You know those moments when something so simple clicks in your brain and suddenly changes your life? Well, I just had one of those — in the shower, of all places.

I was today years old when I realised I’ve been washing my hair wrong.

Yes, I’ve been doing this basic life task for decades and only now discovered that there’s a right way to do it and a lot of us have been doing it wrong all along. So, let’s break it down. If your hair ever feels greasy right after washing, if it’s flat, frizzy, or if your scalp is itchy, keep reading. This one’s for you.

The Common Mistakes We’re All Guilty Of

Let’s start with what most of us do and what’s not quite right about it.

1. Jumping in and slapping on shampoo

For years, my hair-washing routine started the second I stepped into the shower: quick rinse, giant blob of shampoo, and a vigorous scrub like I was cleaning a dirty plate. I thought the more foam, the better. But all I was doing was irritating my scalp and damaging my hair. Shampoo works best on a properly soaked scalp, and you need time to let the water do its job first

2. Using Way Too Much Product

I used to think a huge handful of shampoo meant a deeper clean, more lather, more results, right? Wrong. All I was doing was overloading my hair with product, which didn’t clean better, just rinsed down the drain (along with my money). Too much shampoo can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. A coin-sized amount is usually enough. It’s not about quantity, it’s about technique and scalp focus.

3. Focusing on the Ends

I used to lather shampoo from root to tip, thinking every strand needed a deep clean. But here’s the truth: the scalp is where the oil and buildup collect, not the ends. Shampooing the full length of your hair can dry it out and cause breakage. The ends are delicate and don’t need harsh cleansing. Just focus on massaging the scalp; the suds that rinse down are enough to clean the rest without stripping moisture.

4. Rinsing Too Quickly

I used to rinse out my shampoo in a hurry, assuming a quick splash was enough. But rushing this step left product residue clinging to my scalp and strands, leading to buildup, dullness, and that frustrating greasy feeling, even after a fresh wash. Proper rinsing is key to clean, healthy hair. Take your time and rinse thoroughly, especially at the roots, until the water runs completely clear. It’s a simple fix that makes a huge difference.

5. Conditioning the Scalp

For the longest time, I treated conditioner like shampoo, slathering it from roots to ends, thinking I was giving my hair maximum moisture. Instead, I was weighing down my roots and causing my scalp to get oily faster. Conditioner is meant for the mid-lengths and ends, where your hair is drier and more prone to damage. Your scalp produces natural oils, it doesn’t need extra help. Keep conditioner off the roots for lighter, bouncier hair.

Changed Everything

• Double shampooing: If your hair gets oily quickly or you use a lot of product, try shampooing twice. The first pass breaks up oil, and the second one cleans.
• Cold water rinse: Finishing with a cold rinse seals the cuticle and boosts shine.
• Scalp scrubs or clarifying shampoos: Use these once a week if you’re dealing with buildup.

Final Thoughts

It sounds so basic, but trust me, small changes in how you wash your hair can completely change how it looks and feels. My hair is now softer, bouncier, and stays cleaner longer, all because I learned to treat my scalp like the star of the show.So if you’ve ever left the shower wondering why your hair still feels meh, it might not be the products; it might be the technique. Go on, give your hair the love it deserves. You’ll never wash it the same way again. 💁‍♀️