Should we be double cleansing our hair as well as our faces?

Most of us are familiar with the concept of double cleansing when it comes to our skincare. The practice, which originated in Korea as part of a 10-step routine, is based on the belief that cleansing our skin twice is necessary to adequately remove makeup and impurities, and the best way to leave your skin fresh and ready to soak up all the goodness from your serums and moisturisers that follow. 

But, what about cleansing our hair and scalp? Is one round of shampoo enough to rid each strand of product build up and pollution, as well as properly refresh the scalp and remove excess oil and grease? After all, the saying goes ‘lather, rinse, repeat’. Here’s what you need to know…

What is Double-Cleansing in Hair Care?

Just like in skincare, double-cleansing for your hair involves using two rounds of shampoo. The first wash helps to remove surface dirt like pollution as well as any product buildup. The second wash goes deeper, ensuring a thorough clean of excess oils while prepping your hair and scalp for conditioning and other treatments.

What Are The Benefits of Double-Cleansing Your Hair?

1. Enhanced volume
   Residual build-up of styling products can weigh your hair down, making it look dull and flat. Double-cleansing will help remove all that residue, leaving your hair looking shinier and feeling more voluminous.

2. Improved scalp health
   Just like the rest of our skin, our scalps can accumulate a lot of build-up from sweat, sebum, as well as styling products. A single wash might not always suffice, especially if you’re a keen gym-goer, or have a penchant for hairspray. A congested scalp can contribute to a number of hair concerns, from dandruff and itching to hair loss, so it’s important to adequately care for it. 

3. Better product absorption
   Just as a well-cleansed face can better absorb serums and moisturisers, a thoroughly cleansed scalp can help with the absorption of ingredients in your conditioners, masks, and treatments to ensure you’re getting the most from your products. 

How to Double-Cleanse Your Hair

1. Choose the right shampoos
   For double-cleansing, it’s essential to pick the right shampoos - sulphate-free formulas are generally gentler on the scalp and more nourishing, making them a perfect choice for double cleansing.  For particularly congested hair that needs a deep cleanse, try a clarifying shampoo like our Super Healthy Hair™ Detox Wash Shampoo, which features Apple Cider Vinegar and Activated Charcoal to help draw out oils and toxins.

2. Be gentle
   Use gentle, circular motions to massage the shampoo into your scalp, paying particular attention to the hairline and the back of the head. This helps to stimulate blood flow and ensures you’re not causing any damage or irritation.

3. Don't forget to condition
   After double-cleansing, it’s important to condition your hair. If you have thinner or oily hair, focus the conditioner on the mid-lengths to ends to avoid weighing down the hair at the root. 

Should Everyone Double-Cleanse?

If you have a very sensitive scalp or find you don’t need to wash your hair often, you might want to skip the double cleanse as it could lead to even more dryness. 

On the flipside, double-cleansing can be a game-changer if you have oily hair or are prone to dandruff, as well as if you use a lot of styling products or live in a polluted environment.  Your hair and scalp might just thank you for it!