How to Shampoo and Condition Hair

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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The most important steps in healthy hair maintenance are to shampoo and condition your hair properly. Shampoo removes dirt, oil and product build up, while conditioner locks in moisture. You can make sure you are shampooing and conditioning in the best way to benefit your hair by following this process.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Shampoo
Conditioner

Step 1

Research and buy the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type that supports your hair health goals. Read labels and ask hair care professionals.
Step 2

Brush the hair before getting it wet. This helps to prevent tangling which saves pain and hair damage.
Step 3

Wet the hair and scalp thoroughly. Pour about a quarter-size amount of shampoo into your palms and rub them together.
Step 4

Massage shampoo onto the scalp and work downwards towards the ends. Evenly distribute the shampoo by gently running your fingers through your hair.
Step 5

Rinse the hair thoroughly until all shampoo is removed. Pour about a dime-size amount of condition to palms of hands.
Step 6

Apply conditioner to hair starting at the ends, and gently moving upward. Let sit three to five minutes.
Step 7

Wash out the conditioner thoroughlyfrom your hair. Follow by drying and you are ready to go!

Tips & Warnings

Use the recommended amount of conditioner. Using too much can cause hair to be limp and promotes product build-up.
Switch shampoo or use a clarifying shampoo once a month if you use a lot of products such as gel, mousse or hair spray regularly.
Base the frequency of shampooing your hair on its type. Shampoo oily hair daily, normal or combination and curly hair every other day and dry, damaged hair every few days to prevent further damage.
More expensive products do not necessarily mean they are better. Ask professionals and friends about what works best. Read the ingredients and compare. The less expensive products may have the same as expensive ones.
These steps should be used to condition with a rinse out conditioner. Follow the label instructions for leave-in conditioners.
Always apply shampoo and conditioner to hands first, then hair.
Be sure that only oil-free products are used to shampoo and condition oily hair.