A top stylist has said we've all been washing our hair wrong - thanks to a common mistake with our shampoo.
There are a number of tricks and tips making the rounds which claim to ensure your locks are looking their best, from shampooing twice to conditioning first.
But apparently, there's a correct way to wash your hair.
Kieran Tudor, creative director for Centred and principal stylist at Josh Wood, has explained the whole process and it's much simpler than you might think.
He's debunked the best techniques and the most common pitfalls to make sure you don't make common mistakes which could have a negative impact on your tresses, reports the Mirror.
Ditch SLS
The stylist does say "everyone’s hair is completely different and there really is no universal rule of thumb" but there are some things we should all be trying.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphates (SLS), a common and widely used ingredient in shampoo, should be avoided.
He explains: "Using the wrong shampoo can do more harm, than good.
"I always advise clients to avoid products containing Sodium Lauryl Sulphates (SLS) as these detergents can easily strip the hair of its natural oils leaving it dry and brittle over time, as well as stripping the colour out of the hair, making it fade twice as fast."
Pay attention to your scalp
But that's not all. You should be shampooing in a certain way too to really cleanse your scalp.
Kieran adds: "The scalp should be your focus when shampooing your hair! It is an extension of our skin so needs to be effectively cleansed and nourished for healthy hair to grow.
"Massaging your shampoo into your scalp for two minutes will not only deeply cleanse, but gently exfoliate and stimulate blood flow, both crucial for boosting hair rejuvenation and growth.
"You should generate enough lather to effectively cleanse your entire hair with your scalp massage."
Co-wash
While we can get to grips with chemical-free shampoo and scalp stimulation, we'd never considered washing your hair without shampoo - but apparently shampoo isn't always necessary.
The stylist revealed: "You don't always need to use shampoo, you can instead opt for a 'co-wash'. Simply rinse your hair with water, then apply a moisture-rich conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends before rinsing thoroughly.
"This is particularly helpful for those who exercise often or have dry/coarse hair. A co-wash allows you to rinse away any sweat or grime build up, without affecting the balance of the scalp, whilst strengthening, softening and moisturising the ends."
