Hair: a gentle everyday routine

Soft, shiny, easy-to-style hair is usually less about miracle products and more about regular habits. Water that is too hot, rubbing, scorching blow-dries, tight hair ties… what we do every day matters as much as what we put on our hair.

In this article I share a gentle hair routine, step by step, that suits every hair type. It is simple and quick, and you can adapt it to the length and texture of your hair. No need to change everything at once: start with one or two steps, then add the others.

How often should you wash your hair?

There is no single rule. The right frequency depends on your hair type, your activity and how your hair feels.

Hair that gets greasy quickly: washing often is fine as long as the shampoo is gentle.
Normal hair: two or three washes a week is often enough.
Dry, thick or curly hair: wash less often and lean on conditioner and oil.

The key is using a shampoo designed for regular use. A harsh product leaves hair rough and makes you want to compensate with more products. A gentle shampoo, on the other hand, lets you wash as often as you need without discomfort.

Between washes, dry shampoo can help out, but do not overdo it: it builds up on the scalp. After exercise, a simple rinse with lukewarm water is sometimes enough.

Step 1: a gentle shampoo, applied the right way

Shampoo is mainly there to cleanse the scalp, where sebum and styling residue build up. The lengths get cleaned mostly when you rinse and the lather runs through them.

Wet your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water, never very hot.
Take a small amount of shampoo and work it into a lather between your hands.
Spread it over your scalp and massage with your fingertips, not your nails, in small circles.
Leave it for a moment, then rinse well.

For daily use I recommend a shampoo with no added sulphates. Forever's Aloe-Jojoba Shampoo contains 39.7% aloe vera gel, jojoba, argan and rosehip oils, and vitamin B5. It has been dermatologically tested (Dermatest 2020) and suits the whole family from age 3.

Step 2: conditioner, the step we skip too often

Many people skip it to save time. Yet this is the step that makes the real difference to softness and detangling.

Gently squeeze the water out of your hair: conditioner clings better to hair that is no longer dripping.
Apply a small amount to the lengths and ends, avoiding the roots if your hair gets greasy quickly.
Smooth it through section by section, then comb with a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends and working up.
Leave for 2 to 5 minutes depending on your hair, then rinse thoroughly.

A final rinse with slightly cooler water feels lovely. The Aloe-Jojoba Conditioner contains 40.7% aloe vera gel and three oils. It softens, detangles and adds shine without weighing hair down.

Step 3: dry your hair gently

Wet hair is more fragile. This is when we do the most damage without realising.

Pat with a soft or microfibre towel instead of rubbing.
Detangle before drying, with a wide-tooth comb, never pulling.
Air-dry when you can, or use a hairdryer on a moderate setting, held about fifteen centimetres away.
Straighteners and curling tongs: use them less often and at a lower temperature.

When blow-drying, point the airflow from roots to ends: hair stays smoother and shinier. Finish with a few seconds of cool air to set your style.

If your hair is damaged or very dry, I like to mist a little Aloe First onto towel-dried hair before drying. This light spray with 80.3% aloe vera gel can be used on the face, body and hair.

Dry ends: what can you do?

The ends are the oldest part of the hair. They have been through blow-dries, sunshine and rubbing against clothes, so it is normal for them to be drier than the roots.

To keep them supple and shiny:

apply a few drops of oil to the lengths and ends, on dry or damp hair;
warm the oil between your palms first so it spreads more evenly;
start with very little: you can always add more.

Let's be honest: a split end cannot be glued back together. Only a trim removes it. A small trim every two to three months keeps ends neat.

The Nourishing Hair Oil is a silicone-free dry oil made with aloe vera and six plant oils. It nourishes the hair fibre, tames frizz and adds shine and softness with no greasy feel. It also works on beards.

Small habits that make a big difference

Tie your hair loosely, using fabric scrunchies rather than thin elastics.
Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase: it reduces friction and morning tangles.
Cover your hair with a lined hat in winter and a sun hat in summer.
Protect your lengths from rubbing against scarves and collars in winter, with a loose plait or a low bun.
Rinse with clean water after swimming in a pool or the sea.
Brush gently and clean your brushes and combs regularly.
Eat a varied diet and drink enough water: your hair benefits from a healthy lifestyle too.

And if your scalp is genuinely bothering you, or you notice an unusual change in your hair, ask a doctor or dermatologist for advice.