If your hair is extremely dry and not washed often enough, it can lose its natural moisture with age. According to stylist Rosi Fernandez, director of Ananda Ferdi it is not advisable to go for more than a week without
Not washing your hair for three months is generally not recommended. While some people may choose to go longer periods without washing for various reasons (like following a specific hair care routine), this can lead to a buildup of oil, dirt, and product residue.
This can lead to a greasy appearance and unpleasant odours, as well as conditions such as dandruff and an itchy scalp. Scalp build-up as a result of not washing your hair could also lead to the follicles becoming trapped, potentially affecting your hair growth and increasing the chance of ingrown hairs.
However, try to avoid daily washing, as it can exacerbate oil production. Normal Hair: People with normal hair can typically go 3-4 days between washes without any issues.
It depends on the person. Some people can go a few days without washing their hair before it gets greasy, however mine gets greasy the next day if I don't wash it. Maximum for everyone is 7 days and that includes the use of dry shampoo.
“Less washing and altered scalp hygiene may also predispose the skin to infections with bacteria or fungi,” Dr. Camp explains. “If certain scalp conditions are left untreated, such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, it is possible that associated inflammation could damage hair and impact hair growth.”
According to dermatologists, most people shouldn't be shampooing daily. So, depending on your hair type and the state of your scalp, you may be fine to wait a whole week or (gasp) longer before sudsing up again.
The consequences of pollution (and not enough washing)
According to Fernandez, when hair is washed less than twice a week, the follicles become clogged and this can cause a range of problems: scalp flaking, itching, sensitivity, dandruff, and even hair loss.
If your hair tends to be oily, you'll want to make sure your wash window is within 24 hours of your upcoming permanent or semi-permanent dye job. For normal-to-dry hair, that window can stretch up to three days between washing your hair and applying at-home dye.
Generally, she says "you should be showering, bathing or cleansing yourself every two to three days." Though, if you're working out or engaging in an activity where you are sweating a lot, you may have to shower more often. The biggest problem that may stem from not showering enough? The stink.
As with many hair care trends, certain hair types may see better water-only hair washing results than others. According to McDaniel, water-only washing “works best on thick, coarse, curly/coily textures or those that tend to experience dry scalp or hair.”
The no-poo (or “no shampoo”) method is a hair-cleansing technique that removes shampoo from the equation, says Yadav. Instead of using shampoo, followers of the practice use alternatives such as apple cider vinegar, a cleansing conditioner, or just plain water.
Not washing your hair enough can lead to dandruff, irritation, clogged pores, breakouts, and even hair loss over time, says Dr. Rubin, explaining that these issues are usually the result of buildup and residue from sebum, hair products, and dead skin cells.
It can take up to six weeks of not using shampoo to see the main benefits of the movement. Your hair may be greasy, to begin with, but this should settle down after some time. Your hair may not smell as fancy as it used to, but it will still be clean.
If you normally wash everyday, it'll take time to get used to washing it less. So start by going an extra day or two in between your normal washes. Rinse your hair with water in between shampoos and try to build up to once a week. When your hair adjusts you'll notice a dramatic difference.
"Semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair color can be applied to wet or dry hair, but wet hair application in not recommended for permanent hair color." Meanwhile, permanent color changes require a dry hair application. This could mean going lighter, or darker.
Post-color washing is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your hair. By cleansing and conditioning, salons help in closing the hair cuticles, locking in moisture, and preserving the smoothness of your locks.
**Stylist Preference**: Stylists prefer working with clean hair because it allows them to better assess the natural color and condition of your hair.
But before you give it a try, some warnings: Although it didn't happen to me, forgoing cleansing can cause some side effects like dandruff, an overly-sensitive scalp, and even hair loss (things that are reversible and often related to the hair's need to regain balance after giving up shampoo).
Poor hygiene: Habits like not washing your hair enough can lead to a stinky scalp. Pollution: Particles from the environment can attach to your hair, creating a bad smell.
Product Buildup: Without proper cleansing, daily wetting can cause styling products and environmental pollutants to accumulate on the hair and scalp, leading to a dull and lifeless appearance.
Go with your gut and preference, with one caveat. “Regardless of how your hair feels, though, don't go longer than 14 days, ever,” Lamb says, who doesn't buy into the total 'no poo' movement. From a medical perspective, Goh says some of her patients only wash their hair once a week.
So while your lack of washing might not contribute to hair loss, you aren't doing your hair health any favours. Leaving your hair unwashed for weeks on end, and the aforementioned gunk that accumulates, can damage hair follicles and in some cases, obstruct its ability to grow, which is not ideal [3].