28 Nov 2025

The Best Way to Wash Your Hair: Stronger, Softer Results

We’re more invested in our hair than ever before. According to a recent YouGov report, only 3% of UK women take no action at all to care for their tresses. Everyone else does something proactive, whether that’s using hair masks or serums, oiling the hair and scalp, or taking time deciding what shampoo and conditioner to use. But for all this great hair health work, we often overlook the basics. Washing your hair properly is one of the simplest ways to improve strength and shine, reduce breakage, and support scalp health. So, what is the best way to wash hair? Here’s the lowdown, featuring Hair Gain’s new Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner and the double cleanse method.

Why The Way You Wash Your Hair Matters

The Best Way to Wash Hair - Woman in a shower

Hair washing isn’t just about removing grease, direct and product buildup. It’s about protecting your strands, nourishing your scalp and creating the foundation for your hair products to work harder. A consistent and smart wash routine can help with:

  • Scalp health
  • Hydration and softness
  • Better volume
  • Enhanced shine
  • Reduced frizz
  • Reduced product buildup
  • Better absorption of conditioners, masks and treatments

And when you're using formulas designed with peptides, marshmallow root and gentle cleansers—like Hair Gain’s new Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner—the benefits multiply.

The Best Way To Wash Hair: Start With A Double Cleanse

You know the drill – wet, shampoo, rinse, conditioner, if we remember, and out! But washing hair on autopilot just doesn’t give your strands and scalp what they need. If you want stronger, healthier hair, a happier scalp and longer-lasting results, a double cleanse method is a game-changer.

Step 1: The First Cleanse – Remove Buildup

Start by wetting the hair thoroughly, then apply a small amount of shampoo onto your scalp, then take 20-30 seconds to gently work the shampoo over the scalp and through the strands to the tips. This initial cleanse is to loosen up all that oil, sweat, product residue, pollution and gunk that sits at the roots. If you don’t see much lather, don’t fret; that’s completely normal for this first wash.

Step 2: The Second Cleanse – Clean + Nourish

Best Way to wash your hair shampoo

Now go in again with a second round of shampoo, again working it over the scalp and through your locks. You’ll notice much more lather this time. And that’s because the first cleanse prepared the way, allowing the shampoo to really penetrate the hair and scalp and work its magic. Of course, using the best products maximises the benefits. The Hair Gain Hydrating Shampoo is the perfect partner for your double cleanse.

Then, rinse thoroughly to remove all product.

This two-step method is the best way to wash hair, particularly if your hair struggles with greasiness, dryness, buildup or a lack of volume.

How Much Shampoo Should You Use?

With double cleansing, less is definitely more. You don’t need lashes of shampoo – just enough to properly cover the scalp is perfect. Rule of thumb: use around a 20p-sized amount for short/medium hair and 50p for longer, thicker or curly hair. But the scalp should remain the focus – and using a small amount twice is better than using a lot once. Your hair ends up cleaner, your scalp more balanced, and your product will last longer.

Always Follow With Conditioner

Conditioner is as essential as shampoo to keep the hair and scalp in the best condition possible. After cleaning, your locks need the added moisture, slip and protection a good conditioner provides. Apply the conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, leave in for 2-3 minutes, then rinse. This will help smooth the cuticle and reduce friction and frizz while boosting shine. 

And as with shampoo, using a quality conditioner is paramount. The Hair Gain Hydrating Conditioner, like its sister shampoo powered by peptides, hair vitamins and the mighty marshmallow root, hydrates, strengthens and soothes. Meanwhile, volume and shine are boosted, and hair is softer and smoother, while the frizz dial is turned down to zero!

Used as a duo, the Hair Gain Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner create the perfect balance of cleansing and nourishment. Dermatologically tested, Trichologist approved, Vegan and Halal certified, and free of parabens, sulphates or silicones, this duo delivers a gentle routine with serious results. In testing, users saw up to 64% less hair fall and breakage – from the first use.*

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

The truth is, there is no single answer, but that’s ok. We’re all different, and hair type, the condition of the scalp, lifestyle and environment all play a role.

The key message? Everyone’s “best way to wash hair” looks slightly different. We need to find the frequency that works for our hair, our scalp and our routine.

The good news is that Hair Gain’s Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner are gentle enough for regular use while still being effective, making it easy to find your perfect rhythm.

Refillable Bottles: Better for Your Hair, Better for the Planet

Hair Gain’s refill system helps you keep your bathroom organised and reduce single-use plastic. Once you have your starter kit, as you need more shampoo and conditioner, switch to the Hair Gain Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner refillable (and 100% recyclable) bottles.

Less waste. More style. 

Final Thoughts: Build a Routine Your Hair Will Love

The Best Way To Wash Your Hair - two women with the new Hair Gain Hydrating Hair and Conditioner range

When you combine the best way to wash hair with the right products, you create the perfect foundation for stronger, fuller-looking, more manageable hair.

Hair Gain offers a complete, holistic approach to hair health, from our signature Hair Capsules and Hair Gummies supplements to our amazing topicals and accessories.  And now our new Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner completes the perfect hair health regimen.

Ready to transform your hair routine? Discover the Hair Gain range and start your hair health journey today.

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* Independently tested (Brushing Test) September 2025. Results achieved when using the shampoo & conditioner together as a regime.