While you definitely want some natural oils to remain in your hair, not washing your hair will allow oil, dirt and grime to build up on your scalp. This can lead to a greasy appearance and unpleasant odours, as well as conditions such as dandruff and an itchy scalp.
You should only go a week without washing your hair if you have dry, thick, and/or coily hair—not because you can't stretch your wash-day out even longer, but because you really shouldn't if you're trying to prevent breakage, dryness, and irritation.
You might think it won't hurt, but washing your hair regularly is incredibly important for the health of your hair and scalp. "Shampooing removes sebum or oil that normally coats the hair shaft," says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.
Here are some potential effects: Buildup and clogged hair follicles: Over time, without shampooing, dirt, oils, and product residue can accumulate on your scalp and hair (1). This buildup can clog your hair follicles, potentially leading to hair thinning or even hair loss (1).
Scalp Issues: Lack of proper cleansing can lead to scalp problems such as dandruff, itching, or even infections due to the buildup of bacteria and fungi. Hair Texture Changes: Your hair may become more tangled, less manageable, and may even develop a different texture as oils and debris affect its condition.
Hair growth flourishes from a clean, healthy scalp. The bottom line is that dirty hair doesn't grow any faster than clean hair, so you may as well have a clean scalp and fresh tresses. Your strands will look better, feel better, and be healthier, too.
Despite the rave reviews of some vloggers, most hair professionals do not recommend the water only hair washing method. “Sebum is naturally quite waxy (and smelly), and water alone may not be able to remove the buildup which can be problematic for people with scalp conditions or a predisposition to scalp conditions.
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.
Existing skin problems such as acne and dry skin are likely to get worse over time and, as dirt and bacteria build-up, you'll be feeling the urge to scratch yourself more. Overtime this scratching can cause your skin to break, giving you a higher chance of developing an infection.
If you wash your hair too infrequently, you risk scalp problems that can even lead to hair loss.
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.
While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to shower more often). Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice.
You should wash most bras after about four wears, or more frequently if you have a particularly sweaty day. As for sports bras, you should wash them, or at least rinse them with warm water, after every workout.
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.
Skin infections on your scalp
“Going to bed with wet hair can also result in mildew, causing bacteria growth and a bad smell,” Cross cautions. You also might develop ringworm or dermatitis.
Believe it or not, the simple act of repeatedly wetting your hair alone can be bad for your hair. "Wetting the hair repeatedly (and then using heat to dry it) can weaken the cortex and cuticle layers of the hair," Longsworth says. "And if the hair stays wet for extended periods of time, hygral fatigue can be an issue."
Which Hair Types Benefit From Washing With Just Water? Water-only washing works best with curly, coily, thick, and coarse textures that are prone to dryness. Chambers-Harris recommends following up with a deep conditioning mask or conditioner to seal in moisture after washing the hair with water.
“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.”
The quick answer to “does trimming hair make it grow faster” is no, it doesn't. Hair growth starts at the scalp, so trimming off the dead ends doesn't actually make it grow faster. However, it makes it grow healthier, which is crucial if you want long luscious hair.
While daily wetting may have its advantages, there are also potential drawbacks to consider: Moisture Loss: Excessive water exposure can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage, especially for those with dry or damaged hair.