How To Properly Double Cleanse Your Hair
With the everyday hustle, our hair goes through a lot, gathering dust, sweat, and product build-up, making cleanliness more than a mere ritual—it becomes a necessity for the health of our scalp and hair.
A clean scalp is fundamental. It's the bedrock of healthy hair growth, a source of natural hair vitality, and the first defense against common hair issues like dandruff and hair fall. Yet, despite our best efforts, a single wash often dances on the surface, not quite capturing the thorough clean needed to nurture our scalp and strands.
So is one wash not enough? A single wash can remove superficial residues but may fall short of deep cleansing. Double washing—tailored to your hair's specific needs—can profoundly change this narrative, ensuring every strand basks in purity and health, especially for those who go a few days between washing.
What is Double Cleanse?
Double washing hair, also known as double cleansing, is a method that several professional hairstylists advocate for achieving a deeper level of cleanliness. This technique involves washing your hair with shampoo twice in a single session, aiming to remove extra dirt, residue, and product buildup more effectively than a single wash. In essence, double shampooing acts as a two-step purification process. The process not only ensures that your hair is meticulously clean but also better nourished, addressing concerns such as oiliness and the accumulation of debris and styling products on the scalp and hair.
Who Should Double Cleanse?
Everyone! Virtually every hair type has the potential to reap rewards from an occasional double shampoo, particularly when a deeper cleanse is required or in scenarios where hair has accumulated extensive buildup. Ideally, those who go a few days between washes, and use products like dry shampoo, hairspray and oils should do a double cleanse once a week.
How to Double Cleanse Hair
Starting on wet hair, pour a modest amount of shampoo into your hands and gently work it through your hair, giving extra attention to the scalp area. Using the pads of your fingertips, or a shampoo scalp brush if you prefer, gently massage the shampoo into your scalp in circular motions allowing the foam to flow down to the ends.
Be extra gentle with your wet hair; avoid vigorous scrubbing, scratching or pulling, since your hair is more prone to breakage when damp. Rinse fully until all suds are removed, before starting the process over again.
Benefits of Double Cleansing Hair
Enhanced Cleanliness: The initial shampoo helps remove surface dirt, grime, and excess oils, while the second wash delves deeper, targeting residual buildup and ensuring a thorough cleanse. This dual-action process results in cleaner hair and scalp.
Effective Product Buildup Removal: Regular use of styling products can lead to buildup that a single wash may not fully address. The second shampooing helps break down and rinse away any remaining product residues, preventing dull, waxy and lifeless hair.
Increased Efficiency Against Oiliness: For those with oily hair, double washing can more effectively regulate the scalp's natural oil production. The first wash removes excess oil, and the second wash cleanses the scalp, potentially reducing the rapid return of oiliness.
Longer Lasting Clean Feel: By achieving a deeper clean, double washing can extend the time your hair feels fresh. This can reduce the frequency of washes needed for those trying to avoid daily shampooing, which can strip hair of its natural oils.
Improved Scalp Health: A clean scalp is the foundation of healthy hair growth. Double washing can help alleviate scalp issues like dandruff and itchiness by ensuring no irritants from products or environmental pollutants are left behind.
Better Preparation for Conditioning: A thoroughly cleansed hair and scalp can absorb conditioners and hair treatments more effectively. Post-double washing, hair is in an optimal state to benefit from the nourishing ingredients found in conditioners or masks.
Enhanced Hair Texture and Shine: When hair is free from buildup and excess oils, it’s naturally shinier and has a better texture. Double washing can revitalize dull hair, bringing out its natural lustre and making it feel softer to the touch.
Optimized Styling: Clean hair responds better to styling, as there’s no residual buildup to weigh it down or affect how it holds styles. Hair that’s been double washed can be easier to manage, style, and maintain throughout the day.
Best Shampoos to Use for Your Hair Type
When it comes to choosing your shampoo, you have to take your scalp into consideration, not your hair.
Oily Hair/Scalp
For those who struggle with excess sebum production, a volumizing cleanser ideal for oily roots, oily scalp, and fine hair types removes that build-up without drying out the scalp.
Dry/Damaged Hair & Scalp
When it comes to dry or compromised hair, the goal is to cleanse the scalp without over cleaning the hair. A shampoo for daily use should be your first round of cleansing, followed by a more hydrating shampoo to reintroduce moisture.
Curly Hair
If you didn’t already know, curly hair is made differently. The natural bend in the hair causes the cuticle layer to lift, making hair more brittle and drier than those with straight hair. Because of this, our experts recommend using a shampoo that fortifies hair as the second cleanse. Curly hair girls may also find that their hair “eats the oils” making them feel that their scalp is always dry, if this is the case, using a moisturizing shampoo for both rounds of cleansing is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
Much like washing your face, you want to treat your hair and scalp the same way. If you opt for a double cleanse, be sure that you are not stripping your hair of its healthy oils with clarifying shampoos and further drying your scalp. And always condition your hair to restore moisture to your ends, regardless of your hair type, but especially for those with dry and compromised hair.
Everyone’s hair and scalp are beautifully unique, and this may involve some trial and error before finding the right combo. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our Hair Quiz for the perfect prescription for beautiful healthy hair.
