Discover the benefits of not washing your hair daily, from protecting it from dryness and breakage to naturally boosting shine and preserving hair color, plus debunking common hair washing myths.
Okay so, you know how you’re constantly bombarded with ads telling you to wash your hair every single day? It almost feels like a crime *not* to, right? But what if, just what if, all that shampooing isn’t actually doing your hair any favors?
We’re going to explore some of the perks of hitting pause on the daily wash, and discuss why less might actually be more when it comes to keeping your locks healthy and happy.
Frequent shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils, impacting its health and natural shine. Washing it everyday might be excessive for some.
Here’s a collection of benefits you could experience by not shampooing your hair on a daily basis:
Benefits of Not Washing Hair Daily
A lot of people are in the habit of washing their hair daily, and that’s why we’re here to let you know the benefits of not washing your hair everyday, including:
1. Protecting Your Hair From Dryness
Your scalp produces natural oils that help keep your hair moisturized and healthy, but, daily washing can strip these oils away, leading to dryness, I remember when I first started experimenting with different shampoos I had to switch because my hair became really dry and brittle. Over-washing makes your hair more prone to breakage and split ends.
2. More Shine, Naturally
By preserving those natural oils, your hair naturally shines, looking healthier. We’ve noticed that our hair looks its best a day or two after washing, it has that natural gleam that’s hard to replicate with products.
Experts recommend using a soft bristle brush to distribute the oils from the roots to the ends. This boosts shine, while gently massaging the scalp to stimulate oil production.
3. Easier Styling
Clean hair, it can be too slippery, right? It’s often harder to style. Hair that hasn’t been washed daily tends to hold styles better, so not washing your hair daily while maintaining its moisture level can make it much easier to manage.
However, for oily hair, it can become excessively oily, as the oil secretions from the scalp increase, contributing to increased oiliness of the hair, that’s why one of the advantages of not washing your hair everyday is allowing it to breathe, which makes the process of refreshing your hair easier.
Here’s a tip for you, try experimenting with dry shampoo on the second day, it’ll help you absorb oils without stripping them completely, plus, volumizing your hair can be easily achieved with it.
4. Preserving Hair Color
Shampooing your hair frequently can speed up the fading of hair color, causing it to lose its vibrancy. Shampoo isn’t the only culprit; certain brands and especially those expensive salon treatments.
For colored hair, especially, it’s recommended to use a sulfate-free shampoo and ensure that the water temperature is moderate and not hot.
5. Less Breakage
It’s true that shampoo removes dirt from your hair and cleanses it, but excessive cleansing can make your hair more prone to breakage. Scalp oils can protect the follicles and boost hair health. By not washing it every day you’re actually allowing those oils to do their job.
After skipping a wash day or two, you might want to reach for products that work to supplement any excess oil produced by your scalp.
On the next day, prior to shampooing, ensure you gently brush your hair to eliminate any tangles.
Now, a critical aspect that’s often overlooked, and not originally in the article, is how environmental factors, like air pollution and sun exposure, can impact your hair’s health between washes. Incorporating hair-friendly habits, like using a UV protectant spray and wearing a hat on sunny days, can prevent sun damage and color fading; or using a clarifying shampoo or doing a hair mask for deep scalp cleanse occasionally can do wonders! Similarly, if you live in a highly polluted area, consider rinsing your hair with water more frequently or using a gentle cleansing conditioner to remove surface pollutants without stripping your hair.
Myths You Might Believe About Washing Your Hair
Now that we’ve taken a look at not washing your hair everyday, here are a few myths you might believe about not washing your hair everyday:
- Using different hair products frequently is always good: Using different hair products every now and then isn’t always a good idea.
- Washing hair with hot water is fine: Washing your hair with hot water may cause dryness and leave it dull.
- Skipping hair masks and oil treatments before shampooing: Before shampooing, use hair masks and oils.
- Skipping hair balm after shampooing: Use hair balm after shampooing to help condition and moisturize your hair.
Key takeaways
- Less frequent washing can help maintain your hair’s natural oils.
- It can contribute to vibrant hair color and ease in styling.
- Reducing washing frequency may lead to healthier and more manageable hair.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is it unhygienic to not wash your hair everyday?
Not necessarily. For most people, skipping a day or two of shampooing doesn’t lead to hygiene issues. It really depends on your hair type and lifestyle.
Will my hair get used to not being washed as often?
Yes, it might! Your scalp may eventually regulate oil production, meaning your hair won’t get as greasy as quickly.
Can not washing my hair cause dandruff?
In some cases, infrequent washing can lead to a buildup of oils and dead skin cells on the scalp, potentially causing dandruff. However, this isn’t the case for everyone.
What if my scalp feels itchy?
If your scalp feels itchy, it could be due to product buildup or dryness. Try using a clarifying shampoo occasionally or massaging your scalp with oil before washing.
Will my hair smell if I don’t wash it every day?
Not necessarily. Unless you’re sweating heavily or exposed to strong odors, your hair shouldn’t smell bad if you skip a day or two of washing.
Testimonials
I used to think I needed to wash my hair every single day, but after reading an article about how it can strip your hair of its natural oils, I decided to try washing it every other day, and I noticed a huge difference in my hair’s shine and overall health.
I have colored hair, and I was so frustrated with how quickly the color was fading, so I decided to cut back on shampooing, and now my hair color lasts so much longer!
I have always had oily hair, so I thought I needed to shampoo every day, but I realized that the more I washed it, the oilier it got. Now I only shampoo every other day, and my hair is so much more balanced.
So, there you have it, a few good reasons to maybe, just maybe, rethink that daily shampoo. Listen, I get it, old habits die hard. I was totally brainwashed into thinking squeaky-clean hair was the only way to go, but, after trying out this “less is more” thing, my hair’s thanking me. Who knows, maybe yours will too?
