How To Wash Your Hair Less Frequently
Hello ladies, and welcome to Wednesday!
I’ve been doing a lot of experimenting lately with shampoo and haircare. As you may have heard whispered into your ear from magazines and friends and experts, you’re not supposed to wash your hair daily as you put yourself at risk of overdrying your scalp and overloading on product.
Well, I for one, am all for that. Because deep down, I’m a trashionista at heart. Or wannabe at least. Or maybe I’m just lazy.
Either way, I’ve been attempting in the past half year to cut back on the shampooing. I used to wash every single day because my hair tends towards oily, and washing any less used to make me look like I’d dunked my head into a can of Crisco. Not attractive. Worse yet, my scalp would itch like mad if I left it unwashed for more than a day.
I’ll be honest with you. The transition from washing once a day to once every other day was not easy. The only reason I could take the leap was because during that time, I started working from home.
But if it’s something you want to try, I think a good handband, some cute ponytail styles and a little bit of product can help disguise any grossness during the transition. Here are some style suggestions (photos courtesy of TeenPeople.com):
Having made it to the other side unscathed, I will say that my hair has never felt healthier. Plus, on the second day now, my scalp doesn’t itch at all the way it used to…AND my hair almost looks freshly washed.
I attribute this to the fact that I’ve been experimenting with different shampoos and techniques of conditioning. So far, my research shows that Johnson’s Head-to-Toe Baby Wash is a great (and very cheap!) shampoo option. It keeps my hair clean and fairly oil-free even into the second day. Not only that, it doubles as a body wash as well. Great for keeping it frills-free if you’re showering at the gym or traveling.
However, I’ve been having trouble with my darling MOP Pear Shampoo. I’m absolutely in love with the scent, but I find that it leaves my hair incredibly oily on day two. So if you wash every day, you should run out and buy some. But not if you plan to go every other day like me. Being the thrifty person I am, though, I’ve re-fashioned the shampoo into a nice body wash.
As for conditioning, do yourself a favor and condition ONLY the ends. I start conditioning my hair right where it hits at the neck all the way to the ends, and I find that this helps prevent greasy roots. Because, really, you don’t want to feel like you can fry an egg on your scalp.
I’ll continue to experiment with different products, but for now I’ll turn it over to you guys. How often do you wash your hair? What are your tips to a beautiful mane? Share with us in the comments!
November 1st, 2006 at 12:53 pm
I wash my hair every 4 days, and it looks ok, even the 4th day.My mother advised me not to wash it daily and now I do that only in the summer when I go to the pool, use sauna or sometimes after gym (to avoid sweating keep the hair up and sealed with a bandanna).In these situations I use only a small quantity of shampoo and wash it once. Using the conditioner only to the ends is a must for me and I spoil myself with a half hour treatment, from time to time.I’ve educated myself,since I was little, to wear ponytail when it requires and to keep my hands away(or anyone else’s) from my hair.It’s important that you adjust your hairstyle to your social activities and to stick to the =Hair Wash Schedule=
One of my rules: nobody touches my face or my hair! Restrictions applies also to my boyfriend with few exceptions… And of course, there are other situations to consider, but stick to the HWS as much as possible:)
November 1st, 2006 at 3:20 pm
I now wash my hair every 3-4 days, also b/c I’m kinda lazy and don’t wanna have to deal with the delicate drying of my wavy hair that often. I started out just washing every other day, then gradually expanded out. I found that my hair has “gotten used to” the infrequent washings. It used to be that my hair felt really oily after day 2, but now sometimes I’ll be on day 4 and my hair stills looks fine. Other days it gets oily fast… I think part of it is weather, how much I run my hands through my hair, etc. But I definitely think it helps keep hair healthier, especially those of us with dryer, curlier hair.
There’s all sorts of “dry shampoos” you can use to sop up oil on the off days. Though I’ve heard corn starch (yes, I know) is the best thing ever for this purpose! (it tends to be the main ingredient in many dry shampoos)
November 1st, 2006 at 4:35 pm
I wash my hair once a week. Bahaha, I’m a bum.
