Does your hair get used to products? [Why you don’t actually have to swap out your shampoo + conditioner]

There’s a common misconception that your hair can “get used to” products such as shampoo and conditioner, rendering them less effective over time. Convinced their hair needs something new, many people end up cycling through products, frequently changing up their routine in the hopes of achieving their desired results.

But here’s the truth: Your hair doesn’t adapt to products the way you might think. So, how often should you change your shampoo and conditioner? And is there any truth to this haircare myth? Let’s break down the science behind why consistency — not constant switching — is the key to healthier hair.

Can your hair get used to products?

The idea that hair can “get used to” a shampoo or conditioner is a long-standing myth — but science tells a different story. Hair itself is not a living tissue; it doesn’t have the biological ability to adapt or build resistance to the ingredients in your favorite products. Unlike your skin, which is made up of living cells that can adjust to external factors, hair is composed of keratinized protein, meaning it can’t change or respond to products in the way many people assume.

So, if your shampoo or conditioner seems to stop working, what’s really going on? Several factors could be at play. Changes in your hair’s condition — such as increased heat styling, seasonal shifts in humidity, or buildup from styling products — can all influence how your hair responds to a routine that used to deliver great results. It’s not that your hair has “gotten used to” products — it’s that your hair’s needs may have changed.

Non-product-related factors that can affect the condition of your hair

While your hair can’t “get used to” products, there are several external factors that can influence how your hair looks and feels. These factors — which can make it seem as though your go-to shampoo or conditioner isn’t working as well as it once did — include:

Environmental factors: Exposure to pollution, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions can weaken the hair’s cuticle, leading to dullness and dryness, or increased breakage. Over time, these stressors can make your usual products seem less effective.

Seasonal changes: Shifts in temperature and humidity can impact how hair behaves. Colder months can lead to increased dryness and static, while humidity can cause frizz and changes in hair texture, making it feel like your haircare routine isn’t keeping up.

Mineral content of water: Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, can create buildup along the hair shaft, making it feel stiff, limp, greasy, or less responsive to shampoo.

Chemical treatments: Coloring, bleaching, perming, or relaxing hair alters its internal structure, often making it more porous and prone to damage. This means hair may require more moisturizing or strengthening treatments over time.

Excessive heat styling: Frequent use of hot tools, such as blow-dryers, flat irons, and curling irons, can weaken the hair’s outer layer, causing dryness and breakage. As a result, hair may not retain moisture as well, making conditioning products seem less effective.

Product buildup: Over time, residue from styling products, silicones, and even certain conditioning agents can accumulate on the hair shaft, weighing it down or making it feel greasy. Depending on how much buildup has accumulated, it may seem as though your regular shampoo is less effective than usual. This is one of the rare occasions where changing up your haircare routine — in this case, swapping out your shampoo for a clarifying shampoo — can make a meaningful difference in the overall condition of your hair.

Age: As we age, our hair’s natural oil production slows down, often leading to dryness, changes in texture, and increased brittleness. In addition, years of chemical treatments, heat styling, and exposure to the elements can cause hair to look and feel damaged. The products that worked for your hair five or 10 years ago may not provide the same benefits later on.

Using the wrong products for your hair type and texture: Haircare isn’t one-size-fits-all. If the products you use don’t align to your hair’s unique needs, you might not see the results you’re looking for — no matter how long you use them. As a general rule of thumb, products that are lightweight work best for those with thin, fine hair, while heavy duty conditioning treatments, such as moisturizing masks, are best suited for those with thick or coarse hair.

5 things to consider when choosing haircare products

If you feel as though your shampoo, conditioner, or other products within your regular routine aren’t as effective as they could be, it’s likely that they aren’t suited for your hair type or aren’t formulated to address the particular challenge you’re facing.

To get the results you’re looking for, here’s what you should keep in mind when selecting haircare products:

Determine your hair type, texture, and porosity. Understanding whether your hair is thin or thick, fine or coarse, straight, wavy, curly, or coily will help you choose products tailored to your needs. Your hair’s porosity — how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture — also plays a role. High porosity hair benefits from rich, hydrating formulas, while low porosity hair thrives with lightweight moisturizing products.
Assess the condition of your scalp. Healthy hair starts at the scalp. If your scalp is oily, opt for a clarifying shampoo that can remove excess buildup without stripping the hair shaft. If your scalp is dry or sensitive, look for gentle, hydrating formulas with soothing ingredients. A well-maintained scalp microbiome can help ensure your haircare products work as intended.
Assess the condition of your hair. Is your hair dry, brittle, or prone to breakage? If so, you may need extra hydration or a strengthening treatment to restore your strands. If frizz is a concern, seek out products that will smooth the cuticle and lock in moisture. Assessing the condition of your hair and determining what challenges you face will help you choose products that directly target them.
Choose products without silicones or sulfates. Not all silicones or sulfates are inherently bad, but they can impact your hair’s condition over time. Silicones, especially non-water-soluble ones, can accumulate on the hair shaft, creating a barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the cuticle. This buildup can eventually make hair feel weighed down, dull, or dry. Sulfates, which are cleansing agents found in many shampoos, can be harsh, stripping away natural oils along with dirt and buildup. This can lead to dryness, irritation, or even overproduction of sebum as your scalp tries to compensate. Choosing sulfate-free shampoos and products with light, water-soluble silicones — or better yet, avoiding silicones altogether — can help you maintain an optimal moisture balance, keeping your hair looking and feeling softer and healthier.
Experiment until you find the right routine. Everyone’s haircare routine is unique, and it may take some trial and error to find the combination of products that work best for you. When testing products, pay close attention to how your hair responds to different formulations, and don’t be afraid to adjust your routine based on seasonal changes, styling habits, or evolving needs.

How often should you change hair products?

The truth is, you don’t have to change out your haircare products — that is, unless you want to. Since hair doesn’t adapt to products over time, sticking with a well-formulated routine that works for your hair type, texture, and concerns is always the best move. However, there are certain situations where swapping out or adding a product to your regimen might make sense.

For example, seasonal changes can affect your hair’s moisture levels. Drier air and indoor heating in the winter can lead to increased dryness and static, making a deep conditioning mask or leave-in treatment a smart move. Conversely, in the humid months, you might benefit from a lightweight, smooth styling spray or vanishing oil to help fight frizz.

The condition of your hair may also change based on styling habits or chemical treatments. If you’ve started to heat style your hair more frequently or recently had a color treatment, incorporating a reparative product into your routine can help maintain strength and prevent breakage.

Small changes to your routine — such as working out more or washing your hair less frequently — might call for an adjustment, such as adding a dry shampoo to your daily regimen. Even if you don’t make any changes to your usual routine, products can accumulate over time, causing your hair to look and feel dull, dry, or greasy. A weekly clarifying shampoo can help remove buildup, leaving hair healthy and refreshed.

Rather than unnecessarily replacing your entire lineup according to a set schedule, try taking a targeted approach: assess your hair’s condition, make small adjustments when needed, and prioritize consistency in your core routine.

Change up your haircare routine with Living Proof

Thinking about changing up your haircare routine? Living Proof offers the ideal solution for every hair type and texture. Silicone-, sulfate-, and paraben-free, all of our products are scientifically formulated to tackle even your toughest haircare challenges, keeping your hair looking and feeling soft, lustrous, and healthy.

Get your personalized lineup today with our free haircare quiz.