Should You Double Shampoo? Here’s What Experts Say

For as much time as we spend giving our skin all that extra TLC, we’re finally starting to catch up when it comes to haircare. Not only are products getting better and better, but there’s the rise of head spas (pencil in one of these stat), the embracement of treatments like hair oiling, and a greater emphasis on scalp care. You can add double shampooing to the mix of hair health goodness. New to the concept? Let us explain.

What Is Double Shampooing? 

Double shampooing is the practice of washing your hair with shampoo twice in a row within a single shower. The idea is that the first round of washing loosens up sweat, oil, grime, and product residue, and the second round focuses more on cleansing your actual hair and delivering the product’s nourishing treatments to your strands. 

“The first wash does this, the dirty work, and the second wash is able to penetrate deeper down to your scalp for a super clean shampooing session,” explains Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. “This can be really good for scalp health. And as we all know, scalp health is hair health.” 

The process for shampooing each time is the same. Wet your hair, apply the shampoo, and then use your finger tips to massage the shampoo before rinsing. The difference is that you just repeat it. TBH, shampoo bottles have told us to do this for a while now: lather, rinse, and repeat! 

Who Should Double Shampoo? 

Double shampooing is particularly beneficial for those with thick strands, wavy textures, oily-prone scalps, or infrequent washing schedules (less than two to three times per week). It’s also ideal for those who tend to use a lot of styling products and need the extra round of washing to properly remove everything. 

“I typically suggest double washing for clients who use lots of styling products as their hair and scalp can be bogged with chemicals and grease, which makes it difficult to style,” says celebrity hairstylist Julia North. “I also suggest a double wash routine to clients who wash infrequently or have naturally oily hair. And if you’re a swimmer you’ll want to be thorough when removing chlorine.” 

Who Should Skip Double Shampooing? 

If you find that your hair is just fine with just a single shampoo—or you already wash daily—you’re likely OK without doing the extra round of washing. Overwashing can impact your natural oil levels, which can create dryness, irritation, or in some cases excess oil production. 

“I don’t recommend double washing for clients with very dry or damaged hair. Curly hair can break easily due to dryness, so I tell curly-clients to avoid double washing in particular, ” North says. “People with color-treated hair—especially vibrant colors—may experience color fading if double washing.” 

Bottom Line on Double Shampooing

Ultimately, it’s best to pay attention to your hair needs and adjust if necessary. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. North says that if your hair and scalp feel clean after one shampoo, it’s probably best to leave it there. If you can still feel product, grease, or dirt then another round of sudsing won’t hurt.