Maybe you’ve heard that washing your hair less is better for your hair. Or maybe you’re considering giving up shampoo in search of healthier, better-looking hair. Keeping your hair clean is a simple task, but how often should you wash your precious hair? Let’s explore this question today.
Should you wash your hair every day?
Many people like to wash their hair every day because of the refreshing feeling they get after washing their hair. But is it really necessary, or even right, to shampoo your hair every day? You can actually think of washing your hair like washing your face: it’s an essential part of your daily life, but over-washing can destroy the healthy oils in your scalp that help nourish your hair.
Shampooing too often can cause real damage to your hair. Washing your hair too often can make it dry and brittle and lead to scalp irritation. When hair is wet, it swells and becomes more fragile, and shampoo or conditioner can damage the outer layer of the hair cuticle. When hair is dry, it doesn’t completely flatten out, which can make hair look dull, harder to comb and increase split ends, and women with sensitive scalps should be extra careful.
But if you don’t wash your hair often enough, the oil in your scalp will build up. This can lead to greasy hair and dandruff.
How often should you wash your hair?
How often you should wash your hair depends on a number of factors, and everyone washes their hair at different intervals. Most people tend to wash their hair every other day or every two to three days. But there are a variety of factors that can affect how often you wash your hair.
Factors affecting the frequency of hair washing.
1. Hair length
Oil glands, also known as sebaceous glands, are found only on the scalp. This oil (or sebum) needs to run along each hair strand all the way to the ends in order to moisturize it. This is why long hair often becomes dry, and usually the longer your hair is, the drier the ends.
2. Hairstyle
Curly, coarse hair tends to be much drier than silky, straight hair. With curly hair, it’s harder for the oil from your scalp to moisturize the ends of your hair. So, if your hair is dry, you should wash it less often.
3. Age
As you age, the oil glands in your scalp become active to varying degrees. Because oil glands are controlled by androgens, younger people usually have more active oil glands because their hormone levels are higher.
4. Ethnic background
The race is also another major determinant in determining how often to wash your hair. African-Americans in particular have very dry hair and if they wash their hair often, their hair can become dry and brittle, leading to breakage, and in these cases, she recommends not washing it daily.
5. Frequency of exercise
If you exercise regularly and sweat a lot, you may be wondering if you should always wash your hair after exercise. But even if you exercise every day, you don’t need to wash your hair every day. You’ll want to consider your hair type, texture and the amount of oil you typically produce.
How do you know if you’re washing your hair too often or too little?
You may experience the following conditions.
● Dry, brittle hair.
● Hair breakage.
● Dry, irritated or itchy scalp.
● Increased hair loss
●Infrequent washing can lead to dandruff problems, also known as seborrhea dermatitis.
In these cases, people may need a medicated shampoo, either over-the-counter or prescription.
How do I shampoo my hair to get the best results?
Although washing your hair is something we do regularly, you may still make some common mistakes that can affect the look and feel of your hair.
● When washing your hair, you don’t need as much product – just a shampoo the size and volume of a raspberry will do.
● There’s also no need to change your shampoo every once in a while; hair actually likes consistency.
● Be sure to use conditioner. If you don’t use conditioner, your hair will be harder to comb, which can lead to more damage, and conditioner will keep your hair healthier. When using conditioner, avoid applying it to your scalp – starting from your ears and working down – because applying too much product may cause your scalp to look oilier.
Tips for using less shampoo
1. Use a dry shampoo. Dry shampoos can be an effective way to remove oil from your scalp between washes, but they are not a substitute for traditional shampoo, just a way to lengthen your wash cycle.
2. Focus on conditioning treatments. For people with longer hair, it’s best to focus treatments on the ends, and some people also like to use coconut, olive or jojoba oil – but don’t overdo it.
3. Reduce the use of styling products. Styling products can build up on your hair and scalp, which can irritate, damage and make your hair greasy. If you use a lot of styling products, use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month to remove the buildup
Conclusion
You may have heard the saying that if you don’t wash your hair often enough, your oil glands will become less active and produce less oil, which is not true. The sebaceous glands and their oil production are controlled by hormones. Washing your hair does not have an effect. If you have been thinking about washing your hair less often, trying to extend the time between washes by one day or trying a weekly wash, it may take some time for your scalp and hair to adjust.
Remember that your hair has its own personality and different needs, which makes it unique.