Wash-Day Routine Checklist for Dry Hair

The routine at a glance

1. 1Detangle dry, ends first
2. 2Scalp-first wash, lukewarm
3. 3Condition mid-lengths to ends
4. 4Blot, never rub
5. 5Seal the ends while damp

The 5 steps

1. Detangle dry, gently. One small section at a time, from the ends up. Hair is delicate when it is wet, so use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to detangle wet hair.
2. Scalp-first wash, once. Lukewarm water, a coin of shampoo massaged into the scalp with fingertips for about a minute. Apply shampoo to your scalp, instead of the entire length of your hair, and let the rinse carry it through.
3. Condition mid-lengths to ends. If your hair is dry or curly, apply conditioner to the entire length of your hair. Leave it while you finish your shower, then rinse with cool water.
4. Blot, never rub. Press water out with a microfiber towel or soft cotton tee. Roughly rubbing your hair dry can cause damage.
5. Seal the ends while damp. A pea of leave-in or a drop of oil on the last few inches only. Air-dry or diffuse on low heat — high heat on dry hair is a once-in-a-while choice, not the routine.

Two mistakes that undo the routine

• Hot water every time — it feels good. Lukewarm wash, cool finish.
• Conditioning only the ends — if your hair is dry or curly, apply conditioner to the entire length of your hair.

Watch the wash-day routine

See scalp-first washing, cool rinse, and sealed ends done step by step — same 5 steps as above.

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Video by American Academy of Dermatology.