Keeping it fresh
When it comes to a blokes hair the washing process is dead simple.
Let's start off with some simpified hair science to help you understand how Shampoo and Conditioner work.
Your hair is made up of thousands of dead cells that push their way out from under the skin . Below the skin, on each hair strand, is a little gland that pumps oil.
The reason your hair gets greasy after a few days of not washing is largely thanks to this little gland pumping the oil up the hair shaft.
Shampoo opens up the hairs outer layer (called the cuticle) and cleans out all the oils. There are ingredients in the shampoo that cling to any oils or dirt and are resistant (they basically run) from water which cleanses your hair leaving it feeling fresh and oil free.
The outer layers however are still left open. This is when the conditioner is used. The conditioner closes the outer layer and enriches the hair with some essential oils that were stripped by the shampoo. This leave the hair dead flat and shiny.
Ok so that's enough follicle talk, what do I need to do in the shower?
Good question. It really depends on your hair thickness and how dirty/oily it is.
The general rule for guys is ditch the conditioner. Conditioner is used predominately to give girls the flat and shiny looking hair they love, not many guys want that beatles shine in their hair. (Note - If you've got long hair it's a good idea to use conditioner to look after its long term health, for medium and short hair this is not as important due to the frequency of haircuts)
If you've been using the infamous 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner then please go throw it out. You can't shampoo and condition in one go, The product is literally having a laugh, at your expense.
Fine/Average hair
Shampoo properly every second day by applying a dollup of shampoo into your fingertips then rubbing into the roots for 1 minute before rinsing. Repeat this process once more.
The alternative is shampooing your hair daily but only use a tiny bit of shampoo. A smaller amount will leave the hair less oily but not remove so much oil that your hair is left flat and dull.
Thick Hair/Long hair
Try to shampoo your hair daily and condition the hair every 2-3 days.
For long hair apply conditioner to the tips of your hair for a couple of minutes before rinsing to help put some moisture back in the dead ends.
