Getting your hair washed at a salon is a relaxing and enjoyable experience if done correctly. There are several techniques that help hairdressers to improve their hair washing skills. Here are eight salon hair washing tips your clients will love.
Appropriate Water Temperature
The first essential tip for salon hair washing that clients will love is appropriate water temperature. This tip may seem trivial, but many people actually use improper temperatures when washing clients’ hair. It’s best to avoid using water that is too hot because that can damage the strands of hair and potentially burn clients if the temperature is too extreme. It’s also best to avoid using water that is too cold because that can be uncomfortable for clients. Warm water is the appropriate temperature for hair washing, as it allows the cuticles to open, which helps for removing oil, dirt, and product buildup.
Order of Steps
The order of steps is another helpful tip for salon hair washing. A proper hair washing routine requires that you follow specific steps in a particular order. If you go in the incorrect order, you will not achieve your desired results, and you may have to start over. Therefore, you should always follow correct product instructions and go in the suggested order when washing a client’s hair. As a rule of thumb, the best order for a hair washing routine is to pre-rinse the hair, apply shampoo, rinse the shampoo, apply the conditioner, rinse the condition, and then dry the hair. If you are using a hair mask, it is typically best to use it after the shampoo and before the conditioner.
Pre-Rinse Technique
The proper pre-rinse technique is the next helpful tip for hairdressers when washing clients’ hair. Before you can apply any products like shampoo, conditioner, and hair masks, you must first rinse the hair with water. As mentioned previously, an appropriate water temperature is critical when washing hair. Therefore, you should make sure your water is not too hot or cold but closer to a medium-warmth. Then once you have the correct water temperature, you should rinse your client’s hair thoroughly with the water. Make sure you are getting all sections of hair, including the roots, scalp, ends, and underneath.
Shampoo Application
The next tip to follow for salon hair washing is shampoo application. You want to avoid using too much product as it will cause buildup and can potentially be difficult to rinse. In general, about two dime-sized pumps of shampoo should be more than enough to wash any client’s hair. Take your time working the shampoo into the hair, using gentle motions. You want to focus on the areas of the client’s hair that get the oiliest. Typically, the areas of the hair that experience the most oil are the roots and underneath the hair, so pay extra attention to these places when washing.
Conditioner Application
Conditioner application is the following tip for hairdressers to follow when washing hair. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly think that you should apply shampoo and conditioner in the same way. However, this is not true. You typically apply shampoo to every area of the scalp and hair, while this is not the case with conditioner. If you apply conditioner to the scalp, it can become oily and cause an unnecessary buildup of product. Instead, you should only apply conditioner to the ends of the hair. If you’re washing a client’s hair who experiences split ends, you can use the split ends as a reference point for how high up the strand you should apply the conditioner. Once you apply the product, you should leave it to sit in the hair for about two to three minutes; there’s no need to leave the conditioner sitting for too long. Once you have let it sit for two to three minutes, you should rinse it.
Scrubbing Technique
Utilizing a proper scrubbing technique is another helpful tip for salon hairdressers. An appropriate scrubbing technique is essential to ensure you thoroughly wash a client’s hair. Many people unknowingly use methods that can cause damage to the hair and its cuticles. If you scrub too intensely, not only with you cause discomfort to the client, but you can also inadvertently tangle, damage, and break the hair. Instead, you should scrub gently with the tips of your fingertips. Also, avoid using a circular motion when scrubbing; you should scrub from side to side instead.
Hair Masking
Hair masking is the seventh tip that hairdressers should utilize when washing hair. Hair masks are amazing for improving the overall health of a client’s hair. There are several different types of hair masks that you can use. For example, there are special hair masks for moisturizing, color-treated hair, repairing, and boosting growth. Make sure to use the hair mask that best suits each individual client. The appropriate time to apply the hair mask is after rinsing out the shampoo and before applying any conditioner. Most hair masks will suggest that you leave them on for 5 to 20 minutes. Make sure to follow the instructions closely.
Post-Rinse Technique
The final tip for hairdressing when washing hair is a proper post-rinse technique. Once you finish the washing process and no longer have products to apply, it is time to rinse the hair for a final time. Again, water temperature is key. You want to make sure you are using warm water that is not too hot or cold. Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends of the hair. If you have a spray nozzle, use it at a safe distance from the client’s head to remove any remaining product from their hair. Run your hands gently through the hair to help release any soap or product that is clinging to the strands. Rinse a few times to ensure that you are washing out all of the shampoo and conditioner. Once you are certain that the hair is clean and free of any remaining product, you can prepare to dry the hair.
Now that you have eight tips for washing clients’ hair in salons, you can provide the best possible hair washing experience for your salon clients. Salon Equipment Center has a wide selection of salon shampoo stations that will make washing hair more efficient.