Oh and You and I have more in common than ANYONE in the blogosphere. So yes, you are totally a trashionista at heart.
November 1st, 2006 at 6:24 pm
Oh my goodness, I am amazed that you guys can go that long without washing your hair!! I wish I could do the same, but I don’t think it’s possible because of my hair type. Though never say never. I’m holding out hope!
And I find the whole touching-your-hair thing interesting. I’ve never considered that as a possible contributor to oilier/dirtier hair. I’m going to have to try it out.
November 1st, 2006 at 6:25 pm
Yay!!! I’m a trashionista!!!
November 1st, 2006 at 8:54 pm
wow.
November 2nd, 2006 at 12:53 am
[…] Bon Bons in the Bath has a good post about how to wash your hair less frequently. […]
November 2nd, 2006 at 10:45 am
I live here in the country of humidity and pollution. Lol. So I can’t not wash my hair for more than a day! Shucks. To those who dont wash their hair everyday, is it cold there?
November 2nd, 2006 at 12:27 pm
Two words: CORN STARCH. Now, I was thisclose to buying Bumble & Bumble’s hair powder, but someone tipped me off to using cornstarch as an alternate. Seriously? I now have my own little can that lives in the bathroom. Just a couple fingers in the cornstarch, rub together in my hands, and brush through hair. Sheer awesomeness.
November 2nd, 2006 at 12:37 pm
Caroline - do you have dark or light hair? I’ve heard the cornstarch tip from several people, but I’m worried it will make my hair look ashy and gray. (I’m Asian and have jet black hair.) While I hear that the Bumble & Bumble is outrageously expensive, they do offer different shades for different hair color types.
November 2nd, 2006 at 5:56 pm
Christina… afraid I won’t be much help. My hair is somewhat light in color (Dark blond). Although once I put the starch in and brush it out with a paddle brush, I can’t tell it’s in there. But I’ll tell you… for abour $3.00 at your local grocery store, it’s worth a try!
November 3rd, 2006 at 3:18 pm
Great post. I am so jealous of those of you who can go for days without becoming oily and gross! My sister is like that…but me, my fine hair goes completely flat after a day and I can’t stand it.
I have tried to transition from time to time, but something eventually forces me to give in (an important event, feeling too yucky, etc.). I caved and bought the Bb dry shampoo in blonde, and it didn’t do anything for me. Cornstarch and powder show up really badly in my highlighted hair, so I’m stuck! Has anyone tried the Klorane dry shampoo?
Oh and I’m def picking up some Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo soon.
November 3rd, 2006 at 4:17 pm
Hey Elsa - welcome! I think I’m more like you in terms of hair type. But I’m getting there. I’m fighting the good fight! (At least that’s what I keep telling myself.)
I’ve never even heard of the Klorane dry shampoo. I’m going to go check it out now. But yes, if any of you all have heard of it or used it, let us know your thoughts.
November 3rd, 2006 at 4:18 pm
Caroline - I already have some corn starch at home, so I might give it a try tomorrow. I keep it handy for my Chinese stir fries…which are actually very rare. LOL.
November 4th, 2006 at 3:41 am
Well, re starch, I have tried baby powder on my hair? ( which is black ) when I wasn’t allowed to wash my hair for three days because of my hair rebonding.
November 4th, 2006 at 10:03 am
And?? Did it work? (You’ve left me in suspense!!)
November 4th, 2006 at 4:48 pm
My mom has been telling me for years that washing my hair every day is going to cause me to start thinning out like my aunt started experiencing by age 30. I do lose a frightening amount of hair to the drain so I decided I was going to try your regimen. Well, I did it for one day and I was miserable! I felt dirty and oily all day at work and instead of going out Friday night with coworkers, I ran home to wash my hair! Bahh.. let me know if the cornstarch works.
Also, do you find the J&J all over shampoo moisturizing enough? I find that most brands other than Pantene tend to dry out my hair. Then again I remember the stories from Jr. High that said Pantene contained all kinds of damaging chemicals. My hairdresser said Biolage is one of the most gentle shampoos out there - PH Balanced or something like that. We need someone who actually understands the chemical properties of shampoo to write an investigative report.
