It’s no secret that Italian women love to take care of their hair—just think of Sandro Botticelli’s long-haired muses or movie icon Monica Bellucci as proof. “The culture of hair care is deeply rooted in family traditions,” hairstylist Rossano Ferretti previously told Vogue. “From an early age, children are taught the importance of proper hair care, often learning techniques and secrets passed down from generation to generation.” So, what’s step one? A rigorous hair-washing routine.
As Valentina Vetrugno, art director at Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa at the Four Seasons in Madrid, explains, “Our washing method is based on the idea that a healthy scalp is the foundation of beautiful, strong hair.”
Here, she breaks it down into four easy steps so you can recreate it at home.
Wash all over
To ensure the product is evenly distributed across your scalp, Vetrugno recommends applying your shampoo to five points: your hairline, the crown of your head, the right and left sides of your head, and the nape of your neck.
Scalp massage
According to Vetrugno, your fingernails should never touch your scalp during this experience. Instead, use your fingertips and move in gentle, circular motions, “lightly mobilizing the scalp without excessive rubbing,” she explains. “The massage helps stimulate microcirculation, promotes skin oxygenation, and transforms washing into a moment of self-care.”
Double cleanse
Just like you thoroughly cleanse your skin, your scalp needs the same kind of attention. “When there’s a buildup of residue or excess oil, a second application of shampoo can be beneficial for a deeper clean,” Vetrugno says. You may also want to consider a clarifying shampoo, which provides an even deeper clean. Vetrugno adds that she recommends using a walnut-sized amount of product for the first cleanse, and a smaller, almond-sized amount for the second.
Moroccanoil
Clarifying Shampoo
Act+Acre
