Does a Chinese hair washing technique exist? Yes. And although this may seem strange and many of us think that all you need to do is apply shampoo, rinse, apply conditioner and rinse again— the way we clean our scalp can also make a difference in the appearance of our hair.
That said, the relationship between Chinese culture and hair is particularly interesting. For centuries, hair was considered sacred and a kind of family heirloom, so damaging it could be interpreted as an insult to one’s ancestors. Furthermore, hair is associated with good fortune, which is why during the Chinese New Year, there’s a tradition of not washing it to avoid “washing it away.” Given this context, it’s no surprise that some of their haircare practices have piqued our curiosity.
Among them is one that stands out in particular: the Chinese head spa, a technique practiced in Chinese beauty salons that makes us rethink the steps we all take for granted when washing our hair. This method combines acupressure massages, herbal infusions and a steam bath or waterfall to promote circulation and relaxation, while focusing on cleansing and moisturising the hair and scalp.
The result? A hair-washing ritual unlike any we’ve experienced before, where the goal is to achieve hair that’s visibly healthier, longer, shinier and softer to the touch. We’re sharing how you can incorporate it into your routine in six simple steps:
Dry brushing
The pre-wash process is just as important as the wash itself. The Chinese technique suggests carefully dry-brushing the scalp with a soft-bristled brush to remove some of the buildup accumulated throughout the day, such as dead skin cells, dandruff and product residue. It also helps detangle your hair before wetting it (when it’s most vulnerable to breakage) and can help distribute natural oils from the roots to the ends.
The key is to do this gently, without applying too much pressure that could cause harm.
Use lukewarm water
Although the second step seems obvious, the key is in the details: wet your hair with lukewarm water, making sure the roots are thoroughly saturated. Paying attention to the water temperature is essential and while many people may think cold water is the best option, it’s recommended to use a warm, comfortable temperature.
Warm water helps remove excess oil and makes it easier to cleanse the scalp, while avoiding water that’s too hot helps prevent dryness and irritation.
Apply shampoo twice only to the roots, while massaging
One of the essential steps in this technique is applying shampoo, which should be concentrated on the roots and scalp. This ensures a deep cleanse without unnecessarily drying out the ends, which can be lightly rinsed with any remaining lather.
To wash your hair, massage your scalp with your fingertips using circular motions, taking care not to scratch with your nails. In addition to turning hair washing into a moment of pure relaxation, the massage helps stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth.
Repeat this step twice: the first wash will help remove excess oil and residue from hair products, while the second will provide a deeper cleanse. Don’t forget to rinse with warm water when you’re done.
Chinese herbal treatment at the roots
Although experts have long recommended applying conditioners from the mid-lengths to the ends, there are tonics and treatments designed specifically for the scalp. Traditional Chinese medicine particularly values ingredients such as ginseng, He Shou Wu (a traditional Chinese herb) and ginger, which are used in various formulations—from oils to conditioners—for haircare, offering benefits such as promoting hair growth, delaying the onset of grey hair, preventing hair loss and strengthening the hair.