How often should you wash your hair? A question that interests many people and is the subject of very interesting debates! We often hear that we should avoid washing our hair too much at all costs... but how often should we really wash it?
The answer depends on several factors, including hair type, lifestyle, and personal preferences ... you are unique! LAO Care is here to help you understand your hair's secret language to find what's right for YOU.
Understanding and understanding yourself: that’s the key!
Understanding your hair type is the first essential step in adopting a suitable hair care routine. Your hair can be classified according to several criteria, including its type (thickness) and texture (shape).
At all costs, differentiate between the scalp (what touches the skull) and the hair (the lengths), because the mechanisms are not the same!
Oily scalp
Some hair types will get greasy more quickly than others, either because your body produces more sebum, or because your hair is fine so the sebum produced doesn't spread out too much and builds up.
The ideal frequency will be at least twice a week , ideally three times. Above all, do not force yourself to wash your hair only once a week, because the sebum accumulated on the roots risks damaging your scalp skin due to its acidic pH ... causing itching and other unpleasant symptoms.
If you suffer from dandruff, intense itching, or scabs, consult a dermatologist for the most appropriate diagnosis.
Balanced scalp
If your hair gets greasy after three to four days, it's a completely normal cycle! Sebum doesn't just come from you, but also from micro-particles of pollution in the air, or even from your fingers when you run your hands through your hair! Wash your hair as you feel, as soon as it looks dirty.
Thick, curly, frizzy, kinky hair
Textured and thick hair will generally stay clean for a very long time . Only the styling of the curls will unravel over the days. Wash your hair once a week ideally, to remove pollution and dirt... and take the opportunity to give it a goodnourishing treatment.
Factors influencing washing frequency
Environment and pollution
We hear a lot about it, but it's often invisible to the naked eye and affects everyone! Pollution damages your hair and irritates your scalp day after day, because the micro-particles create oxidize the fiber and sebum. The cleansing agents in shampoos will help detoxify the hair of these pollutants.
The MUST? Adopt a shampoo that protects the hair from pollution , like LAO cleansing treatments ! Their patented hemp technology protects the fiber from +50% of pollution and micro particles.
What frequency should athletes adopt?
Physical activity increases perspiration and can stimulate sebum production. People who exercise regularly or are very active may find that their hair becomes oily more quickly!
Hair products used
The hair products you use can also build up on your hair, weighing it down... making it look greasy. If this is the case, switch to lighter products , without greasy oils, for example (castor, coconut).
The best tips for washing your hair effectively
Steps to a perfect wash
-
Preparation: Before applying the shampoo, start by brushing your hair to detangle it and remove product residue and dust.
If your hair is curly, you can also detangle it in the shower, but only if you have a very effective mask or detangler!Detangle thoroughly, starting at the ends with a comb, then gradually work your way up.
-
Application: Lather a small amount of shampoo in your hands before applying it to the scalp in different areas : forehead, temples, back of the head.
-
Massage: Gently massage your roots with your fingertips to stimulate circulation and lather the shampoo, paying particular attention to the back and underside of the hair!
-
Rinse: Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly to remove all shampoo and conditioner residue.
Choosing a shampoo
Avoid certain ingredients that can be stripping, such as sulfates : Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Coco Sulfate, etc., but also silicones (dimethicone, amodimethicone, etc.) which unnecessarily weigh down the hair and pollute!
Choose your shampoo according to your scalp : Purifying for oily roots, Nourishing for thick hair... Take the LAO Care hair diagnosis for the best advice and find the hair care best suited to you.
Myths and Truths About Washing Hair
Washing your hair every day: good or bad?
Washing your hair daily is a real topic of debate! In reality, it largely depends on your hair and scalp type.
For people with oily hair or those who engage in intense physical activity, daily washing may be necessary to remove excess sebum and sweat. If this is the case for you, at least opt for a gentle natural shampoo !
On the other hand, for dry or normal hair, frequent washing with sulfate shampoos can dry out the hair and scalp , as it removes the natural oils necessary for their health.
The impact of washing frequency on scalp health
Washing too frequently with harsh products (sulfates, but also artificial perfumes, etc.) can cause dryness, irritation, and even dandruff, itching, or increased hair loss.
Conversely, insufficient washing can lead to a buildup of sebum, dirt, pollution and product residue, which can suffocate the roots , and cause inflammation... and again itching, dandruff...
Alternatives to traditional washing
Dry shampoos
Dry shampoos are a convenient solution for refreshing hair between washes, or even giving it a boost in volume. They absorb excess oil and impurities, and are removed after a quick comb-through. They can be found in spray or powder form, but they'll never replace a proper shampoo and water wash!
Protective hairstyles
Certain hairstyles, such as braids, buns, or low ponytails, can help reduce the frequency of washing by camouflaging the heavy effect of sebum. However, don't overdo it either, as we've seen, sebum buildup isn't healthy!
Source: Pinterest
The sleek bun, as they say in America, is particularly trendy right now! It's super simple to do and the perfect hairstyle to save a wash day.
In conclusion
There's no perfect answer to the question of how often to wash your hair: what matters most is how you feel. If you need to wash your hair every day to feel clean, then this is the right solution for you!
If you want to space out your washes because it is restrictive, it is possible, as we have seen, thanks to different techniques, and above all by taking the time to understand and test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you wash your hair after every workout?
You can either wash your hair systematically, provided you use a very gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, or rinse it with water between sessions to avoid the washing agents in shampoos. Perspiration is mostly water, not sebum. Therefore, there is no particular risk of sebum buildup that could irritate the scalp.
How to space out your hair washes?
If your hair is fine, you'll need to use a gentle shampoo to protect your scalp, as well as treatments with sebum-regulating active ingredients like nettle. If your hair is thick, it shouldn't be that greasy; you're probably using hair products that are too rich!
So, head to the Oily Hair Guide to understand everything and find the best tips!
Can you train your scalp to become greasy less quickly?
It really depends on the person! Each experience is personal, even if in theory the answer would be no. You can experiment by gradually spacing out your shampoos, but be careful not to leave too much oil either. Sebum left in contact with your scalp for too long can damage it and cause itching...
The solution most likely to work is to use shampoos based on active ingredients with proven sebum-regulating effectiveness, such as LAO Care Purifying Shampoo with nettle.
Is it good to wash your hair once a week?
If your hair is thick, doesn't get very greasy, and you feel comfortable doing it, then this is the right solution! On the other hand, if your hair is fine and tends to be oily, then wash your hair at least twice a week. If sebum builds up on your scalp, you may experience unwanted side effects: itching, dandruff, etc.
How often should you ideally wash your hair?
If your hair is fine and tends to get oily, try washing it 2 to 3 times a week. If it's thick, curly, frizzy, and doesn't get oily easily, you can wash it every week or even a little more, depending on what you're most comfortable with!
Is it good to wash your hair 3 times a week?
Washing your hair regularly won't actually damage it, unless you use harsh shampoos like those containing sulfates. In any case, opt for gentle, natural shampoos!
Is your hair fine? 3 times a week is fine. If it's thicker, it may not be necessary.
Leave a comment