You have surely heard of the term “deep hair washing” and probably thought that it is something very complicated and unnecessary for you. If you have, you are wrong on both counts. This treatment is not complicated at all and can be applied at home. From time to time, we should all practice it. Why and who should use it the most, we shall reveal below.
To begin with, let’s clarify what deep hair washing is and what products are applied for this treatment.
What is Deep Hair Washing
Deep hair washing involves thoroughly removing all impurities that accumulate on the hair and scalp. Thanks to this treatment, the scalp and hair are cleaned of all particles that can clog pores and hair follicles (hindering hair growth), as well as dirt that can cause strands to stick together (making hair lose its volume). It removes all residues of silicones, oils, gels, sprays, dry shampoos, and other hair care and styling products. This treatment also removes environmental pollutants, and dead skin cells that accumulate on the scalp, including excess sebum and limescale deposits (mineral residues) from hard water.
This treatment is increasingly popular in hair salons due to its numerous beneficial effects on hair and scalp. It can also be practiced at home if you have the right products and enough time.
Specially formulated shampoos for deep hair washing are used for this treatment. They are not recommended for daily and frequent use as they can dry out the hair and scalp. They are considered more aggressive than regular shampoos because they contain surfactants (cleaners) in higher concentrations. Although not intended for hair care, they significantly enhance the effect of nourishing masks and conditioners by allowing their nutrient-rich active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the hair structure.
After applying these shampoos, protein masks and conditioners are used, which recover the moisture balance and give hair shine, softness, and bounce. After this treatment, hair looks healthy and more elastic. It appears thicker, gains extra volume while restoring its natural shine and texture because it is freed from all excess and accumulated products and impurities. This is an additional reason why anyone who wants healthy and shiny hair should practice deep hair washing at least once a month.
The Process of Deep Hair Washing
- The first step involves thoroughly detangling the hair to remove knotted strands and any larger impurities that may be found on the hair. This also removes fallen hairs.
- Next, the shampoo for deep hair washing is applied to the scalp and along the entire length of the hair. It is necessary to gently massage the shampoo into the scalp. Then leave it to act for at least 2-3 minutes to open the hair cuticles. This stimulates circulation and promotes the penetration of nutrients into the hair structure. Then, rinse the hair thoroughly with clean water. This step can be repeated if necessary.
- After shampooing, a moisturizing treatment follows to restore lost moisture to the hair. First, gently towel dry the hair to remove excess water. Then, apply a protein mask to the damp hair (only to the length and ends), which will nourish the hair and make it silky and soft. It is necessary to let the mask act (leave it on the hair for the number of minutes indicated on the label). Then, rinse the mask thoroughly.
- To facilitate detangling, as a final step, apply conditioner to the hair. It helps close the cuticles, thus keeping all the nutrients from the mask within the hair. It is important to ensure that both the conditioner and mask are applied to the ends of the hair, not the roots, and that the product is thoroughly rinsed out after a few minutes.
- Then, proceed with drying, blow-drying, and usual styling. The effect of deep hair washing is visible immediately after application. The hair will be soft, bouncy, shiny, and truly clean.
Recommended Shampoos
As awareness of the importance of using detox shampoos and the popularity of the treatment grows, so does the range of products available for deep hair washing on the market. Below, we highlight a few of our favourites among these shampoos.
OSMO Detoxify Scalp Therapy Shampoo for deep hair washing effectively removes accumulated residues of hair care and styling products without drying out the hair. It is suitable for all hair types. It contains plant oils (eucalyptus and jojoba oil), extracts of rosemary and tea tree. They effectively cleanse the scalp and hair, providing hydration. |
INSIGHT Intech deep hair washing shampoo promotes the opening of cuticles and is primarily intended for preparing hair for chemical treatments (perming or straightening). It is enriched with extracts of St. John’s wort and hawthorn, as well as phytokeratin, and contains 94% ingredients of natural origin. It does not contain so-called harmful sulfates (SLES and SLS) and is suitable for use on sensitive scalps and thin hair. |
NUTRISALON deep hair washing shampoo is primarily intended for use in hair straightening treatments and is used as the first step. It is enriched with extracts of acai berries, guarana, and Brazilian nuts, which make the hair soft, shiny, and smooth. Thanks to these ingredients, the hair remains hydrated after the treatment. |
Who Needs Deep Hair Washing
Those who frequently and extensively use hair styling products
Hair spray, foam, gel, cream, spray, and various other products for additional hair care and styling accumulate on the scalp over time and can remain on the hair strands. To effectively remove them, you need to perform a deep hair washing treatment from time to time.
People with greasy hair
If you have oily hair, a deep hair washing shampoo is ideal. This shampoo will thoroughly remove all impurities from the scalp that contribute to faster hair greasing. By applying a deep cleaning treatment, your hair will be fresh, full of volume, and shiny. However, be moderate and do not overuse it. Once a week is enough to thoroughly clean the scalp and hair. If you have sensitive skin, you can apply this treatment once or twice a month.
For hair care during the summer months
During summer, we are more active, sweat more (which further clogs pores), and our hair and scalp are more frequently exposed to harmful effects such as UV radiation and chlorinated pool water. All these factors further slow down hair recovery and growth. Thanks to the deep hair washing treatment, all impurities are removed, and grayish and greenish tones that appear on the hair after excessive exposure to chlorine can be neutralized.
Before hair colouring to achieve the desired shades
Deep hair washing is an excellent preparation for hair colouring. Shampoos for these treatments have a higher pH value, which means they open the hair cuticle better. This way, the hair will absorb the dye better during colouring. Its intensity will last longer because the dye binds directly to the strands. This treatment is especially recommended before colouring in blonde shades if you want to reduce the appearance of yellow tones.
Instead of conclusion
Do you still think the deep hair washing treatment is not for you?
If you haven’t tried these shampoos yet and are not sure if you really need them, schedule a deep hair washing treatment at a hair salon. Once you see the effectiveness of this treatment, we are sure you will want to practice it at home as well.
Be sure to share your impressions with us in the comments.