How to Shampoo and Condition Your Hair Like a Pro

Whether you’re a beauty lover or prefer a simple routine, learning to properly shampoo and condition your hair can significantly impact its health and appearance. Hairdressers know that the secret to strong, shiny hair isn't just the products you use—it’s also how you use them. Here’s a detailed guide to help you step up your haircare routine to professional standards.

1. Choose the Right Products for Your Hair Type

Before discussing technique, it’s important to pick the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Hairdressers always consider hair texture, condition, and scalp needs when choosing products.

• Fine Hair: Opt for volumising shampoos that are lightweight and won’t weigh your hair down. Use a lightweight conditioner to avoid greasy roots.

• Thick or Coarse Hair: Go for moisturising shampoos and conditioners to combat dryness and frizz.

• Curly or Wavy Hair: Sulphate-free shampoos work best as they won’t strip away natural oils. Follow with a rich, hydrating conditioner to define curls and control frizz.

• Coloured or Chemically Treated Hair: Choose a colour-safe, sulphate-free shampoo to help your colour last longer. A weekly deep conditioning mask is also a good idea.

 

2. Prepping Your Hair

Prepping is often overlooked, but it’s an essential step in achieving a salon-worthy wash.

• Detangle Before Washing: Gently detangle your hair when dry using a wide-tooth comb or a gentle brush. This reduces the risk of breakage during washing.

• Rinse with Lukewarm Water: Before applying shampoo, thoroughly rinse your hair with lukewarm water for 30 seconds to a minute. This helps remove surface dirt and styling products while opening up the hair cuticles, allowing for deeper cleansing.

3. Shampoo Application: Less is More

Using more shampoo doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner hair. Here’s how to shampoo like a pro:

• Use the Right Amount: A 50p-sized amount of shampoo is usually enough for medium-length hair. If your hair is longer or thicker, increase the amount slightly but avoid overloading it.

• Emulsify in Your Hands First: Rub the shampoo between your palms to create foam before applying it to your scalp. This ensures even distribution.

• Focus on the Scalp: Shampoo is meant to cleanse the scalp, where oils and product build-up accumulate. Apply it directly to the scalp and gently massage with your fingertips in small, circular motions. Avoid using your nails, as this can irritate the scalp.

• Don’t Scrub the Ends: Let the shampoo run down the lengths of your hair when rinsing but avoid scrubbing the ends to prevent drying them out.

4. Double Shampooing: When and Why

Most professionals recommend double shampooing if you use a lot of styling products or live in a city with pollution. The first wash removes surface dirt and excess oils, while the second deeply cleanses the hair and scalp.

• When to Skip the Second Shampoo: If your hair is dry, chemically treated, or if you wash your hair frequently, a single shampoo is sufficient. Over-washing can strip away natural oils and cause dryness.

 

5. Conditioning Like a Pro

Conditioner is as important as shampoo, but its role is different. While shampoo cleanses, conditioner moisturises and protects the hair shaft.

• Squeeze Out Excess Water: After rinsing your shampoo, gently squeeze excess water from your hair before applying conditioner. Too much water dilutes the conditioner, reducing its effectiveness.

• Focus on Mid-Lengths and Ends: Apply the conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair, as these areas are more prone to dryness and damage. Avoid applying conditioner to the scalp unless your scalp is dry—too much conditioner at the roots can make hair appear greasy.

• Comb Through for Even Distribution: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently distribute the conditioner through your hair, ensuring every strand is covered. This also helps detangle hair and smooth the cuticles for added shine.

• Let It Sit: Leave the conditioner in for 2-5 minutes (or as directed on the product). Giving it time to work will help seal the cuticles and infuse moisture into the hair.

6. The Final Rinse: Cold Water for Shine

The initial rinse should be with lukewarm water, but finishing with cold water is a professional trick for added shine.

• Cold Rinse for Smoother Hair: A final rinse with cool water helps close the hair cuticles, locking in moisture and boosting shine.

 

7. Post-Wash Care: The Finishing Touch

Your haircare routine doesn’t stop in the shower. Hairdressers use these tips for a flawless finish:

• Pat, Don’t Rub: Use a microfibre towel or an old t-shirt to gently blot excess water from your hair. Rubbing can rough up the hair cuticle, causing frizz.

• Use a Leave-In Conditioner or Serum: While your hair is still damp, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or serum to the mid-lengths and ends. This provides extra moisture and protection throughout the day.

• Don’t Heat Style Wet Hair: If you’re blow-drying or using heat tools, make sure your hair is at least 80% dry before applying heat. Always use a heat protectant to minimise damage.

• Air Dry When Possible: Air drying is the gentlest option for your hair. If you have time, let your hair air dry partially before finishing with a blow dryer on a cool setting.

Final Thoughts

Shampooing and conditioning your hair like a pro is more than just using fancy products—it’s about adopting the right techniques and treating your hair with care. By following these steps, you’ll keep your hair healthy, shiny, and more manageable, while reducing damage, breakage, and frizz over time.