Pure arithmetic: is it possible to wash your hair every day?

Can you wash your hair every day? “Yes, of course,” some will say. “No way,” others will contradict. No need to quarrel, both can be right. Let’s look at the issue in detail.

Can you wash your hair with shampoo every day?

The legend that you should wash your hair as little as possible comes from a time when most homes did not have hot water. They washed then, according to the current concepts of hygiene, rarely – once a week in a bathhouse or at home, heating water in pots. So the bath day was a serious event.

They washed mostly with laundry soap, because there were simply no shampoos then. The high-alkaline soap degreased the skin harshly and thoroughly, the hair was very dry, and the sebaceous glands needed at least a week to restore balance.

However, the idea of ​​washing your hair rarely has not only historical, but also ethnic roots. Owners of afro hair (a priori very dry) have become trendsetters in caring for curly curls, eliminating their daily washing.

So can you wash your hair every day? Yes, you can, and in some cases, for example, if the scalp is oily, it is even necessary.

“Today, hairdressers and trichologists are convinced that you need to wash your hair as it gets dirty, and this measure is different for everyone. That is, as soon as oiliness and pollution appear, it’s time to get the shampoo.

You need to wash your hair every day if:

  • you have oily scalp and by the evening the strands do not look too fresh;

  • you use a lot of styling products;

  • you play sports.

The main thing is that the shampoo is suitable for daily use. And do not forget to use the balm (conditioner) regularly as well.

What will happen if this is not done? Accumulations of sebum that are not removed in time, mixed with styling products, dust and sweat, can provoke itching, dandruff, not to mention the fact that the head will simply look dirty, and the hair will lose volume.

Other types of hair do not require daily washing. As a rule, this is simply not necessary. More about the possible costs of overzealous will be discussed later.

Find out how often you need to wash your hair by answering a few questions.

What happens if you wash your hair too often?

And now let’s talk about cases when washing your hair every day is impossible (or at least undesirable), and we will explain why.

Owners of dry scalp, curly (and therefore dry) curls, as well as those who wear braids or collect hair in buns, washing their hair every day is not only not necessary, but also not very useful for hair. Prematurely used shampoo degreases the skin, and if this happens constantly, there is not enough sebum to form a protective layer. As a result, there is an increased risk of problems associated with excessive dryness and dehydration of the scalp and hair, such as:

  • discomfort, itching, peeling of the scalp;

  • dull, brittle and tangled hair;

  • split ends.

So the frequency of hair cleansing directly depends on their type, structure, hairstyle, lifestyle – all this affects the rate of contamination of the strands. When building your care program, you need to take into account all these nuances.

Do you take good care of your hair?

Should I wash my hair every other day?

When asked whether it is necessary to wash your hair every other day, everyone again will answer in their own way. If after a day the hair looks greasy or untidy – of course, they need to be washed.

What you definitely shouldn’t do is purposely increase the interval. Focus on your own feelings, each person is quite capable of independently assessing the need for cleansing the scalp. You will see the hint in the mirror.

The desire to wash your hair more or less frequently is influenced not only by such key factors as the type of skin and hair. There are others – for example, seasonality. In summer, in conditions of heat and increased sweating, you want to wash your hair more often, even for those who usually do it every five days. And that’s perfectly fine, wash it every other day if you feel like it.

How often should you wash your hair according to their type?

Advice on how often to wash according to hair type is not a dogma, but it can serve as a guide for those who are building a competent hair care routine. An equally important aspect in matters of cleansing the scalp and hair is the right choice of shampoo.

dry

Dry scalp, as well as curly, stiff curls do not require frequent washing – two or three, and sometimes once a week is enough. “For dry hair, choose a shampoo with a mild detergent base. Sulfate-free products are perfect, also look for lipid-replenishing components in the composition to restore the protective barrier – they soften the scalp and prevent moisture loss, ”says the Vichy expert.

