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, you sweat a lot or have oily hair, you might get tempted to wash your hair every single day. The good news is you don’t have to be always dependent on shampoo to keep hair clean.
The scalp produces sebum, which is a natural oil that nourishes and maintains your hair and its health, says Dr Navnit Haror, a Delhi-based dermatologist, cosmetic and hair transplant surgeon. Washing too frequently can strip away this essential oil, leaving your hair dry and prone to breakage. Also, frequent washing can lead to an overproduction of sebum as the scalp tries to compensate. That results in oily hair and a never-ending cycle of hair washing.
Ways to keep hair clean without washing every day
Dry shampoo always works wonders for women who are in between washes. The expert says it absorbs excess oil, refreshes the scalp and adds volume to your hair. There are other methods to keep your hair clean without shampoo too!
1. Use a silk pillowcase
When it comes to summer wear, we are told to go for cotton. As for pillowcases, choose silk. It can reduce friction between your tresses and the pillow. It will also minimise oil absorption, so it will help your hair to stay cleaner for longer.
2. Regular brushing
Well, regular brushing might not help in hair growth, but it can help to distribute natural oils from the scalp. This prevents oil buildup at the roots. This is no hair myth!
3. Adjust your diet
A balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients is good for your health in general. It promotes healthy hair as well. Vitamins A, E, and Biotin (Vitamin B7) are readily available in foods such as eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes and nuts. They stimulate hair growth, enhance blood circulation and promote cleanliness. Also, nutrients like iron and zinc are vital for hair maintenance and repair. Incorporate foods like lean meats, beans, spinach and pumpkin into your diet, as they are rich sources of these nourishing elements.
4. Tie up your hair
Leaving hair open is a common look sported by women. But if you keep your hair up in a loose bun or braid, it 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-wash days, that is when you are not using shampoo, simply rinse your hair with water. This will help to get rid of surface dust and to freshen up, the expert shares.
6. Home remedies
You can use kitchen ingredients or home remedies such as apple cider vinegar and baking soda. They can clean your hair while keeping more of your hair’s natural moisture intact.
While abstaining from washing your hair for a week isn’t too harmful, it may pose quite a few challenges. During this time, your scalp’s oil production may increase temporarily as it adjusts to a new routine. This can make your hair appear oilier than usual, but it’s a natural response to the reduced washing frequency.
Just remember, the quest for beautiful hair isn’t solely dependent on daily washing. You need to understand your hair’s natural balance and adopt alternative cleansing methods so that you can get healthier tresses.
