Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Patrick Evan and by How.com.vn staff writer, Kyle Hall. Patrick Evan is the Owner of Patrick Evan Salon, a hair salon in San Francisco, California. He has been a hairstylist for over 25 years and is a Thermal Reconditioning Specialist, dedicated to transforming difficult curls and waves into sleek, straight hair. Patrick Evan Salon was rated the Best Hair Salon in San Francisco by Allure magazine, and Patrick's work has been featured in Woman’s Day, The Examiner, and 7x7.
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When it comes to washing our hair, most of us think we’re pros. But there’s actually more to it than just shampoo, rinse, condition, rinse, especially if you want salon-level results. Shampooing your hair correctly is the first step toward getting clean, beautiful locks, and you might be wondering how long you should leave shampoo in your hair when you’re washing it (and how often you should be washing it in the first place). Don’t worry—we’ve answered all of your shampoo questions so you can keep your hair clean without sacrificing shine and softness.
Steps
How do you properly shampoo your hair?
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Focus on cleaning your scalp rather than your hair. Shampoo is actually meant to be massaged into your scalp, not scrubbed into your hair. Working shampoo directly into your hair just causes friction and tangling, which definitely isn’t good for your locks. Instead, massage small amounts of shampoo into your scalp underneath your hair, working your way around your entire head. When you’re done, thoroughly rinse out all of the suds.[5]- Vigorous scrubbing, scratching, and kneading might feel nice on your scalp, but don’t do it! Always be gentle when you’re washing your hair so you don’t damage it or cause tangles.
- You don’t need to use a lot of shampoo to thoroughly clean your hair. Measure out an amount that’s about the size and volume of a single raspberry. That’s really all you need![6]
Don't rinse and repeat. You've probably seen shampoo before that says to "rinse and repeat" on the bottle. Fortunately for your wallet (and your busy mornings), there's no need to wash your hair twice in the shower. These instructions are usually just a marketing tactic that gets people to use and buy more product.[7] One thorough shampooing is all your hair needs.
Always follow up with conditioner.[8] When you shampoo your hair, you’re stripping away oils that naturally condition it. To keep your hair healthy and manageable, those oils need to be replaced. That’s where conditioner comes in.[9] Conditioner decreases static, increases shine, and improves the strength of your hair, among other things, so it’s a must in your hair washing routine.[10]- When you’re applying conditioner, focus on the ends of your hair. They’re usually the driest, and using conditioner near your roots can weigh your hair down.
How often should you wash your hair?
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It depends on your hair type. Everyone’s hair is different. Washing every day might work for some people, while washing once or twice a week may be better for others. In general, the thickness of your hair and the amount of oil your scalp produces are good indicators of how often you should be lathering up. Here are some general guidelines you can follow:[11]- For fine, thin, or oily hair: shampoo every day or every other day.
- For medium-thick or dry hair: wash your hair every 2-3 days.
- For thick or curly hair: wash your hair 1-2 times a week.
EXPERT TIPPatrick Evan is the Owner of Patrick Evan Salon, a hair salon in San Francisco, California. He has been a hairstylist for over 25 years and is a Thermal Reconditioning Specialist, dedicated to transforming difficult curls and waves into sleek, straight hair. Patrick Evan Salon was rated the Best Hair Salon in San Francisco by Allure magazine, and Patrick's work has been featured in Woman’s Day, The Examiner, and 7x7.Professional Hair Stylist
Patrick Evan
Professional Hair StylistGenerally, most people do not need to wash every day. Every other day or every third is what we recommend especially since the oil produced is needed to moisturize and protect your hair. When you’re washing your hair every day, you’re essentially signaling to your scalp to produce more oil.
It also depends on your lifestyle. Working out a lot and sweating can make your hair dirtier faster. If you use a lot of products in your hair, it might get greasier faster than if you didn’t. Living in a highly polluted area can even cause your hair to get dirtier in between washes.[12] All of these things may mean you need to wash your hair more frequently. While your hair type definitely matters, experiment with how regularly you wash your hair to find what works best for your lifestyle.- You may have heard that shampooing less frequently will cause your scalp to produce less oil, but that’s actually a myth! Oil production is controlled by your hormones, not how regularly you wash your hair.[13]
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow do I know what shampoo suits my hair?
Patrick EvanPatrick Evan is the Owner of Patrick Evan Salon, a hair salon in San Francisco, California. He has been a hairstylist for over 25 years and is a Thermal Reconditioning Specialist, dedicated to transforming difficult curls and waves into sleek, straight hair. Patrick Evan Salon was rated the Best Hair Salon in San Francisco by Allure magazine, and Patrick's work has been featured in Woman’s Day, The Examiner, and 7x7.
Professional Hair StylistThe best way is to talk to your stylist! Sometimes people need moisture when they think they need protein, and vice-versa. Your stylist can best assess your hair’s needs.
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002407/
- ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.
- ↑ https://uihc.org/health-topics/anti-dandruff-shampoos
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
- ↑ https://www.today.com/style/how-much-hair-product-apply-shampoo-conditioner-more-t105799
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/showering-daily-is-it-necessary-2019062617193
- ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458934/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
- ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.
- ↑ https://www.self.com/story/when-to-shampoo-your-hair-type
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-dirty-truth-about-washing-your-hair/
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