How to Get Salon Clean Worthy Hair at Home

Posted by S2 Marketing on May 01, 2026

Do you ever step out of the salon with the most perfect, bouncy, glossy hair you've ever had, only to wonder why you can never quite recreate it at home? Want to know the truth? It's not just about skill. It's about using the right products.

At Paul Mitchell, we believe that salon-quality hair shouldn't be reserved for salon visits. With the right shampoo in your shower, you can lay the foundation for genuinely great hair, and that all starts with understanding what your hair actually needs.

Why does your choice of shampoo actually matter?

Shampoo is the first step in any hair routine, and yet it's often the one people pay least attention to. Many people grab whatever's on offer or stick with the same bottle out of habit without ever stopping to ask whether it's working for their hair type.

The right shampoo doesn't just clean your hair. It removes product build-up, balances scalp oils, maintains moisture levels, and sets up every other product you use to work better. Get this step right, and the rest of your routine becomes easier.

Shampoo One: the everyday essential

Paul Mitchell Shampoo One is one of those rare products that does exactly what it says on the bottle. It's a gentle, daily-use shampoo designed to work for most hair types, without stripping, drying out, or over-loading your hair. 

It cleanses thoroughly but gently, which makes it particularly well suited to:

  • Normal to slightly oily hair
  • Hair that's washed regularly (every day or every other day)
  • Anyone looking for a reliable, no-fuss everyday shampoo
  • Those new to Paul Mitchell who want to start with a classic

The formula is designed to be gentle enough for frequent use without leaving hair feeling stripped or dry. If your scalp tends to get oily quickly or you just like the freshness of washing your hair often, Shampoo One is a brilliant fit.

Pro tip: Work Shampoo One into your scalp with your fingertips (not nails) using circular motions. Let it sit for 60 seconds before rinsing, this helps the formula lift oil and build-up more effectively than a quick lather and rinse.

Shampoo Two: for hair that needs a little more

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two takes things up a notch. Where Shampoo One is your everyday staple, Shampoo Two is specifically formulated for hair that's dealing with heavier build-up whether that's from styling products, hard water, or simply hair that hasn't been washed in a few days.

It works especially well for:

  • Hair that's fine or prone to going flat
  • Those who use a lot of styling products (dry shampoo, hairspray, mousse)
  • Hair washed every few days rather than daily
  • Anyone who wants a really thorough, deep cleanse

The deeper-cleansing formula helps remove residue that lighter shampoos can leave behind, meaning your hair feels genuinely fresh rather than just rinsed. It's also great if you notice your hair looking a little dull or weighed down, a sign that build-up is affecting your natural texture and movement.

Pro tip: If you wash your hair less frequently, consider doing a double cleanse with Shampoo Two. The first wash removes surface build-up; the second lets the formula really get to work on your scalp and roots.

So, which one is right for you?

The short answer: if you wash your hair most days and your hair type is fairly normal, start with Shampoo One. If you use a lot of styling products, wash less frequently, or have fine hair that goes flat easily, Shampoo Two is likely to be a better match.

Still not sure? Here's a quick guide:

You wash daily or every other day → Shampoo One

Your hair is fine and tends to look weighed down → Shampoo Two

You use dry shampoo or styling products regularly → Shampoo Two

You want a simple, gentle everyday cleanser → Shampoo One

Your scalp gets oily quickly → Shampoo One

Your hair feels dull or lacks movement → Shampoo Two

And it's worth knowing: some people use both. Shampoo One on regular wash days, and Shampoo Two once a week for a deeper clean — a great combination if your hair responds well to routine variation.

Building the full wash-day routine

A great shampoo is just the beginning. To really get that salon-fresh feel at home, pair your cleanse with the right follow-up steps:

  • Rinse with cool water after conditioning. It closes the hair cuticle and adds instant shine.
  • Blot, don't rub. Towel-drying aggressively creates frizz. Squeeze gently or use a microfibre towel.
  • Apply styling products while hair is still damp. This is when hair absorbs them most effectively.
  • Use lukewarm water to wash, not hot. Hot water strips natural oils and can irritate your scalp.
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