Most people only pay attention to which shampoo or conditioner they are using when washing their hair. However, trichologists and hair experts believe that hair fall, split ends and hair becoming dry after washing are not to the fault of the shampoo but to the wrong way of washing hair. When hair is wet, it is at its weakest. Rubbing shampoo directly on wet hair opens their cuticles, which robs the hair of its natural moisture (Natural Lipids). If you adopt a special 'Pre-Wash Technique' just 5 minutes before washing your hair, hair breakage during washing can be reduced by up to 80%. 1. First minute: Detangle dry hair with a wide-toothed comb (Dry Detangling) Never detangle the hair with a comb after wetting it. As soon as water falls, the elasticity of the hair becomes weak, due to which the hair starts breaking from the roots when combed. What to do: Before washing hair, take a wide-toothed wooden comb. Correct Method: Divide hair into two parts and start detangling from the lower ends first. After this, slowly move upwards towards the scalp. Benefit: There will be no knots in hair while shampooing and hair will not break during wash. 2. Second and third minutes: Apply a 'protective layer' (Pre-Poo Shield) on the ends. The surfactants present in the shampoo are meant to clean the dirt from the scalp, but when this foam flows down to the length and ends of the hair, it makes them completely dry. What to do: Just take 4-5 drops of coconut oil, jojoba oil or a little hair conditioner on your palm. Method: Apply it thoroughly only from the middle of the length of the hair to the tips. Do not apply it on the scalp (roots) at all. Benefit: This oil or conditioner acts like a waterproof shield, preventing the harsh chemicals of shampoo from stealing the hair's natural moisture. 3. Fourth minute: 1 minute dry fingertip massage on the scalp. It is very important to activate the scalp just before applying shampoo. What to do: Massage the scalp with light pressure with the fingertips of both your hands in circular motion for 60 seconds. (Do not use nails at all.) Benefit: This massage loosens the dead skin cells and the hard layer of sweat and sebum on the scalp. Also, due to increased blood circulation, the hair becomes stronger from the roots and the shampoo is able to clean very deeply. 4. Fifth minute: 'Thorough Rinse' for 60 seconds with lukewarm water. Never apply shampoo directly on dry or slightly wet hair. What to do: Run your entire head under a stream of normal or lukewarm water for at least 1 minute before applying a drop of shampoo. Benefit: When the hair absorbs 100% water, the pores of the scalp open and 50% of the dust gets removed only by the flow of water. After this you need very less amount of shampoo. While shampooing, keep these 3 golden rules in mind. Always dilute the shampoo: Never pour the shampoo directly on the head. Mix 2 teaspoons of water in a mug, make a lather and apply it only on the scalp. The foam flowing down is enough to wash the length of the hair. Avoid hot water: Never use extremely hot water to wash hair. Hot water weakens the hair roots and increases dandruff. Do not dry by rubbing: After washing your hair, instead of rubbing or shaking it with a towel, wrap it gently in a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel.