The *Right* Way to Wash Your Hair

Our approach at Sol de Janeiro is head-to-toe Brazilian beauty— major Body Joy — so whether you’re applying our iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Cream or shampooing your strands, smiles are a must. We love a good shower (Brazilian-style, of course!) but we know we’re not supposed to wash our hair daily to protect our color or strip much-needed natural oils.  

On those days in between washes (or when you’re crunched on time!), give your hair a quick spritz of our NEW Brazilian Joia™Dry Shampoo to get the feeling of freshly washed hair — without all the hard work. Simply massage into the roots to enjoy the lift, volume, and movement (p.s. in Brazil, we call this ginga, a popular Portuguese term) and even better, the scent of just-washed hair.  

A mix of Brazilian Kaolin Clay and Rice Starch pair brilliantly together to absorb excess oil, remove dirt and impurities, while Pro-Vitamin B5 gently nourishes the scalp and hair follicles. ICYMI: Over-washing your hair can rinse away beneficial oils that keep your hair healthy (and prevent color fade), making our dry shampoo is the perfect solution for those days in between. And yes, in case you're wondering, this is scented without our iconic Cheirosa ‘62 fragrance, so your hair will smell amazing. 

For the days you must wash, there are a few ways to make sure you get the best results every single time. We recommend our best-selling Brazilian Joia™ Strengthening + Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner duo. And of course, for those who crave extra moisture you can swap in our super-hydrating Triple Brazilian Butter™ Hair Repair Treatment in place of traditional conditioner.  

Find Your Frequency 

If you are in the habit of washing your hair daily, dry shampoo can help you lengthen time in between shampoos. Not only will it help prevent color fade (FYI, water is the biggest culprit), but also minimize that greasy feeling. Density and thickness play a significant role in how often you really need to wash your hair. While this choice is purely personal preference, thick, curly or tightly textured hair can wait up to five days before washing, while medium-to-fine hair typically is on a cadence of every other day. Plus, who doesn’t love an infusion a hint of cheirosa into their strands?  

Use the Right Amount 

When you do wash, how much shampoo you use is key! Skimping on shampoo won’t allow it to do its job: breaking down dirt, grime, and oil. On the flip side, using too much not only will cause you to have to add to cart more often, but can also strip your hair of needed natural oils. Find a balance by starting with a quarter-sized amount — and trying two washes instead of just one.  

Use Fingertips Not Nails 

We can’t emphasize this enough — scratching (aka scraping) your scalp during the washing process is the ultimate no-no. Irritation can lead to inflammation, or worse infection. Always use the pads of your fingers in circular motions to invigorate the scalp, and increase blood circulation during your shampoo sessions.  

Rinse Thoroughly  

We get it. Wash day can be a little time consuming but rushing through this important step can lead to build-up, damage, or even breakage. Always wash and rinse with cool, not hot, water to protect the scalp (p.s. remember it’s still skin), avoid raising the hair cuticle or make hair look dull. SDJ Tip: A cold water blast can help seal in shine and minimize excess frizz.  

Throw in A Treatment  

Soft, shiny, and hydrated hair is always a win in our book. Drier, damaged hair often need a bit more TLC after a wash (or two), so a nourishing mask like our Triple Brazilian Butter™ Hair Repair Treatment is a luxurious moisture boost. Incorporate two of our favorites #BrazilianBabeTips:  

Tip No:1: Reach for a shower cap for deep damage repair and shaft penetration for 20 minutes — or longer.  

Tip No 2: Planning a beach or pool day? Apply this mask as a deep conditioning treatment before you go. You’ll enjoy some fun in the sun and your hair will drink up much needed moisture.  

Don't forget, less is more when it comes to exposing your hair to water, so try to go in between washes for longer. Your hair will thank you in the long run.