6 Expert-Approved Ways to Go Longer Between Hair Washes
We get it: Talking to someone who claims they only wash their hair once a week can yield a lot of questions. Most notably, one: are they lying? And then very quickly two: how can we do the same thing? Washing hair doesn’t just get annoying, but in the summertime when you’re sweating more and being more active, it can feel like you’re even doing some damage to your strands by running so much product through them so often.
So what’s a girl to do? Well, according to trichologist and beauty expert Kerry Yates, there are ways you can safely wash your hair less. Unfortunately, you can’t train your hair to be less greasy (this is a common myth!), but you can take steps to extend the life cycle of your wash days. Here’s everything you need to know to go longer in-between hair washes, according to an expert.
Meet the Expert
Kerry Yates is a trichologist, beauty expert & founder of Colour Collective.
How to Go Even Longer Between Your Hair Washes
1. Understand Your Hair Type
Did you know different hair types actually need to be washed more or less frequently? Understanding which category your hair falls in is the first step to figuring out a better wash system. According to Yates, “ A rule of thumb is, fine hair can go about two to three days, while thick and curly hair can go maybe even up to five days.”
2. Wash Hair Less
Experts are mixed on if you can actually “train” your hair to be less oily over time, so your best bet is to not attempt this, and rather, understand your own personal hair type and its needs. However, Yates says, washing your hair less will lead to less damage since you’ll be blow drying and heat styling it way less often. And, as Yates notes, less damaged hair will always equal healthier and shinier hair.
3. Use a High Quality Hair Serum
If your scalp needs rebalancing, it could be producing more oil than usual as an inflammatory response. Yates recommends grabbing one that’s made with argan oil, as it’s soothing and anti-inflammatory. We love the ZODICA line that includes hair oils and different additions based on your zodiac sign.
4. Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
“Sulfates are so harsh on your scalp and dries the hair and scalp out,” explains Yates. “Choosing a shampoo and high-quality conditioner is key to going longer in-between washes,” she adds. She loves SNOW FOX’s hair, face, and body bar to minimize waste while still getting the job done of cleansing and hydrating your scalp.
5. Try Double Washing
As IPSY expert, Helen Reavey mentioned in a previous article, “Always double-cleanse your scalp when you shampoo—the first wash will ensure you remove any leftover oils, while the second actually cleans your scalp.” If you’ve ever visited the salon, you’ll notice your hair stylist will always double cleanse your scalp before adding conditioner. This ensures your scalp gets a true clean that will help you go longer in-between washes.
6. Prep Your Hair For Bed
Just because you’re done in the shower doesn’t mean your hair care should stop. A sneaky way hair gets damaged is when you sleep on it overnight. Your body heat sits on the strands and produces heat, which can cause friction, frizz, breakage, and more. Yates says to prep using “a silk scrunchie (like The CURLFRIEND COLLECTIVE) to put your hair in a messy bun, high pony, or a braid (think beach curls in the a.m.). Plus, she adds, “by prepping your hair before you sleep, you don’t need to heat-style.”