What happens if you don't wash your hair for 7 days? This is what hairdressers don't want to tell you!

If you've ever tied a knot in a hurry ponytail, put on a hat or simply looked in the mirror and said to yourself: “It will be fine for today,” You're not alone. Many people wash their hair once or twice a week, while others are forced by nature (read: dry shampoo lovers) to do it even more often. But what really happens when you don't wash your hair for seven days? Dr. Steven Line, a cosmetologist and spokesperson for the American Cosmetic Association, has the answer—and no, he's not advising you to move to the woods and forget about shampoo forever.

Not washing your hair: a crime or a secret path to a shiny mane?

“Not washing your hair for more than a week can be both good and bad – it all depends on your scalp and hair type,” explains Dr. Line. In practice, this means: if you’re lucky with your hair, your scalp will start producing natural oils that give your hair that Pinterest-shineThese natural emollients that our body so diligently secretes are actually a natural care mask – without packaging and without parabens.

In other words: your hair may shine like it did in a commercial, even though you feel like a character from a wilderness survival series.

Who can profit?

Do you have wavy, curly, or dry hair? Congratulations—your locks might be even more gorgeous if you give them some room to breathe (or oil, to be precise). On the other hand, if you have a more oily scalp, then you know that a seven-day wash break often ends in… a “glamorous” effect strand that sticks together like an abandoned candle.

Dr. Line also warns about other enemies of lush hair: frequent stress, poor diet, health problems – and yes, over-washing. Ironic, right? You wash your hair to keep it clean and healthy, but you're actually ruining it.

When the head becomes a biotope: bacteria, fungi and other mini-pests

Hair that goes a week without shampoo isn't necessarily happy hair. It starts to accumulate all sorts of things on your hair and scalp—grease, dust, dead skin, maybe even a bit of your last salad if you've had a really interesting week. The result? Itchy hair, a flaky scalp, and a smell that even your cat doesn't approve of.

“A moist, residue-filled environment can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus,” warns Dr. Line. Not only does this lead to irritation and potential infections—it can also trigger hair loss. Which, let’s face it, is not exactly what you want in a Saturday night hairstyle.

So, how much is too much (or too little)?

While it may be tempting to ditch shampoo in the name of “natural care” and gain an extra 20 minutes of sleep in the morning, common sense (and dermatologists) say otherwise. The key is to tailor your routine to your hair type and scalp needs. Some people can easily go a week without washing their hair, while for others, it’s a disaster before the week is over.

Wash wisely, not often

So next time you say to yourself “Would you go without today?”, ask yourself: What is my hair like? Dry, oily, wavy, temperamental like a cat in the rain? Maybe today is the day to give it a break. Or at least use dry shampoo – because compromises count.

Would you dare not wash your hair for a whole week? Do you have any secrets to how your hair survives without it? shampoo?