What is New Wash and how is it different from shampoo?

New Wash is a detergent-free cleansing cream that replaces both shampoo and conditioner in a single step. Unlike traditional shampoos, it does not contain harsh detergents or sulfates that strip the scalp's natural microbiome. It cleanses hair while maintaining the scalp's healthy bacterial balance, which Hairstory considers the foundation of strong, shiny hair.

What is Pre-Wash and when should I use it?

Pre-Wash is a pre-cleansing treatment designed to refresh, rebalance, and reset the scalp before using New Wash. It is especially useful for clients who are new to cream cleansing, have scalp buildup, or experience itchiness — and it is strong enough to remove silicone-based product residue. It uses a detergent-free micellar technology enriched with prebiotics, and can be used as frequently as every wash or as occasionally as once a season.

How do I apply New Wash correctly?

New Wash is applied using the ASMR method: Apply a generous amount (about 1.5x what you'd use for shampoo), Splash water in to emulsify, Massage the hair and scalp for a full 3 minutes, then Rinse thoroughly. Thorough rinsing is essential — Wes recommends rinsing as carefully as you would after a single-process color service. Using a scalp brush to help rake the product down the strand and out can also be helpful.

Which New Wash formula is right for my client?

Hairstory offers three formulas: New Wash (Original) for normal to thick hair, New Wash (Rich) for dry, coarse, curly, or color-treated hair, and New Wash (Deep) for fine, oily, or transitioning hair. The right choice depends on the client's hair type and scalp condition, and the formulas can also be used in combination with color boosts or Bond Boost for New Wash for additional benefits.

How do Hairstory's color boost products work and how long should they be left on?

Hairstory's color boost products — Purple Boost, Blue Color Boost, and a red-toned option — are mixed directly into 8 ounces of New Wash. Purple Boost neutralizes brassiness for blonde and silver hair, Blue Color Boost counteracts warm tones in brunettes, and the red version enhances and extends red tones. All are recommended to be left on for 3 to 5 minutes, though application time for red should be customized based on depth and porosity to control intensity.

What is Bond Boost for New Wash and who should use it?

Bond Boost for New Wash uses Hairstory's exclusive ProART technology to restore damaged bonds and strengthen hair from within. It is mixed into 8 ounces of New Wash, left on for 3 to 5 minutes, and rinsed thoroughly. While often associated with color-treated or chemically processed hair, Wes notes it is beneficial for almost all clients — including those with curly hair — since everyday heat and environmental exposure causes some degree of bond damage over time.

What is Hair Balm best used for?

Hair Balm is a moisturizing, smoothing, and defining product that functions as part leave-in conditioner and part curl cream. It is designed exclusively for air drying or diffusing — not blow drying — and can be used on wet, damp, or dry hair. It works well for curls and coils, and also for calming hair after a cut when weight has been released. Its wheat protein and soy protein content also helps regulate moisture in humid conditions to control frizz.

What is Undressed and how is it different from a salt spray?

Undressed is a salt-free texture spray that creates a beachy, voluminous effect without the dryness or crunchiness of traditional salt sprays. Instead of salt, it uses Acacia Senegal gum to thicken hair and reduce stickiness, along with rose hip fruit extract and rose water to prevent breakage and add hydration. It can be used on wet, damp, or dry hair, and delivers a light hold that still feels soft to the touch.

PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE 101

Name: Product Knowledge 101
Uploaded: 2025-12-17
Channel: Hairstory
Description: Hairstory's lead educator Wes and head of product development Alara Zeren walk professional hairdressers through the complete Hairstory product lineup in this in-depth Pro training session. From the scalp-balancing science behind Pre-Wash and the detergent-free cleansing cream New Wash to the col...

This seminar covers the uses, benefits and unique selling points of each Hairstory product, plus a Q&A with Hairstory Educator Wes Sharpton and members of the Hairstory Team. Can't make it? RSVP and we'll send you the replay!

