Wash, rinse, repeat. Nothing sounds easier right? Well, wrong. Turns out washing hair is not quite the clear-cut process. Washing hair is a walk in the park…Jurassic Park. You can’t just waltz in like you own the place. I found this out the hard way. Especially when it comes to afro hair, you need to pay special attention due to the nature of its coily and kinky texture. A lot can happen between washing and conditioning. You can either end up with the cleanest, tangle-free hair or a pile of hair on the floor and a mental breakdown. Your call. This article breaks down mistakes to avoid when washing your hair.

1.Washing Without Detangling

This one is a mistake of epic proportions. Detangling is pivotal in making sure your hair is free of knots before washing. You do this by applying detangling conditioner and combing through your hair with a wide-toothed comb or fingers. If you do not detangle, you’ll end up with serious hair breakage.

2.Washing Hair Without Stretching It

Another mistake you could be doing is washing your hair without stretching it. Stretching entails washing your hair in large,chunky braids or twists to prevent it from shrinking. It’s like afro hair can smell your fear. The more you wash it, the more it tangles and knots.  Washing your hair stretched ensures that there is no tangling hence no knots and thus no breakage.

3. Scrubbing Your Hair

When washing your hair, you might be scrubbing it like there’s no tomorrow. In all directions and with all the energy you can muster. You need to know that your hair is most fragile when wet. So it could snap Just. Like. That. You should instead gently massage the shampoo into your hair and down your strands then rinse. So, less scrubbing, more massaging!

4.Using Scalding Hot Water

Is there a better feeling that hot water touching your skin? Ok. Ok. There’s thousands other things better but you catch my drift. Scalding hot water is not good for your hair. It will dry your hair to infinity and beyond. Use lukewarm water to wash and use cold water to rinse and seal your cuticles.

5.Washing Without Dividing Into Sections

You jump into the shower and just start washing your hair. No braiding, no dividing into sections. Nothing. What happens when you do this, is that you may solely focus on some parts and completely ignore others. Also, it’s not good for manageability. Section your hair into 4 parts to make your work easier and to ensure you go over every part.

6.Failing To Soak Hair Before Applying Shampoo

You might have done this once or twice or a couple of times before. You wet your hair a bit then apply shampoo. Then add more shampoo because there’s no lather. Then add some more. This lack of lather occurs because you haven’t really drenched your hair properly in water. You need to totally soak your hair in water so that shampoo can lather up beautifully. Now drench that hair and suds up!

7.Using The Wrong Shampoo/Conditioner

The beauty of hair is that it is so diverse. We all have different textures, colours, lengths and strengths. Different products are designed for different hair. Therefore, you could be using a shampoo for fine, straight hair on your thick, curly hair. You may find that this shampoo is not moisturizing enough for your hair. Make sure to research on products suitable for your hair situation.

So let’s make a deal? No hair mistakes anymore! If you have always wanted to know more about Cleansing Conditioners, here’s your guide.

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