This topic has been a debate ongoing for a while now, even amidst hair experts. While many think that you need to wash daily, others say no. But the frequency to wash is another aspect of this. How about what to use during washing and how to wash. Because you see, the real problem is not just about washing it, but also about using the right washing components.
In this article, we’ll explore some of these areas of concern. Our goal is to give you a holistic view of this dilemma. However, we’ll refrain from making an outright conclusive answer on this. We acknowledge the topic to be open-ended and that how frequently you should wash depends on you.
We’d rather journey you through the goals of hair washing, tell you the intricacies and allow you to make your decision.
What should inform our decision?
First, hair washing in itself comes in different degrees. We have dirty or simple hair washing, using normal water and maybe a bathroom soap. Then we have the use of shampoos. The impact both have us different, and we’ll look at that shortly.
So, what should impact not decision and wash and the type of washing materials to use?
Know your hair type
To begin, you must first identify your hair type. The tips below might help you save time and money by ensuring you buy the right products and wash your hair correctly.
It would help if you examined your hair type as you do to your skin. Many people are unsatisfied with hair products because they don’t correctly examine their hair type.
Some common hair tests you can do
Test for the thickness of a strand
Grasp one strand of hair with your fingers.
- If you Cannot feel it, it means you have a very fine or thin hair
- You have a medium hair type if you can feel it.
- If you discover it’s long and coarse, then you have thick hair.
It’s crucial to examine each strand of hair because having plenty of hair strands doesn’t necessarily mean it’s thick. You could have a plenty but fine or medium type.
Test for the condition of the hair
This test is also known as the stretch test.
- Using your fingers, wriggle a single strand of hair between them.
- There is a good chance that your hair isn’t as healthy as you think it is if your hair breaks immediately.
- Your hair is more elastic and healthier if it can stretch 50% of its original length.
Aside from strengthening treatments, you should think about is getting your hair wet or brushing it after washing is the primary cause of your problems if you feel that your hair is “weak.”
It’s also important to note that your hair condition may not be constant.
The condition of the scalp
Your hair will also be affected by the health of your scalp. Sebum production is reduced in people with extremely dry scalps. Washing your hair less frequently helps maintain your scalp healthy, avoid irritation and flaking, as well as keep your hair silky and lustrous.
Therefore, in this case, regular washing may not be good for you.
On the other hand, people with oily scalps may develop acne and need to wash their hair regularly. If left to accumulate on the hair, sebum can lead to folliculitis or any other medical hair condition.
Preferences for hairstyles
Personal styling choices play a large role in determining how often one should wash one’s hair. It’s not everyone that loves their hair to look or feel oily. Others report that their hair is easier to maintain a few days following a wash.
To save time styling their hair, some people prefer to shampoo less frequently, especially if they have long hair or elaborate hairstyles.
Must I use shampoo?
If you want to wash your hair every day, we recommend that you don’t use shampoo for that. However, you can use shampoos at intervals, especially when you notice that the dirt has overpowered the normal soap and water method.
Some reasons that should warrant you use a shampoo are;
To deal with stubborn dirt
Although water can remove the most apparent dirt and debris, it may not efficiently remove smells and greasy deposits. Shampoos, on the other hand, are efficient in dealing with all those. Shampoos can also remove Sulfates and other impurities from hair.
To remove sebum
Hair shampoos can also eliminate oil. Hair is lubricated by sebum, which is produced by sebaceous glands in the scalp.
But because this sebum is oily, water may not be sufficient to remove them. That is another reason why you should use shampoo.
Hair medical issues
Those with scalp parasites, especially lice, may need to use special shampoos to get rid of the bugs. Special shampoos, especially tar or medicinal shampoos, can help relieve scalp psoriasis.
But always remember to discuss skin and scalp issues with a dermatologist.
However, frequent washing can worsen some medical issues. Dry skin and dandruff can be irritated by daily shampooing.
Are there other alternatives to shampoos?
Shampooing is not the sole way to clean the scalp.
Here are some alternatives:
Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a powdered, scented spray that absorbs oil. But dry shampoo doesn’t clean. It might generate a powdery buildup that irritates the scalp if used daily.
Detergent-free shampoo
Detergent-free shampoos are free of sulfates and harsh detergents. They gently treat hair without stripping it of its oil. These are great for persons with dry or curly hair who want to wash regularly without causing damage.
Using a conditioner
Using a conditioner or a particular cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo is known as conditioner-washing (or co-washing). Dry hair may not require regular shampooing, especially if no heavy styling chemicals are used.
Conclusion
As previously stated, most people do not require shampooing because washing with water removes debris and dandruff from their hair. Regular shampooing, on the other hand, can alleviate some health problems.
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