A bad haircut can ruin your whole day, but a good one can make you feel on top of the world. But how often should you wash your hair to keep it healthy and shiny? The answer is not the same for everyone as it depends on your hair type, style and activity level. Plus, the recent report of a cancer-causing chemical in some dry shampoos may have you rethinking your hair care routine. But don't worry, we've gathered expert advice to help you find the best hair care routine for you.
How often should you wash your hair? According to the words dr. Anthony Rossi, assistant dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, washing your hair too often can dry out your hair, while washing your hair too little can cause unpleasant odors and oil build-up. In this article, we'll dive into how often you should wash your hair, when to wash it, and what to do between washes to keep your hair clean and healthy.
Photo: envatoWhen to wash your hair
According to dr. Rossi, you should wash your hair once or twice a week. Chemical treatments such as coloring, permanent or hair styling products, can make your hair drier, so it's best to wash less than once a week to prevent breakage or brittleness and split ends. But if it's yours scalp very oily, you may need to wash them often, even daily. Age can also play a role, as our scalp produces less oil as we get older.
Photo: envatoYours too hair type and style can determine how often you should wash your hair. If you have thick, curly hair, washing too often can worsen dryness and breakage. Dermatologists recommend washing every two weeks to keep your scalp and hair clean and healthy. On the other hand, if yours thin or straight hair, they also get greasy faster and require more frequent washing.
What to do between washes
Hair and scalp care doesn't just happen in the shower. There are also things you can do between washes to keep your hair clean and looking good while protecting it from damage. dr. Rossi emphasizes the importance of scalp hygiene, as you nourish the skin under the hair. Hair combing and scalp massage can help loosen dead skin cells. You can also use it for scalp care balm, which does not wash off, or oil for the scalp to nourish and moisturize the scalp.
Photo: envatoIf you exercise and sweat regularly, you don't need to shampoo your hair every time, unless there is an overgrowth of bacteria or your hair and scalp start to smell bad. It is enough to rinse the hair with water. Dry shampoos are safe for hair, but it is not recommended to rely on them too often. If your hair is very oily, you can use it occasionally, but it's best to wash it off to avoid build-up on the scalp.
If you swim in the pool often, chlorine can dry out your hair and make it brittle. You can protect your hair by pre-moisturize and conditione, wear a tight-fitting swimming cap and immediately replace any lost moisture with a shampoo and conditioner specially designed for swimmers.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should wash your hair. It depends on your hair type, style and activity level. Washing your hair too often or not enough can cause various hair problems, so follow the tips above.
