Clean hair is one of the best feelings in the world! Your hair looks shiny, healthy, and clean. But, there's much more going on when you wash your hair than what meets the eye. You are also cleaning your scalp, which is crucial for keeping hair follicles healthy. How often should you wash your hair? Some people stick to an everyday regimen, while others go two to three days between washings. What's the correct answer? Well, it depends on several factors. There isn't a "one-size-fits-all" answer. This guide will discuss the factors and how they impact how often you should shampoo.
Healthy Shampooing Goals
When it comes to how often you should wash your hair, there is a happy middle road that you strive to meet. If you wash your hair too often, it can lead to an irritated scalp, dry hair that is brittle, and hair breakage. On the other hand, if you do not wash your hair often enough, you can experience problems with dandruff and a build-up of yeast on the scalp. Neither of these options is good for your hair or scalp.
Instead, you want to wash your hair often enough to prevent a build-up of yeast, dirt, and grime on the scalp but not so frequently that you strip your scalp and hair of the necessary oils to keep it moisturized.
Factors That Affect How Often You Should Wash Your Hair
Type of Hair
There are different hair types, from coarse to fine and everything in between. Most people with curly hair tend to have coarse, drier hair. The reason curly hair is drier is that it takes longer for the oil to reach the end of each strand of hair because the oil must travel around each curl. Straight hair, on the other hand, tends to be finer and more oily because it is a straight path for the oil to reach the end of the strand. The drier your hair, the less often you should wash it.
Length of Hair
The type of hair you have isn't the only thing that affects how easy it is for oil to moisturize each strand. The longer your hair is, the longer it takes for the oil to reach the end of the strands. This is why people with long hair often experience dry ends. Every time you shampoo, you are washing away the oil. It's important to wash your hair less often if it's long to give the oil a chance to make it from the sebaceous glands on the scalp to the end of the hair strands. If you wash your hair too frequently, you are stripping away the oil before it has a chance to thoroughly moisturize your hair.
Age
Age significantly affects how active the oil-producing glands are on your scalp. Both men and women experience less active glands as they age. This means that as you age, there is a very good chance that you will need to wash your hair less frequently. If you notice your hair is drier than usual, this may be a good indication that it's time to cut back.
When to Seek Professional Treatment
Sometimes your best efforts aren't enough. You may have the perfect shampooing and hair care regimen, yet you are still experiencing scalp issues or hair loss. This is when you know it is time to seek professional treatment from North Carolina's most trusted hair restoration studio. At LH Hair, we are dedicated to providing a full line of hair loss solutions for men and women to fit any need and budget. Contact us now to schedule a FREE consultation!
