So, if you want to know how often you should be washing your hair, whether scalp massage actually works, and which haircare products actually deserve a spot on your shelf, I'm going to tell you all about that here on my hair washing tips and growth myths post.
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I was born with weirdly fine hair - I say weirdly because my entire family have thick heads of wavy hair - not a bit like mine at all. It was light years before I lost my 'baby hair' and honestly I was so fed up with my hair when I was younger that I took all sorts of drastic action which actually only made it worse. As I've matured though I've realised that working with your hair and nourishing it in the way it deserves makes all the difference.
Going back to basics, one huge tip to getting your hair in to top condition is to first understand what hair type you have. There are so many products out there to try and many are so good but one size doesn't fit all and it is super important to be 'feeding' your hair with the right ingredients for your particular hair type. So here is some guidance to get you to the right place:
How can I identify my hair type?
Identifying your hair type involves assessing several key characteristics, including texture, density, porosity, and scalp condition. Here is some help to do that:
Hair Texture - this is worked out on the pattern of curls in your hair:
This refers to the natural shape of your strands when air-dried without products. Hair texture typically falls into four categories:
- Straight (Type 1) – No natural curl or wave; hair lies flat.
- Wavy (Type 2) – Loose waves with an ‘S’ shape.
- Curly (Type 3) – Defined curls or ringlets.
- Coily/Kinky (Type 4) – Tight coils or zig-zag patterns.
Tip: Wash your hair and let it air dry naturally without brushing or applying products to see its true texture.
Hair Thickness - this is worked out on your strand diameter - yes it is that scientific!
This refers to the size of individual strands rather than overall hair volume.
- Fine – Thin strands that may feel silky and are easily weighed down.
- Medium – Strands that feel neither thin nor coarse.
- Thick/Coarse – Wider strands that are often stronger but can feel rougher.
Test: Take a single strand of hair and rub it between your fingers.
- If you barely feel it = Fine
- If you can feel it slightly = Medium
- If it feels thick and strong = Coarse
Hair Density
This refers to how much hair you have overall.
- Low Density (Thin Hair) – Scalp is easily visible.
- Medium Density – Scalp is somewhat visible when hair is parted.
- High Density (Thick Hair) – Scalp is barely visible.
Test: Part your hair in sections and observe how much scalp shows.
Hair Porosity (Ability to Absorb Moisture)
This determines how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture.
- Low Porosity – Cuticles are tightly closed; water sits on the surface.
- Medium Porosity – Hair absorbs moisture well and holds it efficiently.
- High Porosity – Cuticles are raised; hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast.
Test: Drop a clean strand of hair into a glass of water.
- If it floats = Low porosity
- If it sinks slowly = Medium porosity
- If it sinks quickly = High porosity
Scalp Type
Understanding your scalp condition really helps determine your hair’s needs.
- Oily Scalp – Hair feels greasy quickly after washing.
- Dry Scalp – Flaky or itchy with little oil production.
- Balanced Scalp – Neither too dry nor too oily.
The age-old question that everyone asks! Some say daily, some say once a week, and others swear by the “no-poo” method (I tried it... never again as this involves washing hair with no shampoo and things like baking powder instead - yuk not for me at all). The truth? How often you should wash your hair really depends on your hair type and lifestyle.
Fine or oily hair – Every other day to keep roots fresh without over-drying.
Thick or curly hair – Once or twice a week to retain natural moisture.
Dry or damaged hair – Twice a week max, paired with a deep conditioning treatment.
My hair type is quite thick, wavy and dry and I personally wash mine 2-3 times a week (because I go to the gym a lot) and swear by the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer because it gives my hair an intense moisture boost before shampooing. It’s a pre-shampoo treatment that leaves your hair silky, strong, and full of life. If your hair is feeling dry or brittle, trust me, this will change your life!
How should I wash my hair - the best hair washing method
Even if you’re using the best products, the way you wash your hair can make all the difference. Follow these golden rules and you will have lovely fresh hair every time:
Detangle first - Always give your hair a good comb through (always with a wide toothed comb) first. This detangles it which means it will not get matted when washing and it will also help loosen some of the dirt and grime that may have built up.
Soak hair thoroughly - Next I want you to make sure your entire head of hair is thoroughly wet through.
Cleanse once - Apply shampoo to your scalp only and really get your shampoo underneath your hair and massage it in to the scalp. A scalp massage is great for getting the blood flowing which will help stimulate cuticles and also massaging this way will make sure all the dirt and grime is released for a thorough clean.
My thick and often dry hair loves Philip Kingsley Moisture Balance Shampoo or the Aveda Nutriplenish Deep Moisturising Shampoo. Both of these truly give my hair a deep moisture treatment each time I wash. There is no need to shampoo the lower parts of your hair because when you rinse the shampoo bubbles will do that for you.
