“How often should I wash my hair?” is one of the most commonly asked beauty questions, and while there’s not necessarily a one size fits all answer, the frequency may surprise you. While it depends on your hair type and lifestyle, less is typically more when it comes to washing your hair. Unless you have very oily hair, washing your hair everyday can lead to irritation, inflammation, and other scalp problems. It can also strip the natural oils from your hair, causing it to get dry and break. If you’re wondering how to wash your hair less without looking greasy, we’ve rounded up seven of our best tips!
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
It’s generally recommended to wash your hair once to twice per week. Of course, this depends on your hair type and lifestyle factors. If you workout a lot or your hair tends to get really greasy, you may opt for washing it a few times a week, or anytime you feel like you need to.
People with thin and oily hair may need to wash their hair every other or every third day, as the oil produced by the scalp can easily weigh down thin hair. Those with thicker, dry hair can usually go longer between washes. Frequent washes can strip the hair of its natural oils, making it even drier. For the same reason, textured or curly hair girls can wash it once a week or even less frequently.
The bottom line is that you should listen to what your hair is telling you. If you’re experiencing itching, flaking, product buildup, greasy hair, or unpleasant smells, it’s probably time to wash your hair. Otherwise, try to go a week between washes.
How to Wash Your Hair Less: 7 Tips
1. Don’t Apply Oil to Your Roots
If you’re going to use a hair oil, it should only be applied to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Applying product to your roots can weigh your hair down and cause unwanted greasiness, leading to more frequent hair washing. While oils are great to soften, condition and defrizz the hair, be sure to only apply them where they’re actually needed to avoid wasting product and keep your roots clean.
2. Try Blotting Sheets
While you may have used blotting sheets for oily skin, have you ever tried them on your hair? Using blotting sheets on the scalp can absorb excess oil on the scalp and hair between washes. They’re great in a pinch and are compact enough to fit into a small bag or even your pocket.
3. Dirty Hair Hairstyles | Hannah Godwin
Get acquainted with dirty hair hairstyles. Learning to style your hair when it’s dirty not only saves you tons of time, it also leads to healthier hair. She gives you her best tips for styling third or fourth day hair and shows you how to do looks including a model off-duty bun, a sleek half-up hairstyle, and a high pony. She uses products like a hair brush, a strong hold hairspray, and nylon hair ties.
4. Double Wash Your Hair
Double washing entails shampooing your hair twice in one wash session. While double cleansing isn’t recommended if you wash your hair everyday (or even every other day), if your goal is to go as long as possible between washes, you should be double washing your hair.
Double washing is the best way to get your hair truly clean so it stays fresh for as long as possible. It cleanses the hair and removes product and oil build up, providing a deeper, more thorough cleanse. Make sure you’re using sulfate-free, hydrating, and moisturizing shampoos like the Acure Ultra Hydrating Shampoo to double cleanse your hair.
5. Use a Dry Shampoo Mist Post-Workout
Using a product like the R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist actually dampens your roots and acts like a micellar water to clean and refresh your hair. This is a great product to use if your hair is damp from a workout and you don’t want to wash it. It’s a lightweight cleanser that gets rid of buildup in your hair and scalp, and soothes itchiness. The cleansing powder leaves your hair feeling clean without any powdery residue. Spritz your roots post workout, blow dry, and you’re good to go!
6. Seal in Dry Hair When Showering
When you shower, it’s important not to allow humidity or moisture to have access to any part of your hair. This will cause it to frizz and make it look even more oily. Shower caps are great, but can leave your hairline slightly exposed, so use something like this over top of your shower cap so your hairline is covered and sealed in. You can also use a Turbie Twist Microfibre Hair Towel to protect your strands in the shower.
7. 16 Easy Hairstyles for Dirty and Oily Hair | Cynthia Dhimdis
This tutorial features 16 different hairstyles for third, fourth, and fifth day hair, which will allow you to go longer between washes. They’re all heatless hairstyles and perfect if you want something quick and easy that still looks presentable. She uses products like the OUAI Matte Pomade, a dry shampoo, and a texturizing spray. She includes styles like a loose bun with a headband, a high half pony, and a double braided style.
If you have the goal of washing your hair less, try these tips and hairstyles to go longer between washes without looking greasy.
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