November 4th, 2006 at 5:30 pm
Aw, I’m sorry to hear your first attempt didn’t go so well. I totally empathize though - it’s really hard to get over that initial hump. I felt really gross, too, in the beginning. But you have to soldier through it to make it work. I promise, it’ll start feeling better and better. I think it probably took me a month to start feeling okay. (I know, it sounds like a long time, but it’s worth it when you’re on the other side.)
As for the J&J shampoo, I find it okay, and not too drying. I wouldn’t say it goes above and beyond to moisturize, but I wouldn’t say it’s drying either. However, for me, that works out okay because my hair is kind of oily anyway.
Thanks for the recommendation on the Biolage though. I’m always on the hunt for good shampoos. I’m curious about the SLS-free ones that are supposed to be better for your scalp and hair. Those are on my to-try list.
You should go check out The Beauty Brains (in my blogroll). They’re both cosmetic chemists who answer questions about ingredients in beauty products. I find their site really informative.
November 4th, 2006 at 10:59 pm
Yep, it did work!
Just apply sparingly at a time, and it won’t show 
November 5th, 2006 at 8:24 am
[…] Bon Bons in the Bath discusses the art of shampooing and how to get away with doing it less frequently. For the sake of our hair, ladies! (And not because we’re lazy. Ha.) […]
November 11th, 2006 at 6:23 pm
im thinking of giving it a try… ive washed my hair every day since the summer that just passed and im finding that its getting frizzier and frizzier…
thanks for the tips.
November 13th, 2006 at 7:04 pm
i highly recommend sls and sles free shampoos. i cannot not wash my hair everyday for medical reasons (stupid sebhorreic dermatitis), but using much gentler shampoos definitely helps. my scalp doesn’t get as itchy, and my hair is less dry and crunchy.
November 13th, 2006 at 7:20 pm
You’re welcome, Veronika! Hope you see some improvement in your hair.
Christine - can you recommend some SLS free shampoos for us? I’ve been very interested in them, but would like some specific brands I can try.
November 18th, 2006 at 2:27 am
those of you go a few days between washings - what do you do on the off days? do you still condition in the shower or use product?
i have curly, fine hair that requires a ton of moisture and creamy product to act in a sane manner, and afraid i’ll end up with either gunky buildup or crazy frizz. do any of you have this problem? what do you do?
November 23rd, 2006 at 11:17 pm
Hi Kamo - my hair is straight so I don’t think I can help you on that front. But I wash every 2 — sometimes 3 — days, and in between I don’t do anything. The point for me is to cut down on the amount of product I have on my hair. I find my hair feels a lot healthier, and less weighed down, that way. But it might be with your curlier hair you do need some amount of product to keep it manageable.
Not sure if that helps, but there’s my two cents!! Anyone else have any thoughts?
December 4th, 2006 at 5:14 pm
I know that christine isn’t the only one who finds sls and sles (aka sodium laurel or laureth sulfate) shampoos harsh and drying, but according to some academic dermatology papers I’ve read, their bad rep stems mostly from johnson & johnson’s “no more tears” advertising campaigns. The primary substitute for sls is cocamidopropyl betaine (the detergent in baby shampoo), which is often advertised as gentler–but it’s gentle in that it doesn’t sting your eyes, it’s not necessarily better for your hair and might even be worse for your skin in the long run, especially if you’re allergy-prone. As it’s in more products than 10-15 years ago it’s become one of the fastest-growing causes of skin allergies, to the extent that it was named the American Contact Dermatitis Association’s Allergen of the Year in 2004. I’m one of those allergy sufferers who now has little to no options in shampoo — but I’ve been pleasantly surprised (shocked, even) to discover Chaz Dean’s Wen (detergent-free) cleansing conditioner. It cleans via astringent properties, (I would describe it as an even-gentler version of cetaphil but for your hair) and my fine, curly loves it, kamo! sometimes I don’t use any product whatsoever and I can even go 2 days between washings now, which I never could before.
