Shampooing Nappy Hair

28th
May 2011

This is a step by step guide to shampooing nappy, napptural, or natural hair of African descent at home. Many people of all ethnic groups wonder how often you should wash hair that is of African descent. The answer is, you can wash it everyday if you like. It is NOT true that nappy hair can only be washed once a week! EVERYONE’s hair and scalp should be the kept clean.

For comfort and tidiness, it is wise to wash your hair in the shower.

1. Simply stand under the water and rinse your hair thoroughly. Depending on the amount and type of product you use on your hair, this may take a while.
2. Squeeze about a quarter-sized of shampoo into your hand. Run hands under the water and lather.
3. Apply to your scalp, not your hair. Use this time to stimulate your scalp by massaging with the pads of your fingers, not with your nails. Wash hair in sections to decrease tangles.
4. Rinse well.
5. Repeat Steps 2 through 4.

Shampooing Tips: When you do your final rinse, use COOL water to smooth the cuticle, thus encouraging shine. Your shampoo may not lather on the first wash because your hair is still dirty. When you towel dry your hair, the towel absorbs moisture from your hair. Allowing your soaked hair to air dry often helps it retain moisture. Applying your styling products on drenched hair while still in the shower help you to style your nappy hair.