How to Use Shampoo & Conditioner for the Best Routine

A healthy hair routine starts with knowing how to use shampoo and conditioner the right way.

While hair washing seems simple, it’s easy to overwash, miss an important step, or apply products in the wrong order. This can lead to dry hair, oily roots, or product build-up. The good news? With clear steps, you can avoid common mistakes and make sure your hair looks and feels amazing.

In this guide, haircare professionals share their insights for a simple, effective routine for men or women. You’ll learn the best tips for applying shampoo and conditioner to your hair and how to adjust your routine for your specific hair type and goals. We’ll also answer common questions about frequency, reverse shampooing, and more.

How to Use Shampoo & Conditioner: Step-By-Step

Rebecca Johnston, Owner and Freelance Hairdresser at Rebecca Johnston Hair, shares the following steps for washing and conditioning your hair. This process helps you get a thorough cleanse, better moisture balance, and a routine that supports your hair’s needs.

Step 1: Wet Hair

Thoroughly wet your hair with lukewarm or cooler water. Johnston recommends avoiding very hot water, especially if you have colored hair, since heat can make color fade faster. Take your time here so your shampoo can spread more evenly.

Step 2: Apply Shampoo

Use a quarter-sized amount of shampoo — or more if you have long or very thick hair. If you don’t wash your hair daily, shampoo twice to remove excess product build-up and fully cleanse the scalp. Make sure to also wash your crown and the nape of your neck, since these areas often get oily and are easy to miss.

Step 3: Rinse Shampoo

Rinse the shampoo out with lukewarm water, making sure no product is left. It’s easy to rush this step, but take your time for a good wash. Rinse the shampoo out with lukewarm water, making sure no product is left. Instead of rushing, let this be a quick self-care moment that supports both your hair and your mindset.

Step 4: Remove Excess Water

Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands. This keeps the conditioner from getting watered down, so it can work better. If you’re using a hair mask, you’ll want to do the same. 

Step 5: Apply Conditioner

Use a quarter-sized amount of shampoo — or add a bit more if your hair is very long or thick. Apply conditioner to the ends first, then work upward to keep roots from feeling greasy after your wash. Rinse thoroughly, and if you want extra hydration, let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

You can also try reverse shampooing and conditioning. This method works well for fine hair that gets weighed down. It adds light moisture, helps with detangling, and gives more lift at the roots. Texture or dry hair may still benefit from conditioning again after shampooing.

Step 6: Gently Dry

After you finish showering, gently dry your hair instead of rubbing it. Pat your hair with a soft towel to remove excess water, or let it air-dry for a bit before styling. If you use a blow dryer, choose a low or medium heat setting. Gentle drying helps reduce frizz, prevents breakage, and keeps your hair smooth.

How to Use Shampoo & Conditioner: FAQs

Melissa Souza, Hairstylist and Owner at Styled x Melissa answers common questions to help you make the most of your hair washing and conditioning routine.

How often should you wash your hair?

Most people can wash their hair two to three times weekly, but the best frequency depends on hair type, scalp needs, and lifestyle. Washing daily can strip natural oils, so try to extend time between washes if possible. However, daily washing might be best if you sweat often, use a lot of products, or have an oily scalp.

Should you condition every time you wash your hair?

Yes, you should condition every time you wash your hair because this restores moisture, smooths the cuticle, and helps prevent breakage. Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends only. If you have fine hair or an oily scalp, consider using a lightweight formula.

What are the signs of over-conditioning?

Signs of over-conditioning include hair that feels heavy, coated, or limp at the roots. It may look greasy even after washing, and curls can lose their definition. You might also notice that your hair feels overly soft with very little grip for styling.

How to tell if you’ve washed your hair properly?

You can tell if you’ve washed your hair properly if the scalp doesn’t feel greasy. If your shampoo doesn’t lather during the first wash, you may have more build-up and need a second round.

Clean hair lifts easily at the root, has no residue at the scalp, and dries faster than oily hair. If your roots feel slick, get greasy within a day, or look flat, your scalp probably isn’t fully clean.

How long should shampoo sit in your hair?

You can let shampoo sit in your hair for about 30 seconds while you massage your scalp. This gives the cleansing agents time to break down oil, sweat, product build-up, and debris.

Is it okay to use conditioner before shampoo?

Using conditioner before shampoo is perfectly fine. This process, called pre-conditioning or reverse washing, adds light moisture and protects the hair before cleansing. It’s ideal for fine hair, those who want more lift, or anyone who needs detangling before shampooing. If you have very dry or textured hair, you may still benefit from conditioning again after shampooing.

How to Use Shampoo & Conditioner: Conclusion

A simple hair washing and conditioning routine and the right application can make a big difference in how your hair looks and feels. With these tips from haircare professionals, you can build a routine that fits your hair type and supports healthy hair.