An expert untangles the truth.
The hair-washing rules have changed meaning it's no longer necessarily best practice to shampoo and then condition your hair. Here's what to do instead.
Second place only to the sanctity of our beds, our showers are a place of total freedom.
It’s our opportunity to win an argument, zone out after a long day, and perform our hearts out to the instrumental backing of the exhaust fan.
Whether it’s a freezing shower where we embrace the spirit of Wim Hof, a crowded shower with company (to save water of course), or a detailed ‘everything’ shower where no step of your routine is skipped, I think most would agree it’s a pretty crucial part of our day.
But when it comes to the showers dedicated to tackling the knots, oil and dirt in our hair, everybody has a pretty different approach.
And while there’s no shortage of TikTok trends to guide our hair-washing approach, industry expert Kevin Murphy weighs in on the soapy subject matter.
Turning the order on its head
If you’re shampooing and conditioning your hair, a lot of people on the internet might tell you you’re doing it wrong. Earlier this year, reverse hair-washing took over social media, boasting of the tangible hair-health benefits that came from shampooing after your conditioner application.
Murphy, hair stylist and creator of one of Australia’s most trusted hair care brands recognises the logic behind the reverse trend.
“Conditioning first adds moisture without weighing the hair down, followed by a thorough scalp and root cleanse with shampoo. If you've been looking for a way to add fullness or shine without weighing down your hair, I recommend you try this trick.”
And of course, since the world of beauty never quite sits still, an additional step has now been added to the more traditional model, making it somewhat of a hair-washing sandwich.
“Adding an extra step, where shampoo is followed by conditioner and then shampoo again on the roots, is perfect for those that like wearing their hair with added texture,” says Murphy.
“You still get the benefits of cleansing the scalp with shampoo, hydrating the hair with conditioner and then slightly opening the cuticle again with a little extra shampoo at the ends which allows the hair to dry with a little more separation and texture.”
How often should we be washing our hair?
Unless you’re rocking a smooth top, at some point throughout the week you’ll need to wash your hair. For some, this is a once-a-week soapy affair, while others pour out handfuls of shampoo every day.
So how many times a week should we actually be cracking out the shampoo and conditioner? According to Murphy, it all depends on your hair type.
“For those with drier, thicker or coarser hair textures, washing every two to three days can help maintain natural oils and prevent excessive dehydration,” he says. “Finer or oilier hair might find daily washing more suitable to maintain a fresh feel.”
If you’re clueless as to what your hair type actually is, Murphy suggests asking your hairstylist for frequency and product recommendations. He also suggests paying careful attention to how your hair responds to each wash, as over-washing can strip its natural oils and lead to dryness.
“You can also look at using dry shampoos and conditioners in-between washes, as they can extend the time between cleansing while adding volume and texture or shine and moisture,” shares Murphy.
Dry shampoos and leave-in treatments might buy you an extra day (or three) in between washes.
Dry shampoos and leave-in treatments might buy you an extra day (or three) in between washes.
Product or no product, Murphy says he goes through the motions of hair-washing every day to stimulate his scalp without removing too much of the natural oils that hydrate and tame his hair.
Murphy-approved hair care
“I like to recommend the KEVIN.MURPHY RE.STORE as it goes beyond traditional cleansing by combining shampoo, conditioner, and treatment functions in one unique formula,” Murphy says.
“This product works particularly well considering the reverse hair-washing trend, where conditioning comes before shampooing.
