You should only wash your hair when it feels unclean because washing too much can strip away the sebum secreted by the scalp, which is essential for healthy, shiny hair.
According to dermatologists, most people do not need to wash their hair every day or even every other day. The frequency of washing depends on many factors such as the amount of oil on the scalp, hair type, sweat, dirt, and styling products.
Oily hair makes many people uncomfortable and wash their hair every day. In fact, the sebum secreted by the scalp is very important for the hair. Washing your hair too often can be the main cause of hair weakening by stripping away this natural oil. At that time, hair can become dry, frizzy, dull, and difficult to style.
Shampoo has the effect of cleaning and removing excess oil, but overusing it can damage the hair. Shampoo can remove important oils produced by the scalp, making the hair and scalp too dry. To prevent this, people only wash the roots of the hair. The ends of your hair will be clean when you rinse the shampoo from the roots.
Dandruff can be a sign of over-washing. Dry hair, an itchy, flaky scalp, or dandruff are all symptoms of a very dry scalp. Seattle dermatologist Elizabeth Hughes, MD, advises people to avoid relying too much on cleansers, especially as they get older because their scalps are weaker. In general, you should only wash your hair when it is greasy and feels unclean to the touch.
There is no one-size-fits-all hair care method. How often you wash your hair and what products you use depends a lot on your body, lifestyle, and personal preferences. People with dirtier, oilier scalps may need to wash their hair more often.If you think you’re washing your hair too much, try cutting back to once a week or extending the time between washes by a day. Continue reducing the frequency of your washes each week until your hair and scalp feel comfortable.
Alternative shampoos or conditioners are also good options. You don’t have to throw out your favorite shampoo. If you want to cut back on detergents, try adding a different cleansing method to one of your weekly washes.
Hughes recommends switching up your shampooing routine for at least a month to see if it works. This gives your hair and scalp time to adjust. Some alternatives to traditional shampoo include:
Dry shampoo: A powder or spray shampoo that doesn’t actually clean your hair. Instead, it absorbs some of the oil and prevents it from looking greasy. This product is recommended for people who can’t wash their hair or want to go longer between washes.
Conditioner: Many brands make products that can wash and condition hair without the need for regular detergents. According to Hughes, washing with conditioner alone is most beneficial for curly, wavy, or dry hair. Once you’ve applied the product, comb through your hair and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing as usual.
Water Only: Washing your hair with water without shampoo still removes dirt and sweat, but it doesn’t add the same amount of moisture to your hair as a conditioner or moisturizing shampoo.
