How to Get the Most Out of Your Shampoo

Everyone has their favorite shampoo that they use religiously. For me, I'm absolutely addicted to Dove Damage Therapy in Energize (in grapefruit and lemongrass). I love the scent and it works wonders on my hair. However, it took some time for me to adjust to this shampoo, especially since Dove no longer makes the original Dove Go Fresh Shampoo in Energize. While everyone pretty much has a shampoo preference, you should ask yourself: is my shampoo really working the way I want it to? It may seem like an odd question, but think about it. There are so many different shampoos on the market today and each is targeted towards a different type of hair or a specific hair/scalp problem. Most people buy their shampoo based on what it promises to do. For me, I purchased the Dove shampoo to help with my damaged hair since I almost always straighten or curl it. However, a lot of times customers are disappointed in their shampoo because it doesn't do exactly what it promises. But before you throw out your brand new bottle of Pantene, Dove, Herbal Essences, Head & Shoulders, etc, check out these tips on how to get the most out of your shampoo and how to ultimately make your shampoo more effective.

Leave it in Longer

A common mistake people make is that they will begin to wash their hair, making sure to get a good lather, and then immediately wash it out a few seconds later. If you're just using a basic shampoo that isn't specifically for any hair type or problem, it's fine to just wash it out right after. But if you're using a shampoo that's specially formulated for damaged hair, hair that has a lot of product (gel, mousse, hairspray), etc. then you certainly need to leave your shampoo in longer. The reason for this is because it allows your hair to absorb the shampoo and the ingredients that will help your hair. This is especially crucial if you're using a moisturizing shampoo, because washing it out immediately will do nothing for you hair. In order to reap all the benefits of your shampoo, you need to leave it in longer. I would definitely suggest leaving your shampoo in for about two minutes or so. This will certainly help your hair and scalp more and will allow the shampoo to really work.

Use the Right Amount

Another issue with shampoo use is that sometimes people don't use enough of it when they're in the shower. You should use enough shampoo to work up a good lather that covers all of your hair from roots to tip. If you're not using enough shampoo then you're not going to really see any benefits. If you have shorter hair you'll obviously have to use less shampoo than someone with hair down their back. In addition, you also shouldn't use too much shampoo either because it's wasteful, it can make your hair oily, and it can sometimes leave soap residue behind. Also be mindful that all shampoos are different and sometimes you'll need more of one and less of another to really get a good lather on all your hair.

Rinse and Repeat

The lather, rinse, and repeat method of washing your hair may seem silly and time consuming, but it's a really good way to get the most out of your shampoo. Repeating the process is ideal if you're using a shampoo for oily hair or hair with a lot of product in it. This is because the first time around may not completely rid your hair of dirt, oil, or hairspray. The second time you lather your hair up with your preferred shampoo, you're more likely to get rid of all that dirt, oil, and product residue. Additionally, this is still a useful tip for people with damaged or thin hair as it also allows more time for the shampoo to set in.

Less Water

If you're using too much water when you lather with your shampoo, you may be reducing the effectiveness of it. Water is absolutely necessary to get a good lather going, but too much water will only saturate the soap ingredients in your shampoo and will reduce how much shampoo is actually in contact with your strands of hair. As a way to avoid this, I simply wet my hair in the shower and then towel dry my hair for about 10 seconds. With my hair still wet, I pour the shampoo into my hand and then work it into my hair. Then with the shower still on, I take handfuls of water and work it into my hair until I get a really good lather going.