Clean your roots without drying out your ends.
Start with the problem you’re having.

Oil collects between washes

Your scalp produces natural oil. Shampoo and water remove the oil and product that collect there. How often you need to wash depends on how quickly your roots become oily or dirty.

Dry ends still need conditioner

Your roots can look greasy while the ends tangle or feel rough. Put conditioner on the lengths that need it, keeping easily flattened roots clear. Care for dry hair explains how to look after those ends.

The roots are greasy again by morning

• Move your next wash earlier if the roots are already oily. Straight hair with an oily scalp may need daily washing.
• Focus shampoo on the scalp and condition the ends afterward. You can wash the roots often without repeatedly scrubbing the lengths.
• If you exercise, plan a wash for when your scalp feels dirty or oily afterward. Sweat-damp roots need drying before any dry shampoo.

Hair feels coated straight after washing

• At the next rinse, lift thick sections so water reaches underneath. Check the nape and behind the ears for trapped foam or visible product.
• If it still feels coated once dry, leave one optional oil, cream or styling layer out next time and compare. Keep rich products off roots that flatten.
• Try these changes before buying a stronger shampoo. A coated feel is a reason to review the routine, not to scrub harder.

The ends feel rough after frequent washes

• Let shampoo rinse down the lengths instead of rubbing them together. Apply rinse-out conditioner while the lengths are wet.
• Start at the ends. If more of your hair feels rough, work conditioner higher along the lengths while keeping it away from easily flattened roots.
• Rinse the conditioner out fully. If the ends still catch when dry, review your conditioner and detangling method rather than skipping the next scalp wash.

Shampoo for oil and product residue

• Shampoo uses cleansing agents to help oil rinse away. Start with one you can use comfortably at your usual wash frequency.
• If a wash leaves your scalp tight or sore, avoid repeating it just to get a squeaky feel. If a product stings, rinse it off and stop using it.
• The consultation can help compare shampoos using how often you wash, your treatments and what you have already tried.

Conditioner where the hair catches

• If conditioner leaves your hair heavy, try a lighter conditioner and keep it on the lengths that need slip.
• Spread the amount your bottle recommends between those areas. More product at the roots will not help tangles at the tips.
• Apply after shampooing and rinse it out. Give it the waiting time on the bottle, if it asks for one.

Dry shampoo for a short freshen-up

• Dry shampoo absorbs oil so roots look less greasy for a while. Shampoo and water are still needed to clean the scalp.
• Use it on dry hair, only at oily areas. The photo guide shows application, waiting and removal; your container gives the amount and application directions.
• If the roots are already powdery or gritty, wash instead of adding another layer. Stop using it if your scalp itches or burns.

Reach the whole scalp

Start with thoroughly wet roots. Use your fingertip pads to work shampoo around the scalp, including the nape and behind the ears. Keep your nails off the skin.

Keep conditioner on the lengths

After shampooing, smooth conditioner through wet lengths and ends. Support each section so you can reach underneath without pulling. Give it the waiting time on your bottle before rinsing.

Check the areas water misses

Move the lengths aside so water reaches the roots and underneath each section. Rinse away remaining foam or visible conditioner. Clear water alone does not tell you every area has been rinsed, and the hair need not feel squeaky.

Remove hair and residue from your tools

Lift trapped hair out of the brush. Check its cleaning instructions before wetting it; some brushes need wiping rather than soaking. Clean visible residue and let the tool dry fully before using it again.

Signs that need more than routine care

• If your scalp is very itchy, painful, red or swollen, speak with a medical professional. Get help with flakes that persist after a month of using an anti-dandruff shampoo. Mention any product that seemed to start the irritation.