooing hair properly is essential. Just as the shampooing itself is a vital step in the hair treatment process, how this step is implemented can have a significant impact on the entire experience. In fact, washing hair improperly can cause damage to the hair, with an end result that leaves both the stylist and the client frustrated.

The following overview addresses the reasons your stylist washes your hair before styling it, along with some dos and don’ts for shampooing hair. In addition, you will find a few tips that your hairdresser probably hopes customers follow before coming to the salon.

Why do Stylists Wash Customers’ Hair?

Washing a client’s hair directly before styling ensures that the hair is clean and free of styling products, dirt, and oil. This means that the hair will be easier to manage during a haircut or treatment. Also, wet hair is typically easier to work with, so your stylist is better able to achieve your desired look.

As more than one contributor at Quora.com has mentioned, a pre-treatment shampoo also serves to relax the customer. Having your scalp massaged can put you in a calm state that relaxes your muscles, which may lead to an optimal experience overall. Additionally, when you have minimal tension in your muscles, your stylist may be better able to provide the outcome you seek.

The Wrong Way to Wash Hair

When you spend time and money on your hair, you should make every effort to get the most out of your finished product. By avoiding some of the most detrimental pitfalls associated with washing hair, you can protect your locks from being unnecessarily damaged.

Here are some common mistakes you might make when washing your hair:

Putting conditioner on your scalp: When you condition your hair, do the opposite of what you do with the shampoo. Instead of applying this product to the scalp, focus more on the ends, which need a conditioning product to stay healthy.
Using the wrong shampoo for your hair type: Your hair type should determine the kind of shampoo you use. A product intended for fine hair should not be used on coarse hair, for example. Different formulas have different effects on hair, so you should consult your hairdresser if you are uncertain about the proper shampoo for your hair type.
Using the wrong shampoo for your hair color: Another common mistake is using a shampoo that wasn’t formulated for your hair color. A lightening shampoo can gradually have an effect on naturally blonde or color-treated blonde hair, but it probably won’t do anything for dark tresses. Blondes should generally use a product that preserves color, such as a shampoo that prevents yellowing.
Not using the right water temperatures: You should use hotter water to rinse the shampoo out of your hair because the higher temperature opens the cuticles. This makes it easier to lift the oil and dirt from the hair. Conversely, you should use colder water to rinse away the conditioner. This closes the cuticles and leads to shinier, smoother locks.
Not combing or brushing hair before washing: Preparing your hair to be washed is important, so remember to comb or brush it before shampooing. If you forget this step, your hair may become tangled. This can result in breakage and shedding during the washing process.

The Right Way to Wash Hair

Now that you know what not to do, you need to know the best way to get your hair clean. First, you should make sure that your hair is wet before you begin the shampoo application. Next, as previously mentioned, you should apply shampoo to the scalp. Scrubbing the scalp with your fingers can be beneficial, but be gentle when working with the strands of your hair. In order to ensure that all of the shampoo is out of your tresses, rinse it twice. Once the shampoo has been thoroughly rinsed away, apply conditioner toward the ends of the hair. Remember to use colder water when rinsing away the conditioner.

Pro Hair Stylist Tips

If you want to ensure further that your trip to the salon is successful, follow these tips before you arrive:

Wash Your Hair: Even if your hairdresser routinely shampoos at the onset of every appointment, your hair should be as clean as possible when you arrive. Coming to a salon with very dirty hair is not a considerate thing to do (although your stylist might advise an unwashed head if you’re coming in for an updo or another style, as day-old hair may hold a style better) Also, a quick salon shampoo is not meant to wash away several days’ worth of hair products and natural oil. It’s probably okay if you haven’t washed your hair the day of your appointment, but try to shampoo it within 24 hours of going to the salon.
Avoid Excessive Hair Products: The accumulation of products on the hair can make it challenging to work with, so use some restraint before your appointment. Before you go to the salon, you should abstain from wearing hair spray, gel, and other heavy styling products.
Be Clear About Your Goal: You should have a clear vision of what you want for your hair. Then, make this objective known to your hairdresser by providing a visual aid or two. You might bring a picture from a magazine, or use your smartphone to pull one up online. Doing this can be far more effective than trying to describe a haircut or color you want to your stylist.

Having your hair done in a salon should be a positive experience! From the moment your stylist begins to shampoo your hair, the next hour or so should be all about feeling pampered and beautiful. You can maximize this time by being prepared for your appointment. Between appointments, treat your hair well by washing it with care – the right way.