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5 TIPS FOR USING NEW WASH

Expert tips for using New Wash straight from Hairstory educator, Wes Sharpton.

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Hairstory's lead educator Wes Sharpton walks through five essential tips for getting the best results from New Wash, Hairstory's detergent-free hair cleansing cream. He covers how to find the right amount to use, the importance of emulsifying with water, thorough massaging and rinsing techniques, why conditioner becomes unnecessary, and what to expect during the scalp transition period. Viewers will come away with a clear, practical understanding of how to wash hair without shampoo using a one-step routine that cleans and conditions simultaneously.

How to Use New Wash Correctly for Clean, Healthy Hair

Hairstory lead educator Wes Sharpton explains the five key steps for getting the best results from New Wash, a detergent-free hair cleansing cream that replaces both shampoo and conditioner.

1

Find your perfect amount

Think about the combined amount of shampoo and conditioner you normally use, and use roughly that much New Wash in one application. Start with a little more than you think you need, then adjust up or down over your next few washes until you find what works for your hair and scalp.

Pro Tip: New Wash replaces both shampoo and conditioner, so your starting reference point is the total of both products combined, not just your shampoo amount.
2

Splash in water to emulsify

Before massaging, add a splash of water to the New Wash in your hands or directly in your hair. This emulsifies the cream into a smooth, milky consistency that spreads easily and helps it draw out dirt and excess oil like a magnet — without stripping moisture from your hair.

3

Massage thoroughly into scalp and hair

Work New Wash into your scalp and through your hair, using a scalp brush to make sure it contacts every section. New Wash can only cleanse what it touches, so full coverage is essential. Because it's free of harsh foaming agents, it won't lather like traditional shampoo — that's normal.

Pro Tip: Use the scalp brush to get into hard-to-reach areas along the nape and crown. Spend at least 2–3 minutes on this step.
4

Rinse thoroughly

Rinse just as thoroughly as you massaged — a quick rinse isn't enough. Use the scalp brush again during rinsing to lift any remaining product from the scalp. Any residue left behind can make hair feel greasy, so take your time and make sure every section is fully cleared.

Pro Tip: Rinsing under the water for longer than feels necessary is a good habit when you're new to New Wash. Over time you'll develop a feel for when it's fully rinsed.
5

Skip the conditioner

Once you've rinsed out New Wash, you're done — no separate conditioner, detangler, or hair mask is needed. New Wash conditions as it cleanses, nourishing the scalp's moisture barrier while removing dirt, oil, and buildup in a single step.

6

Trust the transition period

For the first few washes, your scalp may produce a little extra oil or experience some light flaking as it adjusts to life without harsh detergents. This is completely normal. Stick with it — as your scalp recalibrates, your hair will typically become softer, smoother, and healthier over time.

Pro Tip: If you experience excess oil during the transition, try New Wash (Deep), which is formulated specifically for fine, oily, or transitioning hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much New Wash should I use?
    Think about the combined amount of shampoo and conditioner you normally use, then imagine applying both in one step — that's roughly the right starting point. You may need to use a little more or a little less as you learn what your scalp and hair needs. Adjust over your first few washes until you find the right amount for your hair type.
  • Why do I need to add water when applying New Wash?
    Splashing a little water into New Wash emulsifies it into a smooth, milky consistency. This helps it spread more evenly and work like a magnet to draw out dirt and excess oil from the scalp and hair — without stripping moisture in the process.
  • Why doesn't New Wash lather like regular shampoo?
    New Wash is a detergent-free cleansing cream that contains no harsh foaming agents, which is why it won't produce the lather you'd expect from traditional shampoo. The absence of sulfates and detergents is what makes it gentler on the scalp and hair — cleansing without stripping.
  • How do I make sure I rinse New Wash out completely?
    New Wash requires a thorough rinse — a quick pass under the water isn't enough. You should rinse just as thoroughly as you massaged it in, using a scalp brush to make sure every section is cleared. Any residue left behind can leave hair feeling greasy.
  • Do I still need to use conditioner with New Wash?
    No — New Wash conditions as it cleanses, so there's no need for a separate conditioner, detangler, or hair mask. It rinses away dirt, oil, and buildup while simultaneously nourishing the scalp's moisture barrier, functioning as a true all-in-one cleanse and conditioner.
  • What is the transition period when switching to New Wash?
    After your first few uses of New Wash, you may notice some light flaking or slightly more oil around your scalp — this is completely normal. Your scalp is adjusting to life without harsh detergents, and as it recalibrates, your hair typically becomes softer, smoother, and healthier over time.
  • Should I use a scalp brush with New Wash?
    Yes, using a scalp brush is strongly recommended both during application and rinsing. During the massage phase, it helps work New Wash into every part of the scalp — since it can only cleanse what it touches. During rinsing, it ensures no product is left behind, which can otherwise make hair feel greasy.