Washing the hair less often can help the scalp remain healthy, prevent itching and flaking, and keep the hair soft and shiny. People with very oily scalps may develop acne on the scalp or along the hairline and may need to wash their hair more frequently to keep their hair looking clean.
Washing hair less reduces the risk of breakages and helps hair grow that way. However, this does not mean it is growing faster, just that your ends are not breaking off and halting your progress.
It's best to prevent your hair from becoming too greasy to keep the scalp healthy. Sebum is the natural oil produced by the scalp that helps keep the skin moisturised and healthy. However, if the scalp starts to become built up with excess oil and grease, this can lead to itching, redness, and dandruff.
Use shampoo only two to three times a week. Reduce your shampoo use to only two to three times a week so you do not dry out or overwash your hair. This will allow your hair to stay strong and healthy, leading to better long term growth.
There's actually no evidence that washing your hair more or less often can help grow your hair faster. But washing can help keep your scalp exfoliated and less prone to clogged pores (which, reminder, can hinder hair growth and even contribute to hair loss.
“There are too many variables to set one rule,” Jessica J. Krant, a cosmetic and medical dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York said in an interview. “I believe hair can be washed anywhere from daily to once every two weeks, depending on hair and skin type, hairstyle and lifestyle.”
Going cold-turkey from shampoo to the water-only (WO) method may result in a particularly oily transition, so try alternating with another detergent-less method until your scalp calms down. Over time, many people find that their hair actually becomes less greasy as their scalp's oil production normalizes.
When hair is healthy, the natural oils in the cuticle – the outer layer of hair – nourish and protect the inner layers. These oils also reflect light, giving your hair shine and lustre. In dry hair, this moisturising outer layer breaks down, and your hair starts to look dull and unhealthy.
IS DANDRUFF SHAMPOO BAD FOR MY HAIR? Let's bust a myth: Dandruff shampoo is not bad for your hair. In fact, research has found that having dandruff is bad for your hair. So, if you don't regularly or even occasionally help your scalp fight against dandruff, your hair could suffer.
On the other hand, there are some benefits to not washing your hair unnecessarily. Over-washing strips your hair of its natural oils, causing it to become dull, dry and brittle.
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.
According to Curlkeeper, less than 20% of people have curly hair, making it a rare hair type. However, curly hair comes in all kinds of different styles starting with super coiled curls to slightly wavy. Curly hair requires work to maintain and take care of it, making it hard for some to stick to the routine.
Co-washing is the act of washing your hair solely with conditioner or a cleanser that has more moisturizing ingredients and no harsh foaming agents or sulfates. If your hair is curly, coily, textured or very dry, there's a good chance you could benefit from incorporating co-washing in your haircare routine.
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.
"Regular washing, or about once every one to two weeks, is recommended to maintain cleanliness and a healthy sleep environment," says Harris. Once a week if you don't use a top sheet. Once a month if you do. Once a week if you don't use a top sheet.