For shoulder length hair, we recommend a quarter size dollop of either the shampoos or wash out conditioners, Pearl Essence & Floating Lotus. For shorter hair, you may use a dime-sized amount. Because our products have no lathering agent, SLS, in them, it may be strange and different at first when you are trying to wash your hair with them. If mixed with a little water beforehand using a 50:50 ratio it may be easier to apply directly onto the scalp and to spread through the hair. A spray or applicator bottle is a nice alternative in this case as you may target specific areas around your scalp and hair.