#1 Properly Washing Your Scalp
Yes, your scalp, not your hair. There's no such thing as oily hair; there are more active oil glands. So, you need to wash your scalp: shampoo twice, then apply a mask, and finally a conditioner (avoid getting conditioner and mask on the scalp). Start by squeezing shampoo into your hands and evenly distribute it. Then massage it into your scalp using the tips of your fingers, paying special attention to the crown (where volume is created). The first wash removes external dirt like dust, while the second focuses on the oil glands. After that, apply a mask, separating your hair strands with your fingers without touching the scalp. Leave it on for the recommended time in the instructions, neither more nor less. Rinse off the mask, apply conditioner for a few minutes, then rinse it out.
Afterward, use heat protectant before blow-drying your hair.
Functions of products:
- Shampoo cleanses the scalp from dirt and opens the hair cuticle. Its only purpose is cleansing, so there's no such thing as a 3-in-1 shampoo.
- Mask nourishes the hair, moisturizes, or adds color. Apply it after shampooing when the cuticle is open.
- Conditioner seals the cuticle, preventing it from breaking due to mechanical damage (such as combing).
- Heat protectant not only safeguards against heat tools (flat irons and blow dryers) but also contains SPF filters that protect against dirt, UV rays, and other harmful influences. Never skip using heat protectant, as hair is not designed to withstand high temperatures.
2 Prohibitions When Washing Your Hair:
- Never wash your hair upside down. It's against hair growth, and when the cuticle opens from shampoo, it breaks under the weight of water.
- Avoid wrapping your hair in a towel for too long. A towel's purpose is to absorb moisture, so keeping it wrapped for hours takes away essential moisture, leaving your hair dry and brittle.
#2 Choosing the Right Hair Products
If your hair is brightly colored, wash it with cold water and sulfate-free shampoo. If it's colored with ammonia-based dye, sulfate-based shampoo is acceptable.
Avoid using oils for dyed hair. The molecules in these products are too large and dense, squeezing out dye molecules. Applying coconut oil, for example, to freshly dyed red hair will result in the color fading more quickly.
For thin hair lacking volume, opt for lightweight products like fluids, serums, and sprays. Masks and oils will further weigh down your hair, making it look greasy and limp.
Remember that there are various hair types with different thickness and requirements for cosmetics. If your hair is European, South Korean products might not suit you as they are designed for Asian hair.
We usually recommend American products due to their universality, catering to various population groups in America.
#3 Proper Hair Drying
The most crucial rule is using heat protectant, as mentioned above. Here are a few more important rules:
- Dry your hair with a brush. Choose a brush size based on your hair's length. A brush polishes and smoothes the hair, making it look well-groomed and shiny. Often, hair looks bad not because it's damaged, but due to improper drying.
- Do not dry your hair upside down. The logic here is the same as for washing (explained earlier), but it can also lead to uncontrolled drying, resulting in frizziness.
- If you use a straightener or curling iron, apply them only on dry hair. Using them on wet hair can cause damage. It's also advisable to blow-dry your hair with a brush before using these tools for a neater hairstyle.
Short Checklist of Rules You Can Screen:
1. Wash your scalp twice with shampoo, massage it into your scalp, then apply a mask and rinse. Apply conditioner, avoiding the scalp.
2. Dry your hair with a towel, apply heat protectant, and blow-dry with a brush.
3. Do not wrap your hair in a towel for extended periods.
4. Use heat protectant when styling with heat tools.
5. Dry your hair with a brush.
6. Apply heat tools on dry hair only.
Remember that proper hair care can significantly impact your hair's health and appearance. Follow these guidelines for the best results!