Depending on the type of short hair, washing and drying it properly can be tricky. Selecting the right washing techniques and products is essential for hair to remain full of life, supple and healthy. Follow the tips in the article to avoid damaging them when shampooing.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Buy the Right Products Based on Your Hair Type
Step 1. Analyze the scalp to identify its characteristics
You also need to take into account their specific needs when looking for a suitable shampoo to keep short hair healthy and clean.
- If you have an oily scalp, you should avoid hair products that boast nourishing or moisturizing properties. Conversely, if you have a dry scalp, those are the right products for you.
- If you need a moisturizing shampoo, choose a product that regulates the production of sebum or gives volume to the hair, such as those without sulfates (including ammonium lauryl ether sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl ether sulfate) or that contain only one. minimum quantity.
- If you have a normal scalp, you should vary the products you use according to the time of year because the needs of the skin change accordingly.
Step 2. Choose a product that meets the needs of your hair by taking into account its main characteristics, for example whether it is fine, curly, frizzy or colored
As with your scalp, you need to take into account their specific needs to purchase a shampoo and conditioner that will keep them beautiful and healthy.
- Thin hair benefits from volumizing products, which make them appear thicker and fuller. In this case the ingredients to look for include proteins, silk proteins, panthenol and witch hazel.
- Medium or wavy hair benefits from almost any type of shampoo; you should choose according to the look you want to achieve. In general, the best products for normal hair are those aimed at making them soft and disciplined.
- Thick, curly, coarse or frizzy hair should be treated with products with nourishing and moisturizing properties. You can also consider washing them with conditioner only, as shampooing tends to make them even drier.
Step 3. If you have colored hair, choose suitable products
By using a shampoo that has not been specially formulated to meet the needs of dyed hair, you risk damaging it or causing the color to appear dull and faded. Shampoos for colored hair restore the lipid layer that has been damaged by the dye, so the color will stay intense and shiny for longer.
Most products designed to keep dyed hair beautiful and healthy contain ingredients that deeply hydrate it. Keep this in mind if you have an oily scalp and use a conditioner that regulates sebum production
Part 2 of 3: Wash Short Hair
Step 1. Use lukewarm water
The hot one tends to dehydrate the hair and scalp. A dry hair inevitably appears limp, while when the skin is dehydrated, dandruff forms. Both flaws are particularly noticeable in the case of a short cut. To prevent this, use warm or cold water.
If you prefer to take a hot shower, you can raise the water temperature after washing your hair. Or wash your body with warm water first and then use it warm to shampoo
Step 2. Apply the shampoo to the scalp
Pour a small amount into the crook of your hand, roughly the size of a walnut or a little more, depending on the actual length of the hair. At this point rub it on the skin gently making circular movements; continues for about thirty seconds. If the hair is short, it is not necessary to wash it directly with shampoo.
Before applying it to your hair, dilute the shampoo with a little warm water inside the hollow of your hand. It is best not to pour it pure directly on the scalp
Step 3. Rinse your hair to wash off the shampoo
Also in this case remember that it is better to use lukewarm water. After rinsing them thoroughly, squeeze them gently to get rid of excess water. Given the type of cut you should make little effort, as long as they are long enough to be able to hold them in your hands.
Leaving them soaked in water, they would not be able to properly absorb the beneficial ingredients contained in the conditioner
Step 4. Apply conditioner
Start at the tips, then gradually work your way up to the scalp. Make sure you have it evenly distributed, then let it sit for a couple of minutes.
- If your hair is so short that it prevents you from effectively distributing the conditioner with your fingers, use a wide-toothed comb.
- During the exposure time, dedicate your attention to the rest of the body, for example you can do the scrub or shave.
Step 5. Rinse your hair to remove the conditioner
Again, remember to use lukewarm water. Make sure you have removed all traces of the product before you step out of the shower. In the long run, the balm residues tend to create dense accumulations that occlude the follicles.
- If you have thick or curly hair, you will need to take a few more minutes to rinse to make sure you have removed all traces of conditioner.
- Leave-in conditioners are a suitable option for thick or curly hair which, as the name describes, does not need to be removed with water after application.
Step 6. Repeat the process as often as necessary
The frequency of washing in case of a short cut depends on the specific needs of the hair. Evaluate their needs and the results you get by following the directions received so far, then plan your shampoo days accordingly.
- Generally, three washes a week should be enough for fine hair. Using shampoo too infrequently or frequently would deprive them of their natural elasticity.
- Thick hair should be washed every other day at most to help maintain its characteristic volume.
- Curly, frizzy hair doesn't get greasy as fast as others, so you can wait longer between shampoos. Washing them twice a week will help preserve the shape of the ringlets.
Part 3 of 3: Blow Dry Short Hair
Step 1. Prepare your hair by dabbing it with a towel
First, soak up the excess water with a soft towel; being short, a few moments should be enough. Be careful not to rub them, otherwise you could ruin them or make them rebellious. Just dab them gently.
- Before using the towel, squeeze them gently with your hands.
- As the towel gets soaked, move it around to take advantage of the dry areas.
Step 2. Apply a spray product that protects them from the heat of the hairdryer
As an added benefit, it will help make the hairstyle last longer when the hair is dry. Hair heaters are available in different formulas and with additional specific properties, such as moisturizing, so make sure you choose the one that best suits your needs.
To choose the right product, apply the same rules you followed to select the best shampoo and conditioner for you. You have to take into account the type of hair and the degree of dryness of the scalp
Step 3. Use brush and hair dryer
Use a flat brush to pull the hair in all directions. The goal is to lift the roots slightly to create volume, while avoiding the hairstyle from being too voluminous.
- If you have straight or just slightly wavy hair, let it air dry for several minutes before turning on the hair dryer. If they are curly, you can start immediately after dabbing them with a towel.
- Divide your hair into different sections and hold them in place with the help of a few clips to style them faster and get a better result. In this way the hair will also appear shinier.
- Dry small portions of hair at a time to be able to style them as you wish. Use a soft, natural bristle brush to style the root area.
- Point the hair dryer at the floor to prevent frizz.
Step 4. Apply a texturizing spray to make hair fuller and more disciplined
Use it to style them as you wish. Choose a medium-hold product to avoid weighing them down and achieving a natural effect.
- To find the perfect hold, take into account the characteristics of your hair. If they are smooth, it is likely that a product that guarantees a light seal is sufficient. If, on the other hand, they are very thick or you want to brush them, it is better to opt for one with medium or strong hold.
- If your hair tends to lose its shape during the day, reactivate the effect of the spray by spraying a little water where it is needed.
- You can freely use your hands to ruffle the hair trying to get a more natural effect. If, on the other hand, you prefer a refined look, it is better to use a comb.
Advice
- Rinse your hair carefully to get rid of the shampoo and conditioner completely, but don't keep it under water more than necessary. Contrary to popular belief, continuing to rinse your scalp or hair until rubbing it gives you that tactile sensation of thoroughly cleaned dishes is harmful. Stop when you notice that there are no more traces of foam in the water.
- When applying conditioner, be sure to distribute it evenly and focus especially on dry or damaged ends.
- Frizzy and dry hair should be treated like fine hair because it is just as fragile and delicate.
- Shampoos that contain essential oils such as tea tree or shea butter are ideal for naturally moisturizing hair.
- After or instead of conditioner, you can apply a hair oil.