The Ultimate Guide to Washing Your Hair Like a Pro
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Whether your hair is sleek and straight, full of bounce and volume, naturally textured, or ultra-curly, achieving your best look starts with a solid washing routine. Knowing how to wash your hair isn’t just about lather, rinse, and repeat—it’s about understanding your hair type, choosing the right products, and using techniques that keep your hair healthy and vibrant. We turned to top hair experts to break down the ultimate wash routine, covering everything from the perfect water temperature to picking the ideal conditioner and mastering drying methods. Read on to transform your wash day into a pro-level routine.
Meet Our Expert
Danielle Keasling is a celebrity hairstylist, creative director of Biolage, and Ulta Beauty pro team member.
Bea Carmichael is the global artistic director in hairstyling at Aveda.
Sophia Emmanuel is a trichologist, hair stylist, and V&Co. Beauty brand ambassador.
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
The first step in a successful wash routine? Detangle! Detangling before washing isn’t just a step, it’s a preventative measure,” says hairstylist Danielle Keasling. “Wet hair is at its most fragile, so working out knots beforehand allows shampoo and conditioner to reach each strand evenly, keeping hair healthy and manageable.”
For fine or straight hair, Keasling recommends a lightweight detangling spray and a flexible paddle brush, like the WET brush, to prevent tugging. For curls, she suggests a wide-bristle detangling brush, such as Tangle Teezer, paired with a leave-in conditioner or oil, working from ends to roots in sections, to protect delicate curls.
Step 2: Wet Your Hair with Lukewarm Water
If you’ve been using hot water to wash your hair, you’re not alone—but our experts recommend starting with lukewarm water instead. “Sebum, the natural oil produced by the scalp, is crucial for moisture. Hot water can strip these oils, leading to dryness and frizz, while lukewarm water cleanses without drying out the hair,” says trichologist Sophia Emmanuel.
Step 3: Apply Shampoo
A healthy scalp is key to strong hair growth, as hair follicles thrive in a clean environment. Keeping the scalp healthy helps prevent irritation, dandruff, and hair loss, explains hair stylist Bea Carmichael. "When washing, focus on your scalp using fingertips (not nails) to massage in small circles, which boosts circulation and cleans without drying the ends," she says.
Now, when it comes to shampoo, the amount you use really depends on the buildup on your hair and its density. If there’s extra dirt or oil, you may need more shampoo and a second wash. For short, medium, and long hair, Emmanuel suggests starting with a quarter-size amount of shampoo. For thick or curly hair, Carmichael recommends washing the hair in sections to ensure the shampoo reaches every part of the scalp for an even, gentle cleanse.
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Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
“Start by applying warm water at your roots, letting it flow down through the lengths of the hair for about 30 seconds. Then, return to the roots, lifting hair in sections to ensure thorough rinsing of the scalp, especially if you have thick or dense hair that can hold onto shampoo,” advises Carmichael. “Use your hands to gently squeeze from roots to ends, and if you see any remaining suds, continue rinsing until the water runs clear. For curly or high-porosity hair, use warm—not hot—water, rinse in sections, and use your fingers to detangle gently. Scrunch your hair as you go to enhance curl formation.” Repeat the process until the hair is completely clear.
Step 5: Apply Conditioner
Squeeze out excess water from the hair before applying conditioner to ensure it absorbs fully. Apply the conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, as conditioning the scalp can lead to buildup, clogged pores, and excess oil, unless the formula is specifically designed for scalp use. Always check the product label and ask your stylist for recommendations.
Step 6: Let the Conditioner Sit
After applying conditioner, our experts recommend leaving it in for 2–5 minutes, or longer for curly and coily hair, and up to 10 minutes for dry or damaged strands to ensure maximum hydration.
Does leaving the conditioner on longer offer more benefits? Not necessarily. “Always follow the label instructions,” advises Carmichael. “Exceeding the recommended time won’t improve results and can lead to an oily scalp, limp hair, loss of curl, scalp irritation, or breakage.”
If your hair has changed (which happens regularly as a result of environmental and lifestyle changes), your conditioner may no longer address your need, and it could be time to seek out a new formula. “Good conditioners will rebalance your hair, sometimes you may need hydration other times you may need damage and repairing conditioners. Speak to your stylist for more information and get the right conditioner for your hair as it is now,” says Carmichael.
Step 7: Final Rinse
For high-porosity or curly hair, rinsing the conditioner out with cool water helps to close the cuticles, add shine, prevent moisture loss, stimulate blood flow, minimize frizz, and create smoother strands. If you have fine hair or are prone to an oily scalp, a lukewarm rinse may be more suitable to ensure thorough cleansing. Failure to thoroughly rinse out conditioner can lead to an oily scalp, scalp irritation, or limp and lifeless hair.
Step 8: (Optional) Deep Conditioning Treatment
“Deep condition once a month for all hair types, or twice if your hair is color-treated or chemically processed,” says Emmanuel. Deep conditioners contain more potent ingredients, so they’re used less frequently. If you’re experiencing scalp issues, oiliness, breakage, or hair loss, consult a stylist for a personalized plan.
For even more hydration, apply gentle heat while deep conditioning—like wrapping your hair in a heated towel. Heat opens the cuticle, helping the treatment penetrate and lock in moisture for softer, more manageable hair. Most at-home treatments work well without heat, but a little extra pampering never hurts!
Step 9: Gently Towel Dry
To reduce friction and protect hair, pat it dry with a towel rather than rubbing. “It’s all about minimizing friction, which can cause frizz, breakage, tangling, and even disturb the natural curl pattern," explains Carmichael. Gently patting or squeezing the hair dry helps prevent this damage.
For an even gentler approach, use a soft cotton T-shirt to absorb water and reduce friction. If you have curly or coily hair, scrunching with a towel or T-shirt can enhance curl definition and reduce frizz. Our stylists also note that this technique shortens drying time, leads to bouncier curls, and helps distribute product more evenly for a smooth, polished finish.
Step 10: Leave-In Conditioner or Serum
Leave-in conditioners and serums offer a range of benefits, from protecting hair against heat and UV rays to locking in moisture and controlling frizz. For straight and wavy hair, these products add shine, smoothness, and protection from styling damage while making styling easier. For curly and coily hair, they enhance moisture retention, reduce frizz, and help define curls. Fine hair benefits from lightweight leave-in formulas that detangle without weighing it down. “I recommend a leave-in conditioner to all my clients,” says Carmichael. “It’s a must-have, providing lasting benefits without the need to rinse out, making it ideal for low-maintenance care.”
