For many people, washing hair every day means cleanliness and good hair health. But doctors and hair experts recommend that it is not a good idea to wash your hair daily. After all, dry hair is the last thing you want. However, if you are a fitness enthusiast, sweat a lot or have oily hair, you may be tempted to wash your hair every day. The good news is that you don’t always have to rely on shampoo to keep your hair clean.
The scalp produces sebum, a natural oil that nourishes and maintains your hair and its health, says Dr Navnit Haror, a Delhi-based dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon and hair transplant surgeon. If you wash too often, this essential oil can disappear, leaving your hair dry and prone to breakage. Frequent washing can also lead to an overproduction of sebum, while the scalp tries to compensate for this. This results in greasy hair and an endless cycle of hair washing.
Ways to keep your hair clean without washing every day
Dry shampoo always works wonders for women who are between washes. The expert says it absorbs excess oil, refreshes the scalp and adds volume to your hair. There are also other methods to keep your hair clean without shampoo!
1. Use a silk pillowcase
When it comes to summer clothes, we are advised to go for cotton. As for pillowcases, choose silk. It can reduce friction between your strands and the pillow. It also minimizes oil absorption, keeping your hair cleaner for longer.
2. Brush regularly
Regular brushing may not help hair growth, but it can help distribute natural oils from the scalp. This prevents oil build-up at the roots. This is not a hair myth!
3. Adjust your diet
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients is generally good for your health. It also promotes healthy hair. Vitamins A, E and biotin (vitamin B7) are readily available in foods such as eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes and nuts. They stimulate hair growth, improve blood circulation and promote cleanliness. Nutrients such as iron and zinc are also essential for the maintenance and repair of hair. Include foods such as lean meats, beans, spinach and pumpkin in your diet as they are rich sources of these nourishing elements.
4. Tie your hair
Leaving hair open is a common look that women wear. But keeping your hair in a loose bun or braid can prevent it from coming into contact with oils and dirt on your face and neck.
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5. Rinse with water
On non-washing days, i.e. when you don’t use shampoo, simply rinse your hair with water. This will help remove and freshen surface dust, the expert shares.
6. Home remedies
You can use kitchen ingredients or home remedies such as apple cider vinegar and baking soda. They can cleanse your hair while leaving more of your hair’s natural moisture intact.
While not washing your hair for a week isn’t that harmful, it can bring quite a few problems. During this time, your scalp’s oil production may temporarily increase as it adjusts to a new routine. This may make your hair look greasy than normal, but it is a natural response to reduced washing frequency.
Remember that the quest for beautiful hair does not only depend on daily washing. You need to understand the natural balance of your hair and adopt alternative cleaning methods so that you can achieve healthier locks.