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Hairstory's lead educator Wes and head of product development Alara Zeren walk professional hairdressers through the complete Hairstory product lineup in this in-depth Pro training session. From the scalp-balancing science behind Pre-Wash and the detergent-free cleansing cream New Wash to the color-boosting boosters, Bond Boost for New Wash, and the full range of styling products — including Hair Balm, Undressed, Root Lift, Powder, Oil, and Wax — each product is explained with application techniques, formulation insights, and ingredient breakdowns. Hairdressers new to the line will leave with the confidence to recommend and use Hairstory's sulfate-free hair care with clients immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Wash and how is it different from shampoo?

New Wash is a detergent-free cleansing cream that replaces both shampoo and conditioner in a single step. Unlike traditional shampoos, it does not contain harsh detergents or sulfates that strip the scalp's natural microbiome. It cleanses hair while maintaining the scalp's healthy bacterial balance, which Hairstory considers the foundation of strong, shiny hair.
What is Pre-Wash and when should I use it?

Pre-Wash is a pre-cleansing treatment designed to refresh, rebalance, and reset the scalp before using New Wash. It is especially useful for clients who are new to cream cleansing, have scalp buildup, or experience itchiness — and it is strong enough to remove silicone-based product residue. It uses a detergent-free micellar technology enriched with prebiotics, and can be used as frequently as every wash or as occasionally as once a season.
How do I apply New Wash correctly?

New Wash is applied using the ASMR method: Apply a generous amount (about 1.5x what you'd use for shampoo), Splash water in to emulsify, Massage the hair and scalp for a full 3 minutes, then Rinse thoroughly. Thorough rinsing is essential — Wes recommends rinsing as carefully as you would after a single-process color service. Using a scalp brush to help rake the product down the strand and out can also be helpful.
Which New Wash formula is right for my client?

Hairstory offers three formulas: New Wash (Original) for normal to thick hair, New Wash (Rich) for dry, coarse, curly, or color-treated hair, and New Wash (Deep) for fine, oily, or transitioning hair. The right choice depends on the client's hair type and scalp condition, and the formulas can also be used in combination with color boosts or Bond Boost for New Wash for additional benefits.
How do Hairstory's color boost products work and how long should they be left on?

Hairstory's color boost products — Purple Boost, Blue Color Boost, and a red-toned option — are mixed directly into 8 ounces of New Wash. Purple Boost neutralizes brassiness for blonde and silver hair, Blue Color Boost counteracts warm tones in brunettes, and the red version enhances and extends red tones. All are recommended to be left on for 3 to 5 minutes, though application time for red should be customized based on depth and porosity to control intensity.
What is Bond Boost for New Wash and who should use it?

Bond Boost for New Wash uses Hairstory's exclusive ProART technology to restore damaged bonds and strengthen hair from within. It is mixed into 8 ounces of New Wash, left on for 3 to 5 minutes, and rinsed thoroughly. While often associated with color-treated or chemically processed hair, Wes notes it is beneficial for almost all clients — including those with curly hair — since everyday heat and environmental exposure causes some degree of bond damage over time.
What is Hair Balm best used for?

Hair Balm is a moisturizing, smoothing, and defining product that functions as part leave-in conditioner and part curl cream. It is designed exclusively for air drying or diffusing — not blow drying — and can be used on wet, damp, or dry hair. It works well for curls and coils, and also for calming hair after a cut when weight has been released. Its wheat protein and soy protein content also helps regulate moisture in humid conditions to control frizz.
What is Undressed and how is it different from a salt spray?

Undressed is a salt-free texture spray that creates a beachy, voluminous effect without the dryness or crunchiness of traditional salt sprays. Instead of salt, it uses Acacia Senegal gum to thicken hair and reduce stickiness, along with rose hip fruit extract and rose water to prevent breakage and add hydration. It can be used on wet, damp, or dry hair, and delivers a light hold that still feels soft to the touch.