What should I put in my hair if I don't wash it?

Author: Dr. Devyn Collier  |  Last update: Monday, November 24, 2025

Answer: Try dry shampoo or baby powder to absorb oil, use leave-in conditioner for moisture, blow dry on cool to add volume, or use hair accessories to conceal greasiness.

What to put on hair when not washing?

Dry shampoos contain ingredients that absorb excess oil from your scalp and roots, leaving your hair looking fresh and voluminous. Simply spray on from an arms length, let it work in for a minute and then either brush through your hair or use your fingers to disperse the product on your roots.

How can I hydrate my hair without washing it?

Another option is to use a spray bottle to spritz your hair with water or a mixture of water and aloe vera or water and a light oil. If you choose to use only water, seal that hydration into your hair by applying a natural oil, like jojoba oil, afterward.

What can I use instead of not washing my hair?

Rice Water Rinse

Rice water has gained popularity as a natural shampoo alternative due to its nourishing and strengthening properties. Rice water rinses are rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that promote healthy hair growth, strengthen the hair strands, and improve overall hair texture.

How do you take care of your hair if you don't wash it?

On non-wash days, there are several strategies you can use to keep your hair looking fresh and stylish: Dry Shampoo: Use dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and add volume. Spray it onto the roots, let it sit for a few minutes, and then brush it out. Buns and Braids: Consider styling your hair in a bun or braid.

Why you will never get ‘That Hair’. (I tried for 10 years, brutally honest)

How long can hair go without washing?

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.

How can I refresh my hair without washing it?

To deodorize your hair without washing it, opt for a dry shampoo or hair refresher spray. These products not only absorb oil but also leave behind a subtle fragrance that neutralizes any unwanted odors. Keep a travel-size dry shampoo in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day.

What is a good substitute for hair wash?

If yours is short to medium length, use one teaspoon of baking soda and vinegar in one cup of water. If your hair doesn't seem clean enough once it's dried, use more soda next time. You can also use white vinegar; its smell dissipates quicker than ACV, but neither lingers after rinsing and drying.

What did people use before shampoo?

Before the advent of modern shampoos, people used a variety of natural ingredients and traditional methods to cleanse and care for their hair, including:
  • Herbs and plant extracts.
  • Natural soaps and oils.
  • Egg and milk mixtures.
  • Ash and clay.
  • Honey and vinegar rinses.

What shampoo for greasy hair?

Best for greasy ends and oily scalps: Redken Amino Mint Scalp Cleansing Shampoo. Why it's Vogue-approved: If greasy roots have left your hair feeling itchy and uncomfortable, try this soothing shampoo. Peppermint extract cools any heat while an amino acid complex encourages better, more balanced scalp health.

What to do on days you don't wash your hair?

Answer: Try dry shampoo or baby powder to absorb oil, use leave-in conditioner for moisture, blow dry on cool to add volume, or use hair accessories to conceal greasiness.

How to rehydrate your hair?

9 Top Tips for Repairing Dry Hair
  1. Cut Back on the Use of Heat.
  2. Use Moisture-locking Oils.
  3. Apply a Hair Mask Twice a Week.
  4. Get a Haircut or Trim.
  5. Use Moisturizing Ingredients in the Shower.
  6. Wash Less Frequently.
  7. Let Your Natural Color Shine.
  8. Block Those Sun Rays.

What is the best dry shampoo?

Bestselling Dry Shampoo
  • Living ProofPerfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo. ...
  • amikaPerk Up Plus Extended Clean Dry Shampoo. ...
  • OribeGold Lust Dry Shampoo. ...
  • IGKFirst Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo. ...
  • KérastaseFresh Affair Fine Fragrance & Oil-Absorbing Dry Shampoo. ...
  • Bumble and bumblePrêt-à-powder Dry Shampoo.

How to moisturize hair on no wash days?

Dry Conditioner: Yes, you read that right. Dry conditioner is not as well-known as dry shampoo, but definitely a game changer if you think your hair feels a little more dull or drab on your non-wash days. Dry conditioner is a great way to add back in some softness, and tame flyaways without being heavy.

How to revive greasy hair without washing?

For many of us, oily roots are the biggest challenge when it comes to second-day hair. Luckily, there are some quick fixes to help freshen up greasy hair without washing it. If your roots are looking greasy, use dry shampoo or blotting paper to absorb excess oil.

What is the no poo method?

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.

What can I put in my hair if I don't wash it?

Turn to dry shampoo for help

Get clean hair without washing it by using dry shampoo. As the name implies, you don't need water when using dry shampoo. Just spritz on your hair, focusing on your roots, and let the dry shampoo absorb excess oil on your hair and scalp.

Which is the best homemade hair conditioner?

The Best 5 Natural Conditioners for all Hair Types
  1. Banana. Banana is an incredible moisturising ingredient suitable for treating dry, damaged hair prone to frizziness. ...
  2. Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  3. Yogurt. ...
  4. Aloe Vera. ...
  5. Classic Coconut.

How do I detox my hair?

HOW TO DETOX YOUR HAIR AT HOME
  1. Gently cleanse with a detox shampoo. ...
  2. Remove product build-up with a scalp scrub. ...
  3. Use a hair mask. ...
  4. Protect your hair when you use heat styling tools. ...
  5. Repair split ends with a small trim.

How can I keep my hair healthy without washing it?

Use an exfoliator, like a scalp scrub or massager, to bust through hard-to-remove buildup. Keep conditioner away from your roots; apply only to your ends if you have fine or oily hair. Skip hot water to avoid drying out your scalp and creating more oiliness.

What is the 123 gel method?

The 1-2-3 gel method is a hair-care and styling technique that moisturizes your hair and locks in hydration by layering three different gels over a cream styling product. While you may think that gels will give your curls a hard look and feel, the cream-styler works as a base to keep your strands moisturized.

How can I make my hair silky without washing it?

Try hot oil treatments. Warm any of the oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or castor oil, and gently massage it into your hair for a few minutes.

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