The Truth About Shampoo and How to do it Properly

The Truth About Shampoo

If you've been skipping shampoo because you heard it dries out curls, buckle up, we have a few things to chat about.

I hear it all the time from my guests at the salon: "Shampoo dries out my curls" or "I've heard shampoo is bad for my hair, so I barely use it."

But here's the truth: shampoo is an essential part of your curl care routine. Without it, your curls cannot thrive.

Why Your Curls Need Shampoo

Think about it this way: would you run a 5K, come home, and just put on lotion without taking a shower? Probably not.

Think of the time between wash days as that 5K. You're exposed to different elements- pollution, sweat, styling products. All of that builds up on your hair and scalp.

So does it make sense to just go in with conditioner, or should you cleanse everything from your hair first with shampoo?

To give your curls the ability to accept water and product more easily, we first need to remove buildup through proper shampooing.

Not All Shampoos Are Created Equal

Here's where things get tricky: using the wrong shampoo absolutely can dry out your curls.

Some shampoos are more cleansing and less hydrating. Others are more hydrating and less cleansing. Many fall somewhere in between, or are designed to target specific concerns.

Your "daily" shampoo—the regular shampoo you use each wash day—should be both cleansing and hydrating.

If you're using a clarifying shampoo as your go-to, that's likely the cause of your dryness. Clarifying shampoos are designed for more intense cleansing sessions and should only be used 1-2 times a month, not every wash day.

Proper Shampoo Technique Matters

Did you know that improper shampoo technique can actually make the detangling process harder?

When shampooing, we want to be organized and intentional. Here's how:

1. Make sure your hair is very wet first- Wet hair allows the shampoo to spread evenly and cleanses more effectively.

2. Emulsify your shampoo in your hands first- Create a lather in your palms before applying it to your scalp. This distributes the product better and prevents concentrated spots.

3. Apply to your scalp and stretch and smooth down your curls- This keeps your curls from tangling while you cleanse. Scrunching while shampooing creates tangles that make detangling harder later.

5. Scrub your scalp thoroughly while rinsing- Make sure to remove all of the shampoo from your scalp. Leftover product can cause buildup and irritation and also shorten the longevity of your set.

The Bottom Line

Shampoo isn't the enemy, it's actually essential for healthy, thriving curls.

The key is choosing the right shampoo for your curl needs and using proper technique. When you do both, you'll notice your curls feel cleaner, hydrated, and more defined.

If you're not sure which shampoo is right for you or want to dial in your wash day technique, that's exactly what we work on together during your appointment.

Your curls deserve the best care, and it starts with the basics.

Ready to simplify your routine and fall in love with your curls?

Reserve your appointment and let's create a wash day routine that actually works for you.

Mastering the Basics: The Real Foundation of Healthy, Hydrated, Defined Curls

If you’ve been wondering why your curls still feel dry, undefined, or inconsistent, even when you’re using all the “right” products, keep reading, this is for you.

Because the truth is:

Your curls can only be as healthy, defined, and long-lasting as the basics you’re building them on.

And most curl frustration doesn’t come from bad products…

It comes from skipping (or rushing) the essential foundation.

Before you worry about advanced techniques or trendy new routines, your curls need 3 things mastered first:

Cleansing. Conditioning. Styling.

These steps are non-negotiable and they make all the difference in whether your curls thrive or struggle.

There is no magic product that can replace them.

Let’s break each one down.

Cleansing: The First Step to Hydration

Shampooing your hair is not optional, it’s essential for curl health.

Healthy curls start with a clean scalp, because your scalp is skin, just like the rest of your body. If we cleanse our bodies regularly, our scalp deserves the same consistency.

A clean scalp creates the environment for your hair to actually accept water, which is the foundation of hydration. Without proper cleansing, no conditioner, leave-in, or curl cream will work the way you want it to.

How often should you cleanse?

At minimum: every 7–10 days

But if you:

• Work out

• Sweat often

• Have a naturally oilier scalp

…you may find that your curls thrive when cleansing 2–3 times per week.

What counts as cleansing?

Only shampoo.

Co-washing, rinsing with water, or using conditioner alone won’t clean your scalp.

A great go-to shampoo should be:

• Hydrating

• Effective at lifting buildup

• Gentle enough for regular use

This one step alone solves so many issues: dryness, flakiness, frizz, lack of definition, and curl inconsistency.

Conditioning: Where Hydration Actually Happens

A huge myth in the curly world is that oil seals moisture.

It does not.

Conditioner is what seals hydration into your curls.

Just like lotion helps your skin stay soft and moisturized, conditioner helps your curls retain water and stay flexible, shiny, and defined.

But the application matters.

To get the full benefits of conditioner, you must:

• Apply it to very wet hair

• Work it into your strands

• Smooth it through like “ponytails” along the lengths

• Take your time

Think of conditioner as lotion for your hair:

You wouldn’t slap lotion on your skin and walk away expecting results.

The same is true for conditioner, it needs to be worked in to hydrate deeply and evenly.

If your curls often feel dry, frizzy, or rough, this step is usually the place to look.

Styling: Where Personal Preference Meets Technique

Styling is the step where you get to choose what you want your hair to look like.

Ask yourself:

• Are you a volume girly?

• Is definition your style?

• Or do you want both, depending on the day?

Your preferences will impact the technique you use, but the foundations stay the same.

No matter what style you love, your curls need:

• A product that hydrates without weighing you down

• Plenty of water during application

• Technique that matches your goals

• A willingness to adjust based on lifestyle

And water?

It is everything during styling.

Not enough water = immediate frizz, inconsistent pattern, and curls that won’t hold.

Here’s the part most curlies don’t hear enough:

You might love a certain styling look…

But if it isn’t realistic for your lifestyle, it’s okay to pivot.

Curls are flexible, forgiving, and meant to be adapted to real life. Perfection is not the goal, consistency is.

Your Curls Thrive When the Basics Are Strong

Mastering these three foundational steps makes every part of your curl routine easier. When your curls are properly cleansed, conditioned, and styled with intention, you’ll notice:

• Less frizz

• More definition

• Longer-lasting wash days

• Actual hydration

• More predictable curls

• A shape that actually looks great

• Less frustration and more confidence

These basics aren’t glamorous, but they are transformational.

And once you master them?

Your dream curls become completely possible.

Ready to master the basics together? Click the link below to get started.