We’re becoming increasingly aware that getting gorgeous hair takes more than just hydrating treatments or a professional blow-dry. There’s one daily habit that matters even more: the way we wash our hair.
This simple ritual doesn’t just cleanse and care for your locks — it also looks after your scalp, where every single strand begins and gets the nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy.
And it’s precisely during this lifelong habit where we could be making common mistakes that stop us from getting the most out of our hair.
That’s why we asked an expert — Valentina Vetrugno, artistic director of Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid — how we can make the most of our hair-washing process.
The common shampoo mistake stealing body from your hair
“The most common mistake is applying too much product and only distributing it over the length of the hair,” explains Vetrugno.
“Shampoo is primarily designed to cleanse the scalp,” she points out, “so it’s important to concentrate application specifically in that area. Then, let the lather gently clean the rest of the hair as you rinse.”
So the next time you wash your hair, focus on making sure the shampoo is well-distributed across the entire surface of the scalp — don’t just massage it through the hair strands.
Massaging the shampoo into the scalp helps hair growth and aids in removing excess oil and dirt. It also activates microcirculation in your scalp – the key to achieving gorgeous, shiny hair
“Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp,” says Valentina. “It’s the foundation from which hair grows, and if it’s balanced and well cared for, it helps prevent problems such as excess oil, dryness or sensitivity. Paying attention to the scalp is essential for keeping hair strong, shiny and healthy.”
It’s also very important to choose shampoos and other hair products that are specifically suited to your hair type and the condition of your scalp – just as you would carefully select skin care products for your face. Like your skin, your hair can experience changes depending on a number of factors, from your hair care routine to the season.
© Getty ImagesThe expert ‘5-point’ technique to correctly wash your hair
To help us distribute shampoo evenly across the whole scalp, and also use less product, Vetrugno explains her “5-point” technique. “It involves applying small amounts of shampoo to five key areas of the head: the front, each side, the crown and the nape of the neck.
You then lather it with a little water a little water and gently massage so the product reaches the entire scalp evenly, which “guarantees an even distribution”.
Just as important as applying your shampoo to those five areas is massaging it in properly. But what should that step look like?
“The massage should be done with the fingertips, never the nails, using gentle but firm circular movements. That stimulates microcirculation and helps remove impurities. It promotes scalp health, turning your wash into a true moment of wellbeing,” she says.
© Getty ImagesScalp care 101: How serums and scrubs boost hair health
If you follow this method, you’ll notice your hair feels looser after washing and stronger over time. There are also other forms of hair care that can boost your scalp’s health:
- At home, once a week, exfoliate your scalp — just as you would exfoliate your face or body.
- The expert also recommends applying a scalp serum to help strengthen hair and prevent hair loss, especially during seasonal transitions, such as spring and autumn.
- Once a month, or every month and a half, you can have a deeper cleanse done at your salon. There are now innovative technologies such as Aqua Peel — a kind of Hydrafacial for the scalp — which you can get at reputable spas and clinics, like the Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa.
These steps and deep treatments will help lead to shinier, stronger and healthier hair.
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