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Let’s face it: 2020 was a year in which most of us probably washed our hair less than ever before. The pandemic was the perfect excuse to ditch shampoo and hang out in PJs all day-but as it turns out, the lazy approach to haircare might actually have done us some good (yes, really)!
As professional hairstylist and MyStraightener.com founder Monica Davis explains, “Keeping your hair clean by washing it every day may seem a good idea, but it’s actually very bad for your hair, no matter how you look at it and what hair type you have.” Yikes!
COVID-19 is behind us for the most part, but to hear Monica tell it, you should continue to wash your hair infrequently in 2021 and beyond. Keep reading to find out one of the worst consequences of daily washing.
Long-term hair loss
Experts agree that everyday washing causes problems, like dryness, scalp irritation and moisture loss-in fact, too long in the shower can even lead to hair loss! "When you overwash your hair, it becomes fragile and brittle, and will easily fall out when washed or combed. You don’t need to wash your hair every day; it’s not dirty laundry or used plates," said PR Manager and expert, Adanna Jideofor.
Additionally, many shampoos contain harsh chemicals like sulphates that are used to create lather. This isn't doing your tresses any favors.
And beyond long-term hair loss, overwashing your locks leads to a host of other problems. "Frequent contact with hot water and shampoo will make your scalp drier than it should be, leading to dandruff," Monica tells us. "Besides, an overdried scalp may start overproducing sebum to compensate for the normal layer removed by frequent washing. Reduce the number of weekly washes to bring sebum production back to normal."
Frequent washing also strips hair of its natural oils, making it look dull and unhealthy, Monica warns. This is particularly true for those with longer hair.
But if too much washing is bad, what's the right amount of washing?
As a good rule of thumb, experts recommend washing your hair every 2-3 days. Of course, this varies depending on hair type-so don't stress too much if your bestie washes his/her hair less than you do! Lifestyle factors also play a role. For example, if you're a gym rat, live in more polluted environments, or use a lot of styling products and heat tools, you may be feeling to need to wash your hair more regularly.
For anyone transitioning from daily washing to more infrequent rinses, there may be an adjustment period, as your hair oil glands are likely to be overstimulated. But stick with it and your hair will eventually reset, meaning you can go longer in between washes without getting that "greasy" feeling.
