2 Hair-Washing Mistakes That Can Make Thinning Hair Look Worse, Trichologist Says

Chrissy Callahan

Wed, September 23, 2026 at 2:23 AM UTC

If you've ever watched a seasoned hairstylist as they expertly cleanse and condition a client's hair, you've likely been impressed. The pros always handle knots and tangled strands with ease, and they somehow manage to find the perfect water temperature while exhibiting their expert technique.

Washing your own hair at home is typically more of a chore than a treat, and we tend to mindlessly go through the motions when we're in a bit of a rush. Inevitably, we sometimes make a few mishaps along the way. But if your hair isn't as thick as it once was, there are two major hair-washing mistakes that can make thinning hair look worse.

Kerry Yates , a trichologist and the founder of Colour Collective, recently spoke to Parade on how to wash thinning hair correctly—and here, she reveals some common shampooing mistakes for fine hair that we have to share.

Whether you're wondering how to add volume to thinning hair or you're in the market for some trichologist tips for thinning hair, we're summarizing everything you'll ever need to know about avoiding scalp buildup and treating your hair with the utmost care.

Related: Why Your Hair Might Be Thinning on a GLP-1 Drug—and What To Do About It

Why Does the Way You Wash Your Hair Affect Thinning and Scalp Health?

We've all been washing our own hair for decades, but you may be surprised to hear that most people don't wash their hair correctly.

"Washing incorrectly can negatively impact the look of thin/fine hair," Yates says.

For instance, neglecting to fully rinse shampoo or conditioner from your hair can have potential side effects.

"It can leave product residue that causes thin/fine hair to appear heavy and flat, and by the next day can make the hair look oily and even thinner," Yates tells Parade . "Leftover product on the scalp can also build up over time and negatively impact follicle fitness."

The temperature of the water you use in the shower and the placement of hair products can also affect scalp health (but more on that below).

Hair-Washing Mistake No. 1 That Makes Thinning Look Worse: Using Water That Is Too Hot

On a cold winter day, it's tempting to turn the water up super high and warm yourself up. But washing your hair in scalding hot water isn't ideal.

"Washing with water that's too hot can cause the scalp to become red and inflamed, as heat dilates blood vessels near the skin's surface," Yates explains. "On thin/fine hair, that redness is more visible, particularly along wide part lines and for those with blonde or light hair, where there's less hair coverage to mask the scalp."

When you wash your hair in extreme hot water, it can also usher in a range of other issues, including increased oiliness or dryness, flakes, tightness and scalp sensitivity.

"Hot water can strip natural oils and irritate the scalp barrier, compounding inflammation. Rinsing with lukewarm or cool water, especially on the final rinse, helps calm the scalp and keep it looking and staying healthier," Yates tells Parade .

Hair-Washing Mistake No. 2 That Makes Thinning Look Worse: Applying Heavy Conditioner Directly to the Scalp

Shampoo and conditioner go hand in hand as part of a solid hair-washing routine, but they shouldn't be used in the same way. For instance, shampoo is safe to use all over your head, but you should avoid heavy conditioner on your scalp.

"Use conditioner on your mid-lengths and ends only," Yates instructs. "You do not need to condition your scalp if you use the right shampoo. Many conditioners will contain various emollients or even heavy or synthetic oil, which can weigh the hair down. This will be especially obvious for anyone with thin, fine hair."

Heavy ingredients can also lead to clogged follicles, which Yates says "leads to inflammation and can exacerbate hair loss ."

How To Wash Thinning Hair Correctly To Restore Volume, According to a Trichologist

The best hair-washing technique works equally well for all hair types, according to Yates. Here are a few tips to perfect it on your own.

Don't forget the hairline:"Most people will focus on the crown area and forget about the hairline, which will look oily compared to other sections of the hair since the hairline is usually finer in texture," Yates says.
Dilute your shampoo:"Mix your chosen shampoo with a little bit of water in your hand, emulsify then apply to the scalp," she explains.
Don't forget the massage:"Massage the scalp using your fingertips and work from back to front and vice versa," she tells Parade . "Most people will apply shampoo directly to the scalp, and they will usually start at the crown, which can prevent even product distribution."
Give hair a generous rinse:"After massaging, be sure to rinse one minute longer than average. You want to cleanse the product from your scalp thoroughly. Failure to fully rinse away product can lead to buildup and can exacerbate the look/feel of flat hair for anyone with fine hair," Yates says.

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Source:

Kerry Yates is a trichologist and the founder of Colour Collective.

This story was originally published by Parade on Sep 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Beauty section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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