In this era of infinite beauty trends, a Japanese hair care practice is gaining international interest for its concept of how to wash the hair as opposed to using fancy products. What makes the method unique is not so much about how much product is being used or how many different types of serums and treatments are involved; rather, it's about giving attention to your own hair care routine by performing a mindful cleansing routine while also taking care of your scalp's health. Washing the hair this way resembles more of a nurturing ritual than a chore.
What makes this method different
At its core, the Japanese hair washing method is less about the products you use and more about how you wash.
- Begin with an initial rinse: Before you begin your shampoo routine, the hair should first be rinsed thoroughly with lukewarm water for 1-2 minutes. During the rinse, the scalp is prepped for gentle cleansing by loosening up any dirt, sweat and excess oils that may have built up on it.
- Lather in your hands first: Once the initial rinse has been performed, the person should lather a small amount of shampoo into their palms before applying it directly onto the scalp, rather than squeezing it directly onto the hair.
- Gentle scalp massage: Using your finger pads (not nails), you massage in slow, small circles. This boosts blood circulation and helps clean without scratching or damaging the scalp.
- Clean the lengths with foam: Rather than scrubbing the hair strands, foam that flows down during rinsing cleans the lengths. This reduces dryness and breakage.
This approach shifts the focus from getting squeaky-clean hair to nurturing a healthy scalp, and many people say that’s the secret to long-term hair strength and shine.
Why it’s resonating with people
The method has struck a chord online for several reasons:
- Simple to use, easy to find products: Although some people may believe that using high-end products like fancy shampoos and masks is the best way to get results, this method can work with almost any product you currently own.
- Reduced damage and increased benefits: When applying this technique, you will be using no aggressive scratching or heavy layering of hair products, which allows your hair to retain much of its natural oil. This, in turn, helps to reduce both the amount of frizz and split-end occurrences.
- Self-care: Because the method has a very ritualistic feel to it (slowly washing out of the hair and massaging the scalp), it creates a very calming experience when performed correctly.
People using this technique often report improved health issues, such as dry, itchy scalp, product build-up, and less frequent washing of the hair. A clean and healthy living scalp will stay cleaner for a longer time.
Who should try it (and who should be cautious)
This technique is suitable for most hair types, especially if you have a sensitive scalp, dry or damaged hair, or frequent hair breakage.
However, anyone with a medical scalp condition like severe dandruff, psoriasis or fungal infections should follow a dermatologist’s recommendations alongside any new washing ritual. This method complements good scalp health but isn’t a replacement for professional treatment.
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