Water temperature should be exactly this

The heat from a scalding shower lifts the hair cuticle, which can be bad for shine. “The hair loses moisture, becomes more porous and duller, and the color fades faster,” Narcy says. Hot water hurts the scalp, too, making it drier and more irritated. “Water that’s too hot also softens the hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss.” Your new rule of thumb here is disarmingly simple: “If the water feels pleasant on your wrist, without feeling hot, it’s the right temperature for your hair.”

Massage, don’t scrub

Use your fingertips in small circular motions, without ever scrubbing. “It’s meant to be an invigorating massage, not a scrub,” Narcy insists. It’s also a moment of pleasantness. When you enjoy it, washing your hair becomes a ritual rather than a chore.

The proper amount of cleansing

If you’ve ever read the back of a shampoo bottle, you know the instructions: Lather, rinse, repeat. And Narcy says that isn’t just to get you to use more product; the double shampoo is key to keeping hair clean—though use only a walnut-size amount each time. “When you use too much shampoo, residue can remain on the scalp, weighing it down, potentially irritating it, and making your hair look dirty faster. The result: You end up washing your hair more often, and you get caught in a vicious cycle.”