How Often Should You Shampoo Your Hair?
Are you washing your hair too frequently? Or do we need to be more regular? This article will give you the lowdown on this essential haircare step.
Few beauty queries can create polarising views as the one that succeeds the perennial inquiry of how often you should wash your hair. One group staunchly believed that daily washing your hair might harm your hair and make it brittle, while the other could not imagine living with greasy hair even for a day.
The answer lies somewhere in the middle. You do not want to strip away the protective layer of oil with harsh shampoos, but living with bacterial build-up on your scalp for a long time can also be a viable concern.
Scroll ahead to find what's the proper hair-washing routine for you.
How Often Should You Shampoo Your Hair - Know The Answers
Washing your hair doesn't necessarily mean stronger hair
Our hair is exposed to dust, pollution, and sweat daily. So whenever your scalp feels greasy or grimy, you can choose to wash your hair.
The simple answer to this million-dollar controversial question is:
There is no universal solution for all. It depends on your lifestyle and your scalp and hair condition.
If your scalp quickly gets oily or greasy, you can wash your hair daily or alternatively. If you have a normal to dry scalp, washing your hair twice or thrice a week might work for you.
We all are different, and you need to know your hair and scalp to decide what works for you.
However, it is essential to understand that natural oil in your scalp is necessary for your hair's health. Overwashing, especially when unnecessary, might make your hair dry and brittle.
On the other hand, for people suffering from dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, going long without washing your hair might lead to the growth of bacteria and worsen the condition.
Generally, people with super fine, thin hairs are more comfortable washing their hair frequently as they have excess oil build-up, which can weigh down their hair and make it look flat.
Some hair types might benefit from taking longer breaks from washing their hair
People with thick curly, or coarse hair can go longer without washing their hair. If you have a dry scalp and hair, it is advised to not wash it frequently as it can make your hair more dehydrated, brittle, and prone to break.
It is also better to not apply hair shampoo on the tips since they are dry and fragile. Instead, apply shampoo on your scalp and rinse it to wash the tips. The scalp produces natural oil, and shampoo captures it and removes pollutants and dust. But excess of this can ruin the natural balance of your scalp.
Colored hair should also not be washed daily. Instead, washing them twice or thrice a week will help the color to stay longer. You can also extend the life of colored hair by using a sulfur-free, moisturizing shampoo.
Hacks that can salvage your hairstyle between washes
A few hacks can keep your locks in prime shape between washes. Many innovative products are available in the market to disguise your greasy hair.
If you like to wash your hair less frequently but are not too comfortable with dry shampoo, you can rinse your hair with water and apply conditioner at the tips for soft, shiny hair.
Use a paddle brush to evenly distribute the natural oil, and cut down the greasy feeling between the washes.