Soothing shampoo-care Dercos, Vichy

Gently cleanses the hair and scalp, while ingredients such as panthenol, apricot oil and glycerin prevent dehydration.

Shampoo Botanicals Argan & Wild Saffron. Nutritional Extract, L’Oréal Paris

This shampoo with nourishing oils is a good choice for those who want to gently cleanse the skin and hair without the effect of overdrying.

Fructis Triple Recovery Strengthening Shampoo, Garnier

Contains three oils (avocado, shea and olive) and triglycerides, which give this shampoo pronounced emollient, moisturizing and nourishing properties.

normal

Normal hair (more specifically, the scalp) usually does not require washing more than once every three days. But then again, everything is very individual. When it comes to shampoos, look for cleansing formulas with the moisturizing action that any type of hair needs.

Soft physiological shampoo-gel Kerium, La Roche-Posay

It makes curls shiny, soft and silky, perfectly cleanses the skin, while helping to avoid dehydration thanks to the glycerin in the composition.

Shampoo Fructis SuperFood Aloe. Hydration, Garnier

Aloe shampoo gently cleanses the scalp, helping hair retain moisture.

Shampoo “Luxury 6 oils”, L’Oréal Paris

This shampoo will make sure that the hair remains soft and silky after cleansing. Despite the oily composition, it does not weigh down the curls and washes the skin well.

Fatty

With oily scalp, you have to wash it every day, and the question of whether it is harmful or not is inappropriate in this case.

“On the contrary, infrequent washing of the head can lead to such a problem as the appearance of dandruff, since excess accumulated sebum is an environment for the growth of microflora. Therefore, you need to use products suitable for frequent washing, thoroughly cleansing the scalp, but at the same time not overdrying the skin, ”Altana Bazyleva, Vichy expert, is convinced.

However, it is quite possible that with a properly selected shampoo, the hair will be less polluted and the need for washing will occur less frequently.

Deep cleansing shampoo Dercos Nutrients Detox, Vichy

This gentle cleansing shampoo with detox ingredients – spirulina extract and absorbent charcoal – can be washed every day.

Regulating shampoo-care Dercos, Vichy

Salicylic acid shampoo perfectly cleanses the skin, helps slow down the production of sebum and prolongs the feeling of cleanliness and freshness.

Strengthening shampoo Fructis “Cucumber freshness”, Garnier

Shampoo with cucumber extract and B vitamins thoroughly and at the same time gently cleanses the scalp.

How to wash your hair with shampoo

You need to wash your hair correctly, with warm water – hot dries the skin and damages the hair, and cold does not remove sebum well.

  1. Lather some shampoo in your palms.

  2. Spread the foam over the scalp, massage it for 2-3 minutes. It is not necessary to apply the product along the entire length of the hair, flowing foam will be enough for cleansing.

  3. Wash off with warm water.

  4. If necessary, apply the composition again, but in a smaller amount.

  5. Apply balm/conditioner/mask to clean hair. Keep the allotted time.

  6. Rinse thoroughly.

  7. Rinse your hair with cool water.

Summary results

Is it bad to wash your hair every day?

Daily washing can be harmful under two conditions: if it is not needed and if you use the wrong shampoo. 

 

Under what conditions should you wash your hair often?

  • If you have an oily scalp type.

  • When using styling products.

  • If you exercise daily.

Can long hair be washed often?

Depends on the hairstyle. Loose long curls tend to collect urban dust and get dirty faster, so they have to be washed more often. Using moisturizing shampoos followed by a conditioner will prevent dryness that frequent shampooing can cause.

Who shouldn’t shampoo their hair daily?

For girls with dry, curly strands, it makes no sense to wash them often, as such hair does not get dirty quickly, and frequent washing can cause excessive dryness. As an option, sulfate-free shampoos or co-washing once every three days, plus once every two weeks – a good cleansing shampoo, are suitable. 

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