Shampoos and conditioners are the cornerstones of a good hair care routine. Shampoos help clean your scalp of excess oil, dirt and impurities, while a conditioner works to keep your strands smooth, hydrated and tangle-free.
But despite being the two most common hair care products ever used, many people still don’t know to use a shampoo and conditioner the right way. Yep, you read that right. If not used right, shampoo and conditioner won’t give you the desired results and instead weigh down your hair and make it appear limp and lifeless.
But fret not; we’re here to the rescue. We’ve put together the ultimate step-by-step guide on applying shampoo and conditioner the right way for a clean, refreshed scalp and soft, bouncy hair. Read on…
How to apply shampoo

Step 01: Always start with thoroughly saturating your hair with lukewarm water. It is important not to wash your hair with hot water as it can strip the hair of moisture, leaving it dry and brittle.
Step 02: Take a coin-sized amount of shampoo onto your palm and gently massage it all over your scalp until it lathers. The scalp has a lot of dirt build-up and hence needs to be cleansed thoroughly. As for the rest of your hair, the lather from the shampoo will clean your mid-lengths and ends, so avoid applying shampoo there.
Step 03: Next, thoroughly rinse out your hair and scalp to ensure no shampoo residue remains and repeat all the steps. It is important to shampoo your hair twice as it only facilitates proper cleansing.
How to apply conditioner

Step 01: After rinsing out the shampoo, it is now time to condition your hair. Start with squeezing out the excess water from your hair to allow the conditioner to cling to your hair and work better.
Step 02: Many people make the mistake of using too much conditioner, which makes their strands look dull and weighed down. It is usually recommended to use a coin-sized amount of conditioner for medium to long hair, although this also depends on your hair length and thickness.
Step 03: Emulsify the conditioner for a couple of seconds in between your palms and then apply it ONLY to the mid-length and ends of your hair; avoid your scalp altogether.
Step 04: Leave it on for about two to three minutes, and then rinse it off with cold water. Coldwater helps close all the open cuticles, enhances shine and makes your hair look soft, shiny and hydrated.
Written by Urvi Dalal on 21st Apr 2021
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!