Washing your hair is an essential part of any hair care routine. Most people shampoo just once when they wash their hair. But did you know that shampooing twice can actually provide additional benefits for your hair and scalp? Here’s a look at why you may want to consider shampooing twice each time you wash your hair.
What happens when you shampoo just once?
When you apply shampoo to your hair and scalp and rinse it out after a quick lather, you are able to remove some dirt, oil, product buildup, and other impurities. However, shampooing just once often doesn’t cleanse the hair and scalp as thoroughly as needed. Here are some of the things that can happen with a single shampoo:
- Oil and product buildup may not be fully removed
- Hair may still feel weighed down and greasy
- Dandruff flakes may remain on the scalp
- Residue from hair products can still be left behind
- Hair may lack volume and appear limp
While a single shampoo seems like it should get your hair clean, it usually takes more than one round of lathering and rinsing to really deep clean the hair and scalp.
The benefits of double shampooing
Shampooing twice offers several advantages for your hair:
More thorough cleansing
When you shampoo twice, you are able to more fully remove product buildup, oils, and impurities from the hair and scalp. The first shampoo helps to loosen and remove some of the dirt and grease. But it takes a second wash with shampoo to really deep clean each hair strand.
Better lather
The second shampoo usually produces more lather than the first. This helps distribute the cleansers around each hair shaft for a more effective clean.
Extra volume
Removing all the excess oil and residue from the hair cuticle allows your hair to be lighter and bouncier. The result is extra volume and shine.
Less tangling
When the hair is thoroughly cleansed, there is less residue to cause tangling and matting. Detangling double-shampooed hair is much easier.
Improved hair health
Getting to the root of dirt, oil, and dandruff flakes promotes better scalp health. And reducing buildup on the hair improves overall condition for healthier locks.
Reduced need for conditioner
Since double shampooing removes more residue, you may find you can use less conditioner. Your hair will already feel smoother and softer after the second wash.
Cleaner scalp
For people with dandruff issues, two shampoos can help get the scalp really clean. This reduces flaky buildup for a healthier scalp.
More stimulating wash
A double shampoo gives your scalp a gentle massage and stimulation twice. This can improve circulation for a refreshed feeling.
When to use two shampoos
Washing with two rounds of shampoo is particularly useful in these situations:
- When you have a lot of product buildup – Using lots of hairsprays, mousse, gels, or styling products causes more residue on the hair that requires extra washing.
- On days when your hair seems extra oily and limp – The excess oil needs to be thoroughly removed.
- If you have dandruff – Double shampooing helps eliminate flakes from the scalp.
- When washing out hair dye – Getting all the color out requires deep cleaning the hair.
- On days you got really sweaty – Sweat and grime needs extra washing.
- If you went swimming – Chlorine and minerals in the water can build up on the hair and need better removal.
No matter when you choose to shampoo a second time, it’s simple to add it to your regular routine.
How to double shampoo your hair
It’s easy to give your hair a deep cleanse by lathering up twice during your normal wash. Here are some tips for double shampooing:
1. Start with wet hair
Shampoo works best on wet hair. So begin by wetting your hair thoroughly with warm water before shampooing.
2. Lather up the first time
Apply a quarter-sized dollop of shampoo to your palms, rub your hands together, then work the shampoo throughout your hair. Apply more shampoo as needed to build up a rich lather.
3. Rinse out the first shampoo
Rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly to wash out the initial shampoo application. Be sure to rinse until the water runs clear.
4. Apply shampoo again
Put another quarter-size amount of shampoo in your hands and smooth through your hair again. Really focus on massaging the scalp and cleaning the roots.
5. Lather and rinse again
Lather up your hair with the second shampoo just as you did with the first. Then do a final thorough rinse.
6. Condition as usual
Follow up your double shampoo with your regular conditioner, applying from mid-length to ends. This helps replenish moisture and smoothness after cleansing.
Tips for the best double shampoo
To maximize the benefits of washing your hair twice, keep these tips in mind:
- Really work the first shampoo in for a few minutes to start lifting dirt and buildup.
- Rinse very thoroughly after the first wash before reapplying shampoo.
- Use a clarifying or detox shampoo for the first wash to remove residue.
- Follow with a volumizing or moisturizing shampoo for the second cleanse.
- Let the second shampoo sit on your hair for 1-2 minutes before rinsing for a deeper clean.
- Shampoo your scalp more than your ends to prevent over-stripping natural oils.
- Use a wide-tooth comb after conditioning to evenly distribute oils through hair.
Should you double shampoo every time?
Double shampooing daily may be excessive for some hair types. Here are some guidelines:
| Hair Type | How often to double shampoo |
|---|---|
| Oily hair | 1-2 times per week |
| Dry hair | 1-2 times per month |
| Color-treated hair | 1 time per week |
| Damaged hair | 1 time per 2 weeks |
You can adjust how often to double shampoo based on your hair’s needs. During times of increased styling product use or activities causing buildup, do it more frequently. For those with dry hair, limit double shampooing to only when hair seems extra dirty.
The takeaway
While a quick single shampoo may seem sufficient, taking the time to shampoo twice offers real benefits for your hair. By thoroughly cleansing and removing built-up residue, double shampooing leaves hair cleaner, shinier, and healthier overall. Just be careful not to overdo it for your hair type. Used properly, this easy technique can improve hair manageability and beauty.