Buzz
Most of us believe we’ve mastered the art of washing our hair, but in reality, it’s more than just applying shampoo, rinsing, using conditioner, and rinsing again—especially if you’re aiming for salon-quality results. Proper hair washing is the first step to achieving clean, beautiful hair, and you might be wondering how long to leave shampoo in your hair (and how often to wash it). Don’t worry—we’re here to answer all your hair-washing questions so you can keep your hair clean without sacrificing its shine and softness.
Steps
How long should you massage shampoo into your hair?
Massage long enough to ensure the shampoo covers your entire scalp. When washing your hair, the focus isn’t on how long you massage but how thoroughly you do it. The exact time may vary depending on your hair’s thickness and how dirty it is. The key is to concentrate on working the shampoo into your entire scalp, from front to back. This will help you achieve clean, bouncy, and healthy hair.
- Some shampoos may recommend leaving the product on your hair for a few minutes before rinsing. If you’re unsure, follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle.
What happens if you leave shampoo on your hair for too long?
Your scalp may become irritated. Most shampoos are not meant to be left on the hair. You should rinse the shampoo off under the shower immediately after lathering. If you’re considering leaving shampoo on longer for a deeper clean, don’t—shampoos contain parabens, miranol, and other ingredients that can cause contact dermatitis (red, itchy rashes). Such adverse reactions are more likely if the shampoo has prolonged contact with your skin.
How long should you leave anti-dandruff shampoo on your scalp?
Leave it on for at least 5 minutes. Unlike regular shampoo, anti-dandruff shampoo needs sufficient time on the scalp to work effectively. After massaging the shampoo into your scalp (avoid the hair strands as anti-dandruff shampoo can dry them out), wait at least 5 minutes before rinsing it off.
- Experts recommend following up with a regular shampoo after using an anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Pro tip: If you have dry hair, apply coconut oil 30 minutes before using anti-dandruff shampoo. The coconut oil will lock in moisture and prevent dryness caused by the shampoo.
What is the correct way to wash your hair?
Focus on cleansing the scalp rather than the hair strands. Shampoo is actually meant for the scalp, not the hair. Applying shampoo directly to your hair can make it dry and tangled, which is not good for your hair at all. Instead, use a small amount of shampoo on your scalp beneath the hair and massage it all around, then rinse off the lather.
- Scrubbing and scratching your scalp might feel satisfying, but avoid doing so! Always be gentle to prevent hair damage or tangling.
- You don’t need a lot of shampoo to clean your hair. A small, grape-sized amount is enough!
Don’t rinse and repeat. You might have seen the instruction “rinse and repeat” on shampoo bottles. Luckily for your wallet (and busy mornings), you don’t need to shampoo twice. These instructions are often just marketing tactics to encourage more product usage. One thorough shampooing is enough to get your hair clean.
Always use conditioner after shampooing. Shampooing removes the natural oils that nourish your hair. To keep your hair healthy and smooth, these oils need to be replenished. That’s where conditioner comes in. It reduces static, adds shine, and strengthens your hair, making it an essential step in your hair-washing routine.
- Focus the conditioner on the ends of your hair. The ends are usually the driest part, and applying conditioner near the roots can weigh your hair down.
How often should you wash your hair?
It depends on your hair type. Everyone’s hair is different. Washing daily might work for some, while others should wash their hair 1-2 times a week. Generally, hair thickness and scalp oil production determine how often you should shampoo. Here are some general guidelines to consider:
- For fine, thin, or oily hair: Wash daily or every other day.
- For medium-thick or dry hair: Wash every 2-3 days.
- For thick or curly hair: Wash once every 1-2 weeks.
This also depends on your lifestyle. Your hair gets dirtier faster if you exercise and sweat a lot. Using many hair products can also make your hair greasier compared to not using any. Living in a highly polluted area can also cause your hair to get dirty more quickly. All of these factors mean you may need to wash your hair more frequently. While hair type is an important factor, you can experiment with different washing frequencies to find what suits your lifestyle best.
- You might have heard that washing your hair less often reduces oil production, but that’s actually a myth! Oil production is controlled by hormones, not by how often you shampoo.
