Double-Shampooing Might Be The Simple Solution To A Common Hair Problem

If your hair is almost always stubbornly flat, you probably have a toxic relationship with one or more of your haircare products. Flat hair typically occurs when your locks are weighed down by product buildup and dirt, causing them to lose volume and shine. Worse still, if the hair is routinely left in this state, it often retains an unhealthy look even after being washed.

For many, the go-to solution for flat hair is a good ol' spritz of hairspray or any other volumizing product, which obviously works if only for a relatively short period of time. The other issue is that these products leave behind residue, further weighing the hair down. Hairspray also contains ethanol which could be another sneaky culprit behind your thinning hair.

The first step to treating flat hair is understanding that you cannot fix it by simply adding more products since excessive buildup is likely what caused it in the first place. Instead, you need to rid your hair of excess weight, and the best way to do this is by double-shampooing.

Double shampooing, as the name suggests, involves washing hair twice before using other treatments. The first wash removes product buildup, while the second deep cleans and nourishes the strands. To get the best results from double shampooing, use a clarifying shampoo for your first wash. Clarifying shampoos are formulated with degreasing, mineral-removing, and Ph-balancing ingredients. These properties enable them to more effectively break down product buildup on the hair and scalp.

Clarifying shampoos are ideal for restoring volume to flat hair. If you cleanse your hair the right way, you'll be able to feel when it's oil-free and ready for another wash. But, naturally, you need to rinse out the shampoo thoroughly with warm water first. For the second round, you should consider the needs of your skin and scalp. Your scalp has more oil glands than your face, so if your skin is dry, there's a good chance that your scalp is too. In this case, use an anti-breakage or moisturizing shampoo.

However, if your skin and scalp produce enough or even too much oil, you could probably get away with using your clarifying shampoo a second time. Likewise, you could also use a volumizing shampoo for a fuller look. After your second wash, the next step is conditioning which is great for hair texture and volume. Leave your conditioner in for the appropriate time — or longer if it needs some extra TLC — and finally, you're ready for some aftercare.

It's important to keep in mind that double shampooing leaves your hair in a vulnerable state so your aftercare practices significantly affect your volume. Step one is avoiding heat while your hair dries, as it can erase your volume and weaken your hair. Instead, use a blow-dryer with cold air and blow your hair against its usual direction for more volume. You also need to ensure you're nourishing your hair with the right products, too.  

Skip the expensive haircare products that aren't worth the money and go for those that suit your hair and scalp needs. Remember that excessive residue causes flat hair, so it's vital you only use as much product as you need. If unsure, consult the instructions and research how much of the product is recommended for your hair type. Finally, double shampooing is tough on the hair and scalp, so it's not for daily use. 

It's simply too drying for people who wash their hair every day. Remember that your tresses need healthy oils to grow and flourish, and won't benefit from constant clarifying washes. Further, if you double-shampoo several times a month, don't use a clarifying shampoo each time. Your hair will benefit more from moisturizing and everyday shampoos that will keep your oil production levels balanced.