How Often Do You Really Need To Wash Your Hair?
Freshly washed hair is one of the best feelings—there’s no denying that! But what if your hair care routine is actually doing more harm than good? Walking around with unwashed hair can be uncomfortable, but studies suggest that the longer you go without shampoo, the less oily your hair will be.
But when you do have to wash your hair, how often should that be? And what damage can be caused with over-washing? Below are a few hair care tips to consider when figuring out the best wash schedule for your hair goals and which practices to avoid for stronger ends.
So, if you’ve been scheduling your washes around your hair’s production of oil, you might be overdoing it, especially if your scalp is getting oily sooner. The more oil you strip away with sulfate-based shampoos, the more your scalp will try to overcompensate by producing more. It’s a vicious cycle!
A general rule is that the thinner the hair, the oilier it tends to get, so you’ll probably have to wash it more often. If the oil production becomes uncomfortable or if your hair develops a noticeable smell, then it’s probably time for a wash. Most professionals suggest waiting at least 2-3 days before a wash, even longer if your hair can withstand it!
Finding the right amount to wash your hair depends on a variety of physical and lifestyle factors, but the consensus is to avoid washing every day. Instead, understand your hair’s texture and stay away from sulfate-based shampoos. Your hair deserves the same love and care as any other part of your body!
But when you do have to wash your hair, how often should that be? And what damage can be caused with over-washing? Below are a few hair care tips to consider when figuring out the best wash schedule for your hair goals and which practices to avoid for stronger ends.
Oil is Your Friend
An oily head of hair doesn’t feel great, but don’t assume that just because your hair is oily that it needs to be washed. The production of oil is natural and necessary in keeping hair strong and healthy, not a bi-product of your hair being “dirty”.So, if you’ve been scheduling your washes around your hair’s production of oil, you might be overdoing it, especially if your scalp is getting oily sooner. The more oil you strip away with sulfate-based shampoos, the more your scalp will try to overcompensate by producing more. It’s a vicious cycle!
Everyone’s Hair is Different
When planning your hair wash schedule it’s important to recognize that everyone’s hair is different. If you have straight, thin hair, then you can’t follow the same wash habits as your friend with thick, kinky hair.A general rule is that the thinner the hair, the oilier it tends to get, so you’ll probably have to wash it more often. If the oil production becomes uncomfortable or if your hair develops a noticeable smell, then it’s probably time for a wash. Most professionals suggest waiting at least 2-3 days before a wash, even longer if your hair can withstand it!
Sometimes a Wash is Unavoidable
If you exercise regularly or have just finished a messy outdoor activity, then washing your hair sooner than 2-3 days is unavoidable. However, if you find that you can hold off for another day or so, consider using some dry shampoo before your next scheduled wash. This will help absorb some of the oil from your scalp without stripping any from your ends, leading to brittle hair.Finding the right amount to wash your hair depends on a variety of physical and lifestyle factors, but the consensus is to avoid washing every day. Instead, understand your hair’s texture and stay away from sulfate-based shampoos. Your hair deserves the same love and care as any other part of your body!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-often-should-you-wash-your-hair#factors
https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/how-often-should-wash-hair
https://www.flare.com/beauty/how-often-should-you-wash-your-hair/
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/24/fashion/how-often-should-you-really-wash-your-hair.html
