Why You Should Shampoo Twice — and Why Your Boulder Hair Deserves It
If you’ve ever wondered whether “lather, rinse, repeat” is just a marketing gimmick—spoiler alert: it’s not.
At Salon Freebird in Boulder, we recommend shampooing twice not just because it sounds fancy, but because it’s one of the easiest ways to get healthier, stronger, better-looking hair.
Whether you're a busy professional, a University of Colorado student, a mountain-loving adventurer, or a Boulder mama balancing it all, this simple shift can make a huge difference in the way your hair feels, looks, and holds color.
Let’s break down why two shampoos really are better than one—and why Boulder clients trust us to help them keep their hair at its best.
🧼 The Science Behind Two Shampoos
Here’s what’s happening:
First Shampoo:
Removes oil, dirt, sweat, and environmental buildup
Clears product residue (hello dry shampoo and texture spray!)
Preps your scalp for deeper cleansing
Second Shampoo:
Actually cleans the hair and scalp
Allows your shampoo’s active ingredients to penetrate
Refreshes your scalp’s natural balance without stripping it
When you only shampoo once, you’re mostly just removing surface dirt. When you shampoo twice, you actually cleanse, nourish, and reset your hair and scalp properly.
🌿 Why It Matters Even More in Boulder
Boulder living is amazing—but it also comes with a few hair challenges:
Dry mountain air can cause buildup and flakiness
Hard water can leave minerals behind on your scalp and strands
Outdoor adventures (hiking, skiing, biking) mean more sweat, dust, and sunscreen residue
Double cleansing helps combat all of that—giving your hair a fresh start every time you step into the shower.
🧴 Choosing the Right Shampoo (and Understanding Sulfates)
Not all shampoos are created equal—and not all sulfates are bad!
Sulfates are cleansing agents that help shampoo create that satisfying lather and remove dirt, oil, and buildup. But there’s a difference between harsh sulfates and gentle, hair-friendly sulfates.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Harsh SulfatesGentle CleansersSodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)Sodium C14-16 Olefin SulfonateAmmonium Lauryl SulfateSodium Cocoyl IsethionateSodium Laureth Sulfate (gentler than SLS but still strong)Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
At Salon Freebird, we customize your shampoo based on what your hair actually needs:
If you have color-treated, delicate, or smoothing-treated hair, we often recommend low-sulfate or sulfate-free formulas to protect your investment.
If you have oily scalp, heavy buildup, or need occasional deeper cleansing, a gentle sulfate-based shampoo might be just right to refresh without over-stripping.
We proudly use and recommend L’Oréal Professionnel shampoos because they offer a range of options—including low-sulfate and sulfate-free lines—so your hair gets the right care without compromise.
When you visit our Boulder salon, your stylist will personalize your home care plan based on:
Your scalp condition
Your natural texture
Your color, smoothing, or extension services
Your lifestyle (hello, Boulder outdoor adventures!)
And yes—we’ll teach you exactly how to shampoo twice properly, depending on the product you’re using.
💬 Common Questions About Double Shampooing
Will it dry my hair out?
→ Not when you’re using the right shampoo! We focus on gentle, hydrating formulas that cleanse without stripping.
Do I really need to do it every time?
→ If you use a lot of products, sweat a lot, or live an active Boulder lifestyle—yes. If you shampoo every day with very little buildup, you may only need to double shampoo 1–2 times a week.
Should I use the same shampoo twice?
→ Usually, yes. But sometimes (especially if you have scalp issues), we’ll recommend a “first shampoo” focused on detox and a “second shampoo” focused on moisture.
🌟 Why Our Boulder Clients Trust Salon Freebird
Our guests love that we don’t just give them gorgeous hair—we teach them how to keep it healthy and happy between appointments.
When you come to Freebird, you get:
Personalized product recommendations
Healthy hair education (like this!)
Custom color that lasts longer because your scalp and strands are properly cared for
Stylists who are always happy to explain the “why” behind what we do
🏔️ Boulder Living, Beautiful Hair
Whether you're hitting the trails at Chautauqua, studying hard at CU, chasing little ones around North Boulder Park, or living your best downtown Boulder life—your hair deserves the best care.
Shampooing twice might sound simple, but it’s one of the easiest ways to keep your hair fresher, cleaner, and more vibrant between salon visits.
And when you’re ready for professional guidance, Salon Freebird is here to help you take your hair health to the next level—with expert advice, custom treatments, and a welcoming environment that feels like home.
✨ Ready to Start Your Healthy Hair Journey?
✅ Book a custom color consultation online
✅ Schedule a scalp therapy or detox service
✅ Stop by to chat with one of our stylists about the right shampoo routine for you
📞 Call us at 303-997-5091 or
Beautiful hair starts with healthy hair—and healthy hair starts here, at Salon Freebird Boulder.