If there’s one thing we’ll never turn down, it’s a hair hack that’s designed to help with shine, softness and silkiness. In fact, we’ve gone to extreme lengths in the past before to achieve those very things—if it can help our hair's hydration, glossiness or smoothness, we’ll try it.

So when one comes along that’s actually incredibly easily, we’re all for it. That's exactly what the 'shampoo sandwich' method is: easy. And it doesn't even require you to add a whole other formula to your shower shelf. It's all about the order you apply your products. Here's what you need to know...

What is the shampoo sandwich method?

The technique is simple: start by lightly coating your wet hair in conditioner, making sure to comb through for maximum saturation, then rinse. After that, shampoo and condition as usual, concentrating your shampoo on your scalp and your conditioner on your mid-lengths to ends.

It's referred to as a shampoo sandwich solely because you're sandwiching your shampoo application between two servings of nourishing, smoothing conditioner, which helps to protect dry areas from the stripping nature of shampoo while also working to limit overall frizz. 

Does the shampoo sandwich method work?

Short answer? Yes. The first layer of conditioner is designed to protect the thirstier parts of your hair while still allowing your shampoo to deliver a solid cleanse to the oilier, more congestion-plagued areas that need it.

Long answer? It depends a bit on your hair type. If your hair is dry, damaged or coloured, shampoo sandwiching is designed for you. Not only does it hit hair with a double dose of moisture and shield it from shampoo's oil-stripping nature, but it also helps to stretch the life of your hair colour, as it limits the amount of pigment that goes down the drain with each wash.

It's also especially helpful for anyone who deals with dry ends and an oily scalp, providing the perfect balance: smoothing goodness on those ends and a deep clean for the scalp.

If you have fine hair, however, using conditioner twice might be too much for you. You can still benefit from the sandwich method, but try going lighter on the initial application to keep hair from feeling heavy or greasy quickly.

What products work best for the shampoo sandwich method?

Here are a few of our favourite shampoo sandwich combinations. Remember: conditioner first, then shampoo, then conditioner again.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery

Step 1: John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Conditioner ($20.99 at Priceline)

Step 2: John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Shampoo ($20.99 at Priceline)

Step 3: Another coat of John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Conditioner ($20.99 at Priceline)

Kérastase Gloss Absolu

Step 1: Kérastase Gloss Absolu Insta Glaze Conditioner ($56.80 at Adore Beauty)
Step 2: Kérastase Gloss Absolu Bain Hydra-Glaze Shampoo ($48 at Adore Beauty)
Step 3: Another coat of Kérastase Gloss Absolu Insta Glaze Conditioner ($56.80 at Adore Beauty)

TRESemmé Moisture Rich

Step 1: TRESemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner ($15.99 at Chemist Warehouse)
Step 2: TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo ($15.99 at Chemist Warehouse)
Step 3: TRESemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner ($15.99 at Chemist Warehouse)

Main image credit: @melissa.hernandez

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