Nice and Clean Hair

CHOOSE A GOOD SHAMPOO

Pick a shampoo based on the condition of your scalp (sensitive, dry, oily), since the ends of your hair can be treated after shampooing. You can alternate with a more specialized shampoo for volume or shine.

The newest generation of two-in-one shampoos, made using surfactants, ceramides, silicones and polymers, combine detangling, softening, smoothing, and refreshing. But avoid using them too frequently, or you will overdose the roots. Dry hair is thirsty for very gentle products (but avoid extra-conditioning products formulated for babies, as little ones do not have any sebum). In the case of oily hair, which gets dirty quickly, stay away from harsh products, which can cause a "rebound" effect: overproduction of sebum in the scalp that then works its way down the strand and weighs hair down. The scalp must be nourished and hydrated rather than attacked. Gentle formulas for oily roots are best for combination hair, while special formulas for color-treated hair bring cohesion back to the shaft's scales and extend the life of your color. Finally, anti-dandruff shampoos, alternated with more gentle formulas, provide excellent results.

HOW OFTEN?

Many of us feel compelled to shampoo daily, but every other day (or even every two days) should suffice. Of course, washing too infrequently risks suffocating the scalp with an accumulation of oil, which slows growth, encourages dandruff, and can even lead to hair loss.

1. BRUSH YOUR HAIR before washing to help the water penetrate and to eliminate some of the impurities and product residue.

2. THOROUGHLY WET YOUR HAIR. Your entire head must be evenly saturated.

3. BE CAREFUL of how much shampoo you use. It’s not the quantity that counts; in fact, too much shampoo can weaken hair. Start with a grape-size amount and work from the scalp to the ends of the hair, adding water as needed, but without bringing the ends back up to the scalp (this can cause tangling, and your hair won't get as clean).

4. MASSAGE the scalp with your fingertips (but don’t scrub—it weakens the roots) to evenly distribute the shampoo and stimulate circulation.

5. ONE WASH OR TWO? There is no one-size fits-all rule on this. If you wash often, one shampoo is sufficient. One exception, however, is oily hair (because sebum prevents lather on the first application, it’s best to repeat). And if hair is exposed to pollution, the first wash rinses away impurities while the second focuses on treating the problem (dandruff, seborrhea, etc.).

6. LATHER is a simple signal that your shampoo is working effectively. Today's shampoos are no longer abrasive; they don’t lift the scales on the hair shaft, weakening it and making it more porous and static prone.

7. RINSE THOROUGHLY with your head back under the shower, just like at the salon, focusing on the roots. That is the only way of removing all traces of shampoo so that your hair remains cleaner longer. In addition, it allows you to remove dead skin cells on the scalp, which are often mistaken for dandruff.

8: A SPLASH OF COLD WATER après shampoo is a must for extra shine—not an old wives' tale. It smoothes out the scales on the hair.

AFTER YOU SHAMPOO

WHAT YOUR HAIR CRAVES

Our hair is greedy. Taking a minute or two before drying can correct the negative effects of hard water and give your hair all the shine it deserves!

TREATMENTS FOR YOUR HAIR

Conditioners are a true gift to your hair. They nourish the ends and provide brilliant shine. Conditioners are composed of special agents that should not be used at the roots—shampoo has already done its work here, and conditioner will only weigh it down.

There are many different formulas and textures, and you should choose a conditioner based on your current needs as well as the weather and season in which you’ll be using it.

Lotions and sprays work to detangle hair by acting on the electrostatic properties inside the hair shaft. Charged with the same electric charge, strands of hair will repel each other.

A deep-conditioning mask provides a total cocoon. Hair is pampered and so are you, as long as you have a bit of time to spare.

Conditioning is as close to hair nutrition as you can get. It should not be too light in texture-if it is, you’ll have the impression that it is not doing anything-but it is also important not to weigh down your hair. So how long to leave conditioner in before rinsing? A minute should do the trick, but depending on cultural habits, it can range from a few minutes to as long as you please!

Try on a new hairstyle now.