What is sandwich care? Japanese layering that holds moisture
What is sandwich care? Japanese layering that holds moisture
Key points
- Sandwich care is a Japanese method that washes the hair in three layers — treatment, then shampoo, then treatment.
- The treatment applied before shampooing forms a protective film that shields the hair from friction during washing.
- Used together with the ONSENSOU Beppu hot spring algae treatment, it leaves hair with a smooth feel.
In brief: Sandwich care is a Japanese technique of applying treatment before and after shampooing, protecting hair from friction during washing and locking in moisture with ONSENSOU's hot spring algae treatment.
Does your hair feel dry, or squeaky and rough after shampooing? A newer Japanese hair care method known as sandwich care has been drawing attention as a different way to approach these complaints. Here is a closer look at the layering technique ONSENSOU Beppu hot spring algae recommends.
What sandwich care is
Sandwich care is a Japanese hair care method in which treatment is used both before and after shampooing, so that the hair is protected while it is washed. The name comes from the three layers in which the hair is cared for — treatment, shampoo, treatment.
Conventional hair care applies treatment after the hair has been washed with shampoo. With that order, though, the surface of the hair is more easily damaged by friction during washing. Sandwich care adds a treatment before the shampoo as well, shielding the hair from that friction and making moisture easier to hold on to.
ONSENSOU Beppu hot spring algae products have a record behind them, and combining them with this method makes for more effective hair care. Ingredients derived from hot spring algae add moisture to the hair and leave it smooth to the touch. Ranked #1 in the Scalp Care category of the @cosme user review ranking (survey period: 1 September – 30 November 2019; iStyle Inc.). The ranking reflects the number of user reviews.
How to do sandwich care properly
Here are the steps for doing sandwich care well. Start by brushing out tangles and lifting dirt away from the hair. Then rinse the whole head with lukewarm water to remove what sits on the surface.
Step 1: the first treatment Work a suitable amount of treatment through the hair, concentrating on the ends. At this stage keep it off the scalp and apply it from the mid-lengths to the ends. Work it in gently, as though forming a film of moisture over the whole length. Leaving it for two to three minutes lets the moisture spread thoroughly through the hair.
Step 2: shampoo Rinse the first treatment off lightly, then lather the shampoo in your palms before applying it to the hair. Wash with the pads of your fingers, massaging gently and concentrating on the scalp, to lift away dirt. Because the treatment has left a protective film, there is less friction during washing and the hair is less likely to feel rough.
Step 3: the second treatment Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly, then work treatment through the whole head again. At this stage, apply it carefully with the ends in mind, as though sealing moisture inside the hair. Leave it for three to five minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
The benefits of sandwich care and what to expect
Practising sandwich care brings several benefits. The largest is that it reduces the strain on hair during washing. The treatment applied before shampooing forms a protective film and reduces friction between strands, which makes the surface of the hair easier to keep in order.
Hair also takes up moisture more readily, which is a considerable benefit in itself. Two applications of treatment deliver moisturising ingredients to both the inside and the surface of the hair. It suits anyone concerned about dryness, or about hair that feels dry and rough.
Using the ONSENSOU Beppu hot spring algae treatment, ingredients derived from hot spring algae add moisture and leave hair smooth and easy to manage. The feel of the hair after washing changes, and daily styling becomes easier.
It also suits hair that has been coloured or permed repeatedly. Easing the strain of everyday washing makes it easier to keep hair looking well. Shine and neatness improve, and the hair gives a better-kept impression.
Points that make sandwich care work
A few points will get more out of sandwich care. First, watch how much treatment you use. Match the amount to the length and thickness of your hair. Too much takes a long time to rinse out; too little will not give enough protection.
The choice of shampoo matters too. The ONSENSOU Beppu hot spring algae shampoo is designed to keep the scalp and hair clean while leaving the moisture they need in place. Choosing something gentle on hair and scalp, rather than a shampoo with harsh cleansing agents, makes the results of sandwich care easier to feel.
Water temperature is another point not to overlook. Water that is too hot can take away moisture the hair and scalp need. Lukewarm water at around 38 degrees rinses the treatment away properly while keeping moisture in the hair.
How often to do it is worth thinking about as well. There is no problem doing it every day, but depending on the state of your hair you might start at two or three times a week and adjust as you see how it goes. The point is to find the frequency that suits your hair type and the season.
Towel-drying and the use of a hairdryer also matter. After sandwich care, blot the water away gently with a towel and hold the dryer a sensible distance from the hair. To keep the condition the ONSENSOU Beppu hot spring algae treatment has given, take the same care over drying.
Frequently asked questions
QIs it all right to do sandwich care every day?
AEvery day is fine. That said, depending on your hair type and its condition, it is worth starting at two or three times a week and adjusting as you watch how your hair responds. ONSENSOU Beppu hot spring algae products are suitable for daily care.
QShould the treatment before shampooing go on the scalp as well?
AApply the pre-shampoo treatment from the mid-lengths to the ends and keep it off the scalp. The scalp is then washed clean by the shampoo that follows, which keeps it in good condition.
QWhich hair types does it suit?
AIt suits dry, rough-feeling hair, hair that has been coloured or permed repeatedly, and hair showing signs of damage. It can be recommended to anyone who wants to add moisture to their hair while keeping it clean.
QCan I do sandwich care with an ordinary treatment?
AIt can be done with a general treatment, but using something designed to add moisture while conditioning the hair, as ONSENSOU Beppu hot spring algae is, makes for more effective care.
QHow long does sandwich care take?
AIt adds roughly five to ten minutes to ordinary hair care. Counting two to three minutes for the first treatment and three to five for the second, the whole thing comes to about fifteen to twenty minutes. It is easy to adopt as a special routine at the weekend, or whenever you have time to spare.
