Shampoo One vs Shampoo Two vs Shampoo Three: Which Paul Mitchell Shampoo Do You Need?

Choosing the right shampoo is one of the most important steps in professional haircare — yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

While Shampoo One, Shampoo Two and Shampoo Three from Paul Mitchell sound similar, each one is designed to solve a very different hair or scalp concern. Using the wrong one can leave hair greasy, dry, flat or dull — even when you’re using salon products.

This guide breaks down the differences so you can choose the right shampoo for your hair type, lifestyle and needs.

Paul Mitchell Shampoo One: Gentle, Everyday Cleansing

Best for: Normal hair, fine hair, colour-treated hair

Shampoo One is an extremely gentle cleanser designed for regular or daily use. It removes impurities without stripping moisture or colour, making it ideal for hair that doesn’t need deep cleansing.

This shampoo improves manageability and adds shine, leaving hair soft, smooth and easy to style.

Choose Shampoo One if:

• You wash your hair frequently

• Your hair is colour-treated

• Your hair feels healthy but needs gentle cleansing

• You want softness and shine without heaviness

💡 Professional tip: Shampoo One is about maintenance, not correction. It’s perfect when hair is balanced and healthy.

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two: Oil Control and Freshness

Best for: Oily scalp, greasy roots, flat hair

Shampoo Two is a deeper cleansing shampoo designed to remove excess oil from the scalp. It’s ideal for hair that becomes greasy quickly or feels heavy at the roots.

This shampoo helps boost body and shine while training the scalp to stay fresher for longer.

Choose Shampoo Two if:

• Your scalp gets oily within 24–48 hours

• Hair feels greasy or limp

• You struggle with flat roots

• You need a cleanser that focuses on the scalp

💡 Professional tip: Focus Shampoo Two on the scalp only and use a lightweight conditioner on the lengths to avoid dryness.

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three: Build-Up, Chlorine & Hard Water Removal

Best for: Swimmers, hard water areas, mineral build-up

Shampoo Three is a treatment shampoo designed to remove chlorine, iron and mineral build-up that can dull hair and affect colour.

It’s especially beneficial for swimmers and blonde hair, helping prevent green tones caused by pool water.

Choose Shampoo Three if:

• You swim regularly

• You live in a hard water area

• Hair feels coated or dull

• Blonde hair looks brassy or green

💡 Professional tip: Shampoo Three is not for daily use. Use weekly or as needed, followed by a nourishing conditioner.

Shampoo One vs Shampoo Two vs Shampoo Three: Quick Comparison

Can You Use More Than One Shampoo?

Yes — and professionals often recommend it.

Many people benefit from alternating shampoos depending on their needs:

• Shampoo One for regular washing

• Shampoo Two when oil builds up

• Shampoo Three for occasional deep cleansing

The key is using the right shampoo at the right time, rather than one shampoo for every concern.

How to Choose the Right One for You

Ask yourself:

• Does my hair feel oily, dirty, or coated?

• Do I need gentle care or deep cleansing?

• Am I exposed to chlorine or hard water?

If you’re unsure, start with Shampoo One, then introduce Shampoo Two or Three only when needed.

Final Professional Advice

If your hair isn’t improving — even with salon products — the issue is often the wrong shampoo choice, not the quality of the product.

Choosing the correct cleanser can transform hair health, colour longevity and styling results.

👉 Explore our Start Here: How to Choose the Right Professional Haircare guide to build the right routine for your hair.