For most guys, shampooing makes perfect sense. You hop in the shower, wash your face and body, and get your hair while you’re at it. But exactly how often should you shampoo, and should you follow up with conditioner? If so, how often you should condition, and what kind should you use?
These are questions we receive frequently at Pomades.com, so we’ve put together this handy guide to shampoo and conditioner! Read on to learn more about shampoos and conditioners, and how often you should use them depending on your hair length and type.
A Primer on Shampoo and Conditioner
Shampoo
Shampoos are formulated to open up your hair follicles in order to remove dirt and oil, which is all fine and dandy until you shampoo too often. Committing this sin strips your hair of natural oils that are vital to hair health (read: you start drying your hair out).
But you also don’t want to cut out shampoo entirely – dermatologists warn that not shampooing can lead to hair that’s a breeding ground for bacteria and dandruff. The key is to shampoo according to your hair length and hair type.
Conditioner
Conditioner coats your hair with a layer of lipids to seal hair follicles and keep the hair shaft strong. Conditioner prevents hair from breaking. However, conditioning too often can turn your head into an oil slick.
How Often Should You Shampoo and Condition?
It depends on your hair type, oiliness, and length. Here’s a quick guide:
Short Hair
In general, if you have short hair that you’re getting cut every couple of weeks, there’s less of a need to condition.
Straight
Use a moisturizing shampoo nearly every day, as needed.
Opt out of the conditioner, since a conditioner may weigh hair down and dampen volume and texture (a big negative if you like rocking volume-heavy styles like quiffs and pomps).
SHOP: Baxter of California Daily Protein Shampoo
Coarse/Wavy
Got coarse or wavy hair? Then you’ll need a little extra R&R in the form of a 2-in-1 Shampoo/Conditioner to keep hair in line. Wash your hair three times a week with the 2-in-1 Shampoo/Conditioner, which is a nice balance of cleaning power and moisture so you don’t end up frizzing out.
SHOP: Floid the Genuine 3-in-1 Shampoo
Curly
Curly-haired guys should use both a dedicated shampoo and conditioner, since curly hair tends to be more brittle and dry than straight hair. However, don’t shampoo or condition too frequently. One to two times a week (for shampoo and conditioner, on separate days) will suffice.
SHOP: Speick Natural Shine and Volume Shampoo + St James of London Lemongrass and Bergamot Hydrating Shampoo
Long Hair
The longer your hair gets, the easier it becomes for ends to get damaged. That’s because oils made by the scalp that naturally descend along the hair follicles can’t get all the way down to your ends, leaving them dry and brittle.
Straight
You can shampoo nearly every day. You’ll need a moisturizing shampoo and separate conditioner. Condition once or twice weekly on days when you’re not shampooing. If your scalp is particularly oily, try applying conditioner only to the ends.
SHOP: Baxter of California Daily Protein Shampoo + Acca Kappa Muschio Bianco Conditioner
Coarse/Wavy
Wash your hair three times a week to remove buildup so hair doesn’t look oily. Condition once to twice a week as needed on days when you’re not shampooing.
SHOP: Billy Jealousy Fuzzy Logic Hair Strengthening Shampoo + Billy Jealousy Cashmere Coat Hair Strengthening Conditioner
Curly
Don’t shampoo more than twice a week, and remember to use a moisturizing shampoo when you do. Condition once or twice a week on days you’re not shampooing. Since you’re already using moisturizing shampoo, you’re just doubling down if you shampoo and condition on the same day.
SHOP: DR Harris Coconut Oil Shampoo + Dreadnought Concentrated Conditioner
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Finally, if the thought of ending up with limp, oily hair from using conditioner scares you, there are always products that can build hair back up – dry shampoo, pomades, pastes, and thickening sprays are all great at giving hair life.
