by Most of us are guilty of doing a quick online search to figure out how often we should wash our hair. Some of us give our locks a good brushing every other day, some every other day, and most of us weekly.
But a new TikTok trend that recommends not washing your hair for long is gaining traction, with one woman leaving 17 days between washes.
A woman using the username @emilyalexaander on the video sharing site finally posted a video of her 18th day washing her hair.
The social media user said it “didn’t smell bad” and also didn’t look particularly greasy;
There’s also an increasing focus on styling unwashed curls with hashtags like ‘dirty hair’ reaching 169.1 million views, while ‘dirty hairstyle’ has an incredible 19.7 million views.
So, is it possible to train your hair to need less washing? “Your scalp is skin, and you can’t train any skin to need less washing,” says Anabel Kingsley, a trichologist at Philip Kingsley. “Like the skin on your face or armpits, it is a living tissue that sweats, produces oil and sheds dead skin cells. Once your hair grows back, it’s dead tissue.”
This means you can’t actually train it to do anything. However, while you can’t train your hair to need less washing before it loses you, it’s worth paying attention to. to be Educate yourself to change your hair washing regimen. This can help reduce oil buildup that can hinder your quest for fewer wash days.
Read more: Are we washing our hair completely wrong?
What happens to your hair if you wash less?
“Initially, your hair gets dirty and your scalp becomes oily,” explains Kingsley. “The long-term consequences can be more serious. If you don’t clean often enough, your scalp can really take a toll on your health. For example, you’re more likely to get itchy, flaky, oily, and general irritations. Since scalp health is closely linked to hair growth, this has a knock-on effect on your hair. it could be.
What happens to your hair if you wash it more?
Generally speaking, shampooing every other day every other day is ideal.
“It keeps the scalp clean and healthy, which in turn promotes hair growth,” advises Kingsley. “Frequent shampooing also removes daily dirt and product residue from your hair.”
What is the best time to leave your hair between washes?
While TikTok might make us believe it’s 17 days, we actually need to be bubbling at least every day or two, according to Kingsley.
“However, if washing your hair more means you heat styling more often, you may run into problems with the condition of your hair,” she explains. “It’s about finding a balance. As a general rule, don’t leave more than three days gap between shampoos.”
To watch: Motorcyclist washing his hair with shampoo in the rain while waiting at traffic lights
So it’s not possible to train your hair to need less washing?
Unfortunately not. “Your scalp is skin, and similar care should be taken to the skin on your face,” explains Kingsley.
“Shampooing every other day every other day helps keep the scalp healthy and free from flakes, sweat and excess oil. For your hair, shampooing powder removes dirt and old product.”
Think of hair products as you do makeup, says Kingsley.
“You don’t leave foundation or blush on your face for days — and you shouldn’t leave styling mousse or hairspray in your hair for long.”
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How can you help your hair last longer between washes?
Kingsley recommends using a soothing, astringent scalp toner after shampooing to help regulate oil production. She recommends Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner, which contains witch hazel as well as anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory ingredients to help absorb excess oil.
“Once a week, apply an intense pre-shampoo treatment to your hair,” she adds. “Aside from your deep conditioner, apply an exfoliating scalp mask to your scalp. Like your face, your scalp benefits from gentle weekly exfoliation,” she continues.
Finally, Kingsley recommends applying conditioner only to the middle and ends of your hair. “Applying conditioner to your root area can weigh your hair down and make it limp and flat,” she explains.
The more you wash your hair, the more you need to wash it?
Not necessarily. “You’ll get used to the way your hair and scalp look and feel a certain way,” explains Kingsley. “Again, apply the same logic to the hair/scalp as you apply to the skin. Washing your face often does not mean you will need to wash it more.”
Now we’re at the bottom of the hair washing dilemma, here are some other barnet breaking myths…
Myth: Cold rinsing makes hair shinier
Cold rinsing can be refreshing, but they won’t make your hair shinier. “Cold rinsing can be bad for your hair, as it constricts the blood capillaries on your scalp that carry nutrients to each follicle,” explains Kingsley.
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Myth: Hair gets used to the same shampoo
You may think that you need to change your shampoo brand from time to time, but in fact, a shampoo does not lose its effect as your hair gets used to it.
“If your shampoo isn’t giving you the results you want, it’s likely that your hair condition and needs have changed,” explains Kingsley. “For example, you can have it cut, dyed, loosened, straightened or lengthened.
“Or the season may have changed, such as it’s wetter, the sun is stronger, or the air is drier. Your health status or hormone levels may also be different from your last illness or monthly cycle.”
Myth: Frequent shampooing makes hair oilier
No, that’s not true either. “You can tell the more you shower, the dirtier you get,” Kingsley says.
“Clean hair shows oil faster than already oily hair; similarly, clean clothes show dirt immediately, while dirty clothes need to be much more soiled before it becomes noticeable. This is a matter of individual perception.
“Just like cleansing an oily face doesn’t make your skin oilier, shampooing doesn’t make your scalp oilier. The things that can really increase oil production are hormones and stress.
