I’m a hair expert and you’ve been washing your hair wrong – there’s one step you should never skip before showering

WANT long, luscious hair but not sure where you’re going wrong?

Well, it could be due to the way you wash it and the vital aspects steps you’re missing out beforehand, according to a hair expert.

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President of the Philip Kingsley brand and Trichologist, Anabel Kingsley took to TikTok to share some important tips.

Your first trick may seem simple, but forgetting to do it can cause more damage in the future.

Therefore, always remember to untangle your hair before washing it.

Anabel suggested doing this with a wide-toothed comb, or even a regular hairbrush, and brushing gently from the ends upwards.

Nextmake sure your hair is thoroughly soaked before applying any product.

“The wetter your hair is, the less product you will have to use,” explained the professional.

Once your hair is soaked, the key to applying shampoo like a pro is to lather it into your hands before gently rubbing it across the top of your head and through your strands.

Anabel notes that she takes it a step further and applies a second application of shampoo before massaging the scalp underneath the hair.

“You want to get your fingers under the hair so they are properly touching the scalp,” she said.

Don’t forget the sides of your head, hairline, and back of your neck during this process.

You should never rub your hair or pile it on your head while washing, as the true purpose of washing is simply to clean your scalp, she explained.

Instead, squeeze the entire length of your hair “until the water runs clear.”

The next step to having perfect hair is to apply conditioner and work it into your strands using your fingers as a comb.

Once all the big tangles are out, use a wide-toothed comb in the shower to get your hair as straight as possible, the hair guru explained.

Also don’t leave the conditioner any higher than medium length, she added.

“The goal is to remove all tangles when you get out of the shower so your hair feels silky before you towel dry it,” said Anabel.

A microfiber towel is preferable, but whatever type you use, never rub and instead “squeeze gently.”

Other hair fans loved the simple tricks and tips and couldn’t wait to try them on their next hair wash day.

One of them said: “I only learned that when I was forty!”

And a second wrote: “I think she’s beautiful and would kill for her hair, definitely taking your advice.”

“Great tips, thanks for sharing,” commented another.

The 4 phases of the hair growth cycle

Hair experts at Philip Kingsley have shared the four stages of the hair growth cycle: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen and Exogen.

Anagen Phase: Also known as the ‘Growth Phase’ or ‘Active Phase’, this is when the hair root cells divide more quickly, forming more new hair.

During the anagen phase, hair grows about half an inch per month [about six inches a year]and faster in summer than in winter.

This phase of the hair growth cycle lasts an average of three to five years.

Catagen Phase: After the Anagen Phase, your hair cycle enters a short transition phase known as the Catagen Phase, which signals the end of active hair growth and cuts off individual strands from the blood supply and cells that produce new hair.

Approximately three percent of all hair is in this stage at any given time and it lasts for about 10 days.

Telogen Phase: The third stage of the natural hair growth cycle is the Telogen Phase, a resting period in which strands remain in the follicles but are not actively growing.

An estimated 10 to 15 percent of your hair is in the telogen phase at any given time.

The Telogen Phase lasts about three months or 100 days.

Exogenous Phase: The final phase of the Hair Growth Cycle, when individual hairs are released from the follicles and fall out.

Now the whole process starts again.