What’s the best way to wash your hair?
I hear what you’re saying, “But wait, Giorgia, don’t you just use shampoo to wash your hair?” Yes and no. Shampoo is the most popular way to wash your hair. It’s NOT the only one.
Now the natural movement is on the rise, more and more women are looking for alternatives to clean their hair without using harsh chemicals every day.
The problem? Most of these alternatives DON’T work well. They’re either too gentle, require a transition period or leave build up on your hair. Not exactly ideal, right?
Should you switch? That depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and how much effort you’re willing to invest. Let’s break it down with 7 different ways to wash your hair so you can figure out what works best for you:
1. Shampoo
Let’s start with the obvious: shampoo is the go-to for a reason. It works. But what makes it so effective?
Shampoos contain cleansing agents called surfactants. These molecules are like tiny magnets for dirt and oil, allowing water to rinse them away effortlessly. Surfactants can strip away not just grease and grime but also product buildup and dead skin cells from your scalp.
The downside? Some shampoos are formulated with strong surfactants, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can strip away too much of your scalp’s natural oils. This can leave your hair feeling dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
The takeaway: If shampoo works for you, great! Just opt for a gentle, sulfate-free formula if your hair feels like straw after every wash.
2. Dry shampoo
Every oily-haired person’s best friend, dry shampoo is a lifesaver on those days when you just don’t have time (or the energy) to wash your hair.
Dry shampoos work by using powders (like cornstarch or talc) to soak up excess sebum, leaving your hair looking cleaner and fresher in seconds. The application is simple: spray or sprinkle the product on your roots, wait a moment, and brush it out.
But here’s the thing: while it can make your hair look cleaner, it doesn’t actually clean it. Oils, dirt, and buildup are still there; they’re just temporarily disguised. Overusing dry shampoo can also clog hair follicles and lead to scalp issues, like dandruff or irritation.
Pro tip: Use dry shampoo sparingly. Think of it as a quick fix, not a replacement for actual washing.
Related: Is Talc In Skincare Dangerous?
3. Conditioner
Also known as “co-washing,” this method involves skipping shampoo altogether and cleansing your hair with conditioner.
Wait, what? Conditioner? Here’s how it works: conditioners contain small amounts of surfactants, so they can remove some dirt and oil while coating your strands with moisture. The result? Softer, shinier hair.
The catch: Conditioners aren’t designed to clean deeply. They leave behind a residue, which can build up over time and weigh your hair down. To minimize this, opt for a silicone-free conditioner and be prepared for a bit of a greasy adjustment period as your scalp adjusts.
How to co-wash: Massage a dollop of conditioner into your scalp, rinse thoroughly, and apply another round to your lengths for hydration. Stick with it for a few weeks to see if it works for you.
Related: Are Silicones Good Or Bad For Skin?
4. Body wash
Surprised? Shampoos and body washes aren’t all that different. Both use surfactants as cleansing agents, but body washes typically contain milder ones because they’re formulated for skin, not hair.
This makes body wash a gentler alternative to shampoo. Great if you’re in a pinch or have a sensitive scalp. However, it’s not ideal for heavy buildup or oily hair, as it won’t cleanse as thoroughly.
The verdict: It’s okay as a backup, but don’t expect salon-worthy results.
5. Water only
Sounds too good to be true, right? Water-only washing skips all products and relies solely on vigorous scrubbing to clean your hair.
How it works: Use your fingertips to massage your scalp under warm water, loosening dirt and distributing your natural oils from root to tip. Follow up with a boar-bristle brush to further spread the oils, which can naturally condition your hair.
The downside: It takes weeks (sometimes months!) for your scalp to adjust. During this time, your hair will look greasy. Really greasy. You’ll probably want to wear a hat or headband to get through it.
Who it’s for: People with curly, textured, or dry hair may benefit the most from this low-maintenance method.
6. No-Rinse shampoo
Perfect for on-the-go lifestyles, no-rinse shampoos don’t require any water at all.
Here’s how they work: These liquid formulas are applied directly to dry hair, where they lather up and trap dirt and oil. You then wipe the foam away with a towel — no rinsing needed.
The good: They’re super convenient for camping trips, hospital stays, or any situation where a proper wash isn’t possible.
The bad: They’re not as effective as traditional shampoos, so they’re best used occasionally rather than as a permanent replacement.
7. Homemade recipes
DIY enthusiasts, rejoice! There are plenty of ways to whip up your own natural hair cleansers at home.
One classic recipe:
- Eggs and olive oil: Whisk together 2 eggs and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Apply to damp hair, leave for 5–10 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water (hot water will cook the eggs—don’t say I didn’t warn you!).
A word of caution: Popular DIY options like baking soda and vinegar are often touted as shampoo alternatives, but they’re incredibly harsh. Baking soda can disrupt your scalp’s pH balance, leading to dryness and irritation, while vinegar can damage your hair’s cuticle over time.
The Bottom Line
Switching up your hair care routine can be a game-changer, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you stick to shampoo, try co-washing, or brave the greasy transition of water-only washing, the key is to experiment and find what works for your hair type and lifestyle.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
