How Much Shampoo Should You Use For Your Hair Type?

How much shampoo you should use depends on factors like length, thickness, and texture. Determining your hair type—whether you have dry, oily, or combination—is important to know not just how much shampoo to use, but also to create an effective haircare regimen.

If you look at hair length alone, short hair will require about a nickel-sized amount of shampoo. Meanwhile, longer hair may need up to two quarters of hair product.

But How Much Shampoo Should I Really Use?

Consider your hair’s length, thickness, and texture when determining just how much shampoo and conditioner you need. On top of that, consider your scalp’s health—is it oily, dry, or does it have problems like dandruff and acne?

As a rule of thumb, use shampoo about the size of a nickel if you have short hair with fine strands. Increase the amount of shampoo by a pea-sized amount the thicker and longer your hair. 

Hair care for different types of hair and scalp:

Dry hair and scalp may look like hair strands that are easy to break and dry to the touch. Your scalp might even itch and problems like dandruff might be present.

This type of hair requires a moisturizing type of shampoo, followed by conditioner. Shampooing can be done every 2-3 days to avoid drying it out further or stripping it off its natural oils.

It is highly recommended to use paraben-free shampoo, which is more often prescribed to people with dry hair and scalp.

Oily scalp and hair will manifest as greasy and limp hair strands. It can be managed with a clarifying shampoo.

This type of shampoo cleans by removing the excess buildup of oil and hair products. It can be used once a week or once a month as a way to detoxify your hair from product residues.

Once you feel some heaviness on your head due to product use or excessive oiliness, it’s time to use a clarifying shampoo.

Combination hair may manifest as oily hair but dry strands. This is due to natural sebums not reaching the length of your hair.

Try to use the recommended amount of shampoo and avoid overwashing or washing too often. When you do use shampoo, always follow through with a conditioner to keep moisture locked in.

Does the Type of Shampoo Affect How Much to Use?

There are different types of shampoo in the market that cater to different types of hair. Don’t make the shampoo mistake of using the wrong type of product on your hair. Here are the common shampoos below and how they are often used:

A general-purpose shampoo is designed for people with normal hair. A nickel-sized amount is sufficient for most people.

There are shampoos specifically designed for people who have color-treated hair. These contain gentle cleansers that will not strip away the color from your hair. Apply a nickel-sized amount and use it two to three times a week.

If you have dry, damaged, and frizzy hair, consider getting a moisturizing shampoo. It has oils and humectants, and ingredients like Moroccan oil to moisturize your scalp. You may need a quarter-sized amount or more, depending on the thickness of your hair.

Organic shampoo is made with natural ingredients. They are gentle on the hair and scalp. It’s great for people with allergies or sensitive skin. You can use it like you would use regular shampoo.

Puracy’s shampoo and conditioner are made with plant-based ingredients that gives you up to three days of non-washing window.

If your scalp is flaking, you may want to try an anti-dandruff shampoo. How much shampoo should you use depends on the thickness and length of your hair. Normally, you can see a quarter-sized amount two to three times a week or as directed by your doctor.

Dry shampoo is known for ingredients like talc, cornstarch, or rice starch that absorb your hair’s excess sebum. Spray it directly to your roots, holding the can about 4 inches away from your head. Divide your hair into sections to make sure most parts of your scalp are covered.

Medicated shampoo is used to treat a variety of scalp conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. It contains active ingredients such as corticosteroids, antifungals, or antibiotics. The amount of medicated shampoo to use will vary depending on the specific condition being treated. It is important to follow the directions on the bottle carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you still have unanswered questions about how much shampoo you can use depending on your hair type, check out this list below for more information.

• How can I conserve shampoo and how do I shampoo the right way?

Conserving shampoo can be done if you don’t use it on a daily basis. It is actually recommended to skip the shampoo sometimes and use just the conditioner on other days instead.

To shampoo the right way, make sure your hair and scalp are wet first. Put a decent amount of shampoo on the palm of your hand and start massaging your scalp while making your way through the ends of your hair. Gently massage from your scalp area to the tips of your hair. Rinse thoroughly.

• Is shampooing twice (double shampooing) necessary? Why and when do I need to do this?

Double shampooing means using shampoo twice in one shower or bathing session. The first shampoo is supposed to break down the build-up of hair care products, and the second shampoo will clean your hair and scalp better.

It is recommended for people who often use products like dry shampoo or hair wax.

• How often should I shampoo my hair?

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) says to shampoo once a day if you have oily hair. Puracy creates mild but effective plant-based shampoo and conditioner (and even dry shampoo!) for every type of hair. It has no sulfates and parabens, making it safer to use on your scalp and hair, whether you need to shampoo daily or a few times a week.

• Should I dilute my shampoo with water?

You can dilute your shampoo before applying it on your head. There is currently no clinical studies to support this practice but there is some anecdotal evidence saying it’s beneficial to people with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair.