Who doesn’t want luscious locks that feel fabulous? The fundamentals of great hair lie in a great hair care routine, and double shampooing is the latest trend to be adopted by those wanting healthy, strong and shiny locks in order to fully cleanse the hair.

Some people have sworn by double shampooing for years, but as the technique gains more traction, is it worth your time? We explain what double shampooing actually is, how to do it yourself, the benefits of double shampooing and answer some of our most frequently asked questions about the hair cleansing method. 

What is double shampooing? 

In a similar way to how double cleansing involves gently removing the impurities on your skin twice over, double shampooing involves washing your hair and scalp twice in one sitting. 

The first cleanse of your hair works to break down any dirt, buildup and excess oils from the hair and scalp. Many people stop there, leaving behind stubborn buildup and oils which can result in scalp conditions like dandruff. The second cleanse targets stubborn product buildup (we’re looking at you, dry shampoo!), dirt and oils, working to eliminate them.

Each cleanse removes impurities from the hair and scalp, but the second cleanse more effectively targets the buildup that’s survived all your most recent single washes. Discover how you can use the double shampooing method to ensure your natural hair care routine is the best it can be.

How to double shampoo

When it comes to the double shampooing method, the most important thing to remember is that not all shampoos are created equal. Shampoos packed with sulphates to create the frothy lather, which many people mistakenly amount to a good cleanse, do more harm than good – so doubling up on this could be a haircare disaster. 

It’s essential to use a sulphate-free shampoo that is packed full of scalp and hair-loving ingredients such as rosemary oil, lavender oil and pink berry extract in your double shampoo routine to ensure your scalp stays hydrated and happy. 

Here’s how to double shampoo, the right way:

1. Soak your hair with water – remember, not too hot as this can dry out your hair, scalp and skin. 
2. Scoop out some sulphate-free shampoo – only a blueberry-sized amount is necessary – and work the product into your scalp and locks.
3. Massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips or a scalp massager – don’t go too heavy on the pressure, it’s meant to be relaxing, not painful!
4. Rinse the product out of your hair.
5. Apply a smaller amount of natural shampoo onto your hair and scalp, massaging once again. 
6. Fully rinse out all the product from your hair.
7. Continue with your natural body care routine.

Top tip: Spend a sufficient amount of time (at least one or two minutes) wetting the hair and scalp before applying any product. If you take the time to ensure the hair is really wet then the product that you use will be more effective. Spreading the product across the hair will be easier and you can get a more even lather if the hair is really wet. This can also mean that you need slightly less product.

Double shampooing benefits

Not only does double shampooing give you an extra few relaxing minutes in the shower or bath, it also brings a whole host of great benefits for your hair and scalp. 

1. Go longer between washes

One of the main benefits of double shampooing is that with this technique, any product buildup and excess oils are removed, meaning the scalp and hair is properly cleansed and free from impurities. This means that you can go longer between washes as the scalp is cleaner than if you were to only cleanse with shampoo once.

2. Healthier, stronger hair

It’s no secret that scalp care is the foundation of any good hair care routine and for healthy hair. By properly taking care of your scalp and cleansing away all the buildup, you allow strong strands to grow. 

3. Wonderfully shiny locks

Double shampooing with a shampoo packed full of hair-loving ingredients like coconut oil can help to hydrate your hair, leaving it glossy and shiny. 

Double shampooing FAQs

Does double shampooing cause hair loss?

No, double shampooing does not cause hair loss. In fact, using the double shampooing method to cleanse your hair can leave your locks more nourished and your scalp healthier. However, it is important to remember that if you struggle with a sensitive scalp, or thin, dry and damaged hair, not to massage the product into your scalp too rigorously. 

Does double shampooing work?

Yes! Double shampooing is the latest weapon in your hair and scalp care arsenal, removing product buildup, excess oils, impurities and dirt from your locks. 

Keep in mind that the type of shampoo you use will have an impact on the results you benefit from. Shampoos packed with sulphates – such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) – can strip the hair of its natural oils, so double shampooing with sulphate shampoos would likely dry your hair out, rather than nourish and hydrate it. 

Stick to vegan, cruelty-free haircare which helps you achieve fabulous hair and keeps the planet at the heart of its ethics. 

How often should you double shampoo?

We recommend cleansing your hair and double shampooing two to three times per week. However, this all depends on your hair type and how quickly oil builds up on your scalp. 

Take a look at the UpCircle body care routine to find out when to incorporate double shampooing into your routine.

Is double shampooing good for your hair?

Yes! Double shampooing is great for your hair as it ensures that both your locks and scalp are fully cleansed of excess oils and impurities, rather than leaving some behind as single shampooing often does. 

Does double shampooing dry out hair?

If you stick to quality, natural shampoos, then double shampooing should not dry out your hair. These types of products are filled with ingredients that your hair will love, such as rosemary oil and coconut oil in order to provide hydration and nourishment. 

However, shampoos packed with chemicals will strip the hair and scalp of their natural oils, resulting in dry, brittle locks. 

Does double shampooing help dandruff?

Yes – double shampooing can help to ease dandruff. Many people confuse a dry and flaky scalp with dandruff, when in actual fact, dandruff is caused by excess oils on the scalp rather than a lack of moisture. Double shampooing targets this buildup of excess oils and eliminates them. 

At UpCircle, we take pride in our environmental ethics – we are certified vegan, cruelty-free, plastic negative and B-corp. Discover our complete collection of organic and cruelty-free products at UpCircle.