Have you ever wondered why some people have perfectly smooth hair while yours feels frizzy and full of split ends, even when using the same shampoo? It’s not just about genetics. Even if two people have the same hair type, their hair care routines can lead to drastically different results. Many people unknowingly use incorrect methods to wash and dry their hair. So, what is the proper way to care for your hair?

What Happens to Your Hair When You Wash It?

To understand how to properly wash and dry your hair, you first need to understand the structure of your hair. Hair is more complex than it appears. Under a microscope, it consists of three layers: the medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The cortex and cuticle are the most important for maintaining healthy-looking hair.

The cuticle, the outermost layer, plays a crucial role. When intact and smooth, it gives hair a shiny appearance. When damaged, hair looks dull and frizzy. The cuticle opens when wet and closes as it dries. Knowing this, let’s dive into the correct way to wash and dry your hair.

How to Wash Your Hair

When you wash your hair, the cuticles open. Rubbing or scrubbing too vigorously can damage these open cuticles, leading to split ends. The key to healthy hair is gentle washing.

Many people mistakenly focus on washing the hair itself rather than the scalp. The scalp is where oil and debris accumulate, not the hair strands. To clean your hair effectively and gently, use your fingertips to massage your scalp and then rinse gently. This method will remove dirt and oil without damaging your hair.

When drying your hair with a towel, avoid rubbing. Instead, gently press and squeeze the water out, following the direction of the cuticles. This minimizes damage and helps maintain smooth, shiny hair.

Blow-Dry or Air-Dry?

Research shows that air-drying is generally better for hair because the cuticles and cortex shrink at the same rate, reducing the risk of damage. However, air-drying can be impractical, especially for long hair, as it takes a long time. Sleeping with wet hair is also not ideal because it can cause chills and increase friction damage to your hair as you move.

For these reasons, using a hairdryer can be a good option if done correctly. Here are some tips:

1. Order of Drying: Dry the roots first, then the ends. Drying the roots first prevents colds and headaches and saves time since water drips from the roots to the ends.

2. Distance: Keep the hairdryer at a safe distance. The hot air should not feel too hot on your skin. This prevents heat damage to your scalp and hair.

3. Direction: Blow-dry in the direction of hair growth. This helps close the cuticles and keeps hair smooth and tangle-free.

4. Time: Dry your hair until it is almost dry but still slightly damp to the touch. You can finish with a cool blast or let it air-dry the rest of the way.

Additional Tips for Healthy Hair

If you follow these steps, your hair will already look healthier. To take it a step further, consider these additional tips:

1. Limit Heat Styling: Frequent use of heat tools like curling irons and straighteners can damage hair. Try to minimize their use.

2. Use Conditioner or Hair Masks: These products help close the cuticles, making hair smoother and easier to manage. Apply them to the mid-lengths and ends, not the scalp.

3. Apply Hair Oil: Hair oils can protect the ends and prevent split ends. Use a small amount on damp hair before styling or as a finishing touch to add shine and reduce frizz.

By adopting these hair care practices, you can significantly improve the health and appearance of your hair, making it stronger, shinier, and more resilient.