Our hair-washing routines are as individual as we are. Some people do it every day; others will avoid it for as long as possible. Then there are those who set aside a whole day each week for a big shower, which includes using everything from pre-shampoo treatments to intensive hair masks and post-wash leave-in products.

And while we’ve all formed our own habits by now, it’s likely that you’re washing your hair out of habit rather than because you’re listening to what it needs. “It’s about taking a mindful approach,” says hairstylist Tom Smith. “What I mean by that is that you need to do a bit of trial and error with different products and different frequencies. If your scalp starts to get itchy or feel uncomfortable, that’s a really clear sign that you need to wash your hair.”

Smith goes on to explain that how your scalp feels and what it needs should be the primary concern, and secondary to that is what your hair feels like it needs. “Of course, every time you wash and reset your hair, you’re likely to be processing it in some way, whether that’s blow drying or using straighteners,” he says. “And if that is the case, then washing your hair less frequently is going to help hair become more healthy over time.”

However, for those with problematic scalps and those who suffer from itchiness or flakiness, washing it – and therefore your hair – more frequently, despite what your hair needs, is important. “That’s what’s going to make you feel better and provide a healthier scalp that will grow healthier hair,” explains Smith.

The best type of shampoo to use

It’s easy to get drawn into the endless claims and promises that shampoos often make, but Smith explains that if your hair is feeling like it needs to be washed more than you think is necessary then you could be using the wrong shampoo.

“The primary function of a shampoo is to clean and reset your hair, so if you’re using something that’s really heavy and is trying to do too much, then it’s probably not going to be cleaning your hair properly in the first place,” he says.

“So, if in doubt, use a lightweight shampoo that doesn’t make too many claims. Clarifying and deep cleansing shampoos can be good too, but not all of them are suitable to use every day or during every wash, so it’s best to alternate them with your regular one.”

How to shampoo hair properly

Finally, how you use shampoo is also important. It might seem like a simple task, but because it’s something we all do so mindlessly, there’s likely to be room for improvement. 

“First, it’s important to make sure you’re distributing the shampoo properly over your scalp before you start lathering it up,” says Smith. “Tap it onto different areas of your scalp, then rub your hands together and start to lather it in. The sign of clean hair is that there’s even lather through your scalp, so it’s important to systematically move from one area to another.”

Then, it could be worth doing a second shampoo. It’s something that happens when you’re in the hairdressers so it makes sense to also incorporate a double cleanse into your at-home hair-washing routine. 

“That’s really going to set you up for success in terms of achieving a longer lasting style and a better-looking blow dry,” explains Smith.

Main image: Getty