Dumb question - washing scalp only?
Printed From: HairBoutique.com
Category: Long Hair Happenings
Forum Name: Long Hair Support
Forum Description: Growing it long takes commitment and support.
URL: https://talk.hairboutique.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1108
Printed Date: October 29 2025 at 2:15pm
Topic: Dumb question - washing scalp only?
Posted By: Mab57
Subject: Dumb question - washing scalp only?
Date Posted: October 26 2004 at 9:23am
|
I have been learning so much reading different threads but I have to ask - just how to you go about washing only your scalp? Does this just mean not lathering all over your hair or getting the length of your hair out of the way while shampoo is on your head? I try not to do anything but let the shampoo rinse through my hair after I wash the scalp. Thanks. I am really committed to getting my hair back in shape. Maybe I'll post a pic after it's all better. MAb |
Replies:
Posted By: catt_grrl
Date Posted: October 26 2004 at 3:32pm
|
Hi, Mab! Welcome to Long Hair Support. I recently posted my method for scalp washing at another site, so I'll copy & paste it here: I scalp wash several times a week, usually in the mornings during my shower, so my hair is already in a braid from the night before, which I tie in several knots (to condense my length as much as possible), and put on a shower cap. When I'm done showering, I get the shampoo bottle handy & open, slide the front of the cap back, twist the slack to one side of my nape, then wrap this twisted part around the base of my braid--I then hold the base rather tightly with one hand, pointing it up and away from the nape. I never rely on a scrunchie to secure it, but hold it the entire time with my hand. I wet my hair while facing the shower head, standing somewhat away from the downpour and bending my head down and turning it as necessary. With the other hand, I squirt some shampoo onto my chest or knee (handy spots), then scoop it up & scrunch it in my palm a few seconds with some water to make a bit of lather. I then scrub my scalp with one hand, tilting my head as necessary to create some slack in the hair so I can reach through to my scalp. I rinse in the same manner as when wetting, first with warmish, then cool water. I press water out first with my hand then blot with a towel. It does create a little bit of fuzziness around my head, but I don't usually have severe tangling--and I'm very gentle when detangling with a seamless widetooth comb. I'll let it remain loose while I have coffee, etc, then put it up in a bun or braid while still quite damp. Scalpwashing does take a bit of getting used to, I admit, but it saves me a lot of time and keeps me from beating up my ends, which is essential in maintaining this length. HTH  Denise ------------- |
Posted By: korsakovhatt3
Date Posted: October 26 2004 at 5:12pm
|
Hi Mab. I'm glad you posted this question. I gave you some advice yesterday and afterwards, I thought "I should have told her to try washing only her scalp." I think that not lathering all of your hair will help to cut down on those post-shampoo tangles. I don't do anything complicated when I wash my hair. I just leave it down. Lather a bit of shampoo in my hands and apply it to my scalp. I then just massage it very gently. (No need for vigorous scrubbing -- this leads to tangles.) Then I just rinse. The run-off cleans the length of my hair. I don't know if you shampoo in a sink or in the shower. I think the shower is better. Flipping your hair upside down to wash it yourself in the sink can lead to tangles too. You could also try conditioning before you shampoo. Get in the shower, wet your hair, apply conditioner and comb it very gently (starting at the ends) with a wide-tooth comb. Then shampoo your scalp and follow this with more conditioner. Good luck! ------------- My user name is WAY too long. Just call me Juliana. :-) |
Posted By: DaveDecker
Date Posted: October 31 2004 at 12:27pm
|
Hi Mab, I admire people like Denise who have mastered the "scalp only" washing technique because I have not yet discovered a way to get satisfactory results. As Juliana (korsakovhatt3) clarifies (ha ha) your question, when I wash my hair I only apply just enough shampoo to the scalp (and massage until it lathers), and then I let the suds rinse through the length. And then repeat.  By using "just enough" to lather, I get all the cleaning action I need, but not so much that it strips the hair of all its oils.------------- |