Double cleanse – Just like your skincare routine, the first shampoo removes build-up, and the second actually cleanses the scalp. Another shampoo that my hair loves is Kerastase Nutritive and I think you would like it too as it nourishes without weighing hair down.
Lukewarm water is your best friend – Super hot water strips natural oils, leaving your hair dry and frizzy so please always wash with luke warm water.
Rinse and rinse again - leaving shampoo residue in your hair will make it look dull and will also mean it's difficult to style - the times I have done this I know instantly because my hair feel horrible. So, rinse thoroughly until your hair squeaks and then rinse again.
How should I condition my hair - the best way to apply conditioner:
Condition only from mid-length to ends – Applying conditioner to your scalp = instant grease. Instead, focus on the ends, where your hair needs the most moisture.
Comb through in the shower while your conditioner is on - this is an easy hack to ensuring any tangles glide away without tugging.
Rinse and rinse again - leaving conditioner residue in your hair is just as bad as leaving shampoo build up and will make it look dull and will also mean it's difficult to style. Rinse and when you're sure you've rinsed enough, rinse again just to make sure!Use a weekly mask – I use a range of different hair masks on a weekly basis and here are some of my favourites to get you started: Aveda Botanical Repair Intensive Strengthening Mask and the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment for when my hair needs a really luxurious deep condition that improves the strength.
When my scalp feels in need of calming I opt for the Kerastase Spécifique Mask as it really balances my scalp and calms any irritation. I also love Percy and Reed I Need a Hero Overnight Treatment
The Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Mask is budget-friendly life saver and it works wonders for hydration. It’s lightweight enough not to weigh hair down, but still gives that deep-conditioning effect.
The Biggest Hair Growth Myths (And What Actually Works For Hair Growth!)
We all want longer, thicker, healthier hair – but let’s bust some common myths first!
🚫 Myth #1: Trimming your hair makes it grow faster
✖️ Nope! Hair grows from the scalp, not the ends. BUT regular trims do prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft, which helps maintain length.
🚫 Myth #2: Brushing your hair 100 times a day makes it healthier
✖️ Over-brushing can actually cause breakage! Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently remove knots.
🚫 Myth #3: You should skip conditioner if you have oily hair
✖️ Oiliness comes from the scalp, not the lengths of your hair. If anything, skipping conditioner can make your scalp overcompensate and produce more oil! Try a lightweight leave-in treatment like K18 Hair Mask to keep your hair healthy without weighing it down. This is a treatment that you use after washing and leave in and I love it, it leaves my hair feeling so silky and in tip top condition - give it a go. It will look pricey but you only need a very small amount each time you use it.
🚫 Myth #4: Expensive products are always better
✖️ While some high-end brands are worth the splurge, there are plenty of budget friendly gems out there. Garnier Hair Food Mask, for example, is super affordable but gives your hair all the hydration it needs.
🚫 Myth #5: Shampoo causes hair loss✖️ It may appear that you are losing hair when you are washing it but actually all that is happening is the dead hair is being removed by massaging your scalp. The longer you leave between washes the more dead hair will fall away. If you feel as if your hair needs to thicken up, try the Philip Kingsley Density Thickening Shampoo which both nourishes and promotes a thicker hair appearance.
🚫 Myth #6: Dandruff is caused by a dry scalp
✖️ Dandruff is actually more likely to be caused by an oily scalp and therefore washing every other day will help. Whatever the cause of your dandruff, a shampoo for sensitive skin and treating dandruff such as the Kerastase Symbioses Shampoo will help calm things.
🚫 Myth #7: Hair can self clean
✖️ Just like our skin, hair cannot self clean and needs to be gently cleansed to rid it of bacteria and grime. For an invigorating clean that leaves my hair feeling fresh and smells delicious I love Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
What should I use to get healthy, shiny hair?
Here are a few of my absolute go tos:
✔️ Philip Kingsley Elasticizer – I love this pre-shampoo treatment for hydration and strength.✔️ Aveda Nutriplenish Shampoo and Conditioner– Perfect when I'm looking for a light nourishing and highly effective regime for my hair✔️ Kerastase Bain Satin Shampoo – A nourishing shampoo that doesn’t weigh my hair down. ✔️ Olaplex No3 Hair Protector – When my hair feels damaged this is a non-negotiable. ✔️ K18 Leave in Molecular Hair Mask – An absolute miracle for my hair when it's been through too much heat styling or colouring. ✔️ Garnier Hair Food Mask – A budget-friendly, deeply hydrating treatment that’s perfect for weekly use.
I've learnt that taking care of my hair doesn’t have to be complicated! The key is to identify your hair type and find a routine that works for your hair type, stick to quality products, and not fall for every trend (trust me, I’ve learned the hard way). Whether you’re looking to grow your hair, improve its health, or just get the most out of your wash days, these tips and products will help you on your way. I hope you found these hair growth tips and hair health tips useful!
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