The Best Hair Products for Squeaky Clean Strands

While we loved it when the No Poo movement had its moment, and made it no longer embarrassing to admit you only washed your hair twice a week, times have changed. It’s summer. And between the sweating and grease and chlorine and everything in between, skipping a good old fashioned hair scrubbing could leave you as stinky as opting out of your daily shower.

If you ask a trichologist (someone who specializes in hair and scalp care), she’ll tell you that getting hair squeaky clean should really be a trend that’s as timeless as a little black dress. “I don’t condone the weekly washing scenario,” says Elizabeth Cunnane Phillips. “The scalp is a busy tissue, busier than your facial skin. And you wouldn’t think about not washing your face. There’s no benefit to having more sebum, dirt and sweat.” But your scalp is one thing. What does that mean for your hair? “Your hair follicles are rooted in your scalp; that’s the bedrock and the environment that’s growing the hair, so debris can hinder the quality of your hair and increase shedding.”

What’s awesome is that there’s a whole crop of clarifying shampoos and deep cleaning hair products designed to make sure your strands and scalp are squeaky clean. Trust us, these are so great at cutting through all the mucky buildup you have, they just might unlock your locks’ hidden potential.

How to Properly Shampoo Your Hair

Amazing hairstyles begin with a solid clean base - and by that we mean clean strands and a healthy scalp. Here’s how to suds up the right way.

STEP 1. Get good and wet.

Make sure hair is completely wet before shampooing, and preferable with warm water. Temperature does matter, since the warmth opens the hair cuticle and allows dirt and product trapped in the hair to be released more easily.

STEP 2. Less is more.

Oversudsing isn’t doing your hair any favors. Medium-length hair only needs about a quarter-sized amount of shampoo, while longer or thicker hair can use up to twice as much.

STEP 3. Focus on the scalp.

Remember that bit about the scalp being busier than your face when it comes to dirt and oil? That’s why it’s the area that needs the sudsing action.  So start shampooing from roots to ends. This also saves the most overprocessed and brittle part of your hair—the ends—from absorbing more shampoo. Ends are the last to get oily and just don’t need as much. If they’re particularly dry or damaged, try conditioning just the ends first—we mean before shampooing. Even after you rinse out conditioner, they’ll be smoothed and won’t absorb as much shampoo.

STEP 4. Go deep and slow.

Your hair is fragile, and roughing it up will not lead to anything good. To avoid breakage and frizz, tread lightly. Start at the scalp with slow massage strokes to clean it—something that’s healthy for both your scalp and your strands.  Let the lather run down the rest of your hair or gently smooth it down with open fingers and palm. Don’t move your hair around in circles or focus at all on the ends, or you’ll encourage tangles and even more breakage.

STEP 5. Aim for one and done.

If you’re getting a good lather with your first shampoo session, your hair simply doesn’t need another round. Bubbles and froth mean there’s not too much oil and dirt being mixed in with the shampoo. Only go for a second washing if your hair is super dirty.

Now that you have all of the right moves, pick a formula that’s right for your hair type and lifestyle needs. Click through our slideshow for the best clarifying shampoos.