It seems like washing your hair is a pretty simple task. We’ve done it most of our lives and we should have the process down pat by now. However, with the plethora of new methods for washing your hair comes indecision and uncertainty. You can wash your hair without shampoo, without water, or even without both. Search for ways to wash your hair online yields results from how to wash your hair with anything from beer to baking soda.

You just want that shiny, healthy hair like a shampoo model – it shouldn’t be that hard! To ensure you’re doing everything right with your hair washing technique, we’ve collected an in depth guide to the best traditional way to wash those luscious locks.

Pre-wash

First things first, brush your hair. Getting your knotty hair wet will result in a birds nest mess that will be a nightmare to untangle and likely won’t get very clean in your wash. A wide toothed brush or a special detangling hairbrush.

Washing

Wet your hair thoroughly and squeeze out a small amount of shampoo – it should be the size of a 20c piece. Rub your hands together and apply it to the roots of your hair. This wash doesn’t need to result in a lather of soapy suds, as it’s more for ridding the hair of dirt, built up dry shampoo and sweat.

Rinse, and repeat. You’ll notice at hair salons that they always do two washes, so it’s best to imitate the professionals. The second shampoo allows your hair to get really clean and lathered up so your scalp and roots are as clean as possible. Cleaning your scalp will cleanse the pores that you can’t often see and make your hair healthier.

Rinse, and reach for the conditioner. Try to squeeze out most of the moisture from your hair so that your hair can fully absorb the conditioner. If you have short hair, you should use enough conditioner to cover a ten-cent piece. If you have medium length hair, double that size and triple it for long hair. People with thin hair should use less, whereas those with thicker hair should use more. Apply the conditioner to the ends of your hair and never apply conditioner above your earlobes. Leave it in for at least a minute (depending on the product you’re using).

Rinse thoroughly and well to avoid that greasy feeling when you’re drying your hair.

Rinse once more in cold water. This will allow the cuticles on your scalp to close, and some experts say that it ensures your hair will retain the moisture of the conditioner.

Post-wash

Using a serum on the ends of your hair before styling will help your hair to survive the styling process. It will also give your hair a nice shine and may also give it more volume (depending on what serum you use). If you’re using a leave-in serum, make sure you have the right one for your hair type. It’s best to use a light serum for thin hair, whereas a heavier serum will tame those thick locks.

Try not to use straighteners or hairdryers too much if you can avoid it, as excessively heating your hair can damage the follicles.

Of course, how often you wash your hair depends on your hair type. Fine hair tends to get greasier more quickly, leading to a flat look. Two of three times a week should be enough for fine-haired people. Curly hair is more prone to dryness, as the natural oils can struggle to travel the length of the follicle. Although you can go longer between washes, you should ensure you have a very hydrating shampoo and conditioner. For any type of hair, washing too often can strip a hair of its natural oils, which leads your scalp to overcompensate.