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.