December 16th, 2006 at 7:21 pm
ok, you want the real secret girls. TRUST ME. i used to have supper oily hair and it was oily the enxt morning if i did it the night before i went to work.
secret: when ur alone and not doing anything one weekend, wash your hair when ur done friday and stuff. buy vegtable oil adn porr it on your hair, wrap it up in a scarf adn sit. the enxt day oil yourhair again, aned again, and again. finally sunday night do the last oiling. monday morning, wake up, scrub your hair supper good, and style. wash every other day that week, adn repate steps again the follwoing weekend. AFTER THAT I PROMISE NO MORE OIL AND I CAN GO 4 DAYS NOW! good lucks girls!
December 22nd, 2006 at 8:41 am
[…] Bon Bons in the Bath invites you to join the heated discussion on how to wash your hair less frequently. […]
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:25 am
[…] Bon Bons in the Bath invites you to join the heated discussion on how to wash your hair less frequently. […]
December 31st, 2006 at 7:05 pm
I have very oily hair which makes me crazy.I used wash my hair everyday,and sometimes even twice a day!I just let my hair get oily during a few weeks (just washing twice a week) and now it doesnt look so bad after 2 days.On the 3rd day I use talc powder (I have blonde hair) and it really makes a difference and by this way I save one more day
)
May 25th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
My hair is down to my waist, curly and thick. I don’t wash my hair but every 3-4 days. I can’t imagine washing it daily, it takes a whole day to dry! I’ve read over and over the disadvantages to washing daily, one of them being that the more you mess with your hair or touch your scalp=the more oil your glands will produce. Like when your mom used to tell you to brush your hair 100 strokes before bed every night for pretty hair. The reason is because it stimulates the glands to produce more oil. Thus those people who are washing daily who say they have to because their hair is so oily are having to because they wash their hair daily. It’s a vicious cycle.
I get compliments on the condition of my hair all the time. Ladies, give the shampoo a rest and help your hair look its best.
June 24th, 2007 at 4:57 am
I was my hair every day becuz it gets oily so easily!!! Its so irritating!! What shampoo should I use? Any tips? I straighten my hair frequently too. Please help!
June 25th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
Anne - my hair used to get oily very easily, too. I had to wash it every day or else it would look like I had slipped and fell into an oil slick. But it wasn’t my hair, so much as the fact that it got used to being shampooed every day. It took about a six months, but I conditioned it to the point where I can wash it every other day now and my hair looks good up until then.
I wish I had better tips about what kind of shampoo to use. I’m a shampoo whore since my hair seems to do well with any ol’ brand. So I switch around a lot. Lately, though, I’ve been using the Origins Jump Start shampoo with good effect. I wrote a review about it not too long ago if you want to check it out. Good luck!
July 4th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
OK- I’m gonna get booed out of town, I’m sure- you don’t need shampoo at all.
I have had really oily, greasy hair since I was 12ish. My dad had it, his dad had it, and acne too. Disgusting. He of course taught me to melt that grease right out with very hot water and wash the hair every day with strong shampoos- and I did- and I had thin, weak hair that HAD to be washed every day. Three months ago, I was desperate to figure something else out since I know that your skin and scalp does much better without all of that harshness, but you know and I know walking around with little slicks of greasy clumping your hair up is not an option.
Get cheap conditioner- Suave, White Rain, etc (anything without a chemical ingredient ending in -cone.) Wet your hair with tepid water and slather on like 5 handfuls of the condition- all up in your roots, through the length, everywhere. Then go on with your shower- the conditioner needs to sit in the hair at least 15 min. There are mild surfectants in the conditioner that are going to clean the grease/dirt out WITHOUT STIMULATING YOUR SCALP TO MAKE MORE.
Finally, rinse for 5 minutes + with the coolest water you can stand. I haven’t used shampoo in 2 months and my hair is way thicker, glossier, and I can go three days between “washes” now.
If you’re scared, try it some night that you have nothing to do the next day! It works. You’ve trained your scalp to throw up all of this extra oil because you use detergent on it every day. It can be fixed.
July 14th, 2007 at 11:54 am
I am a “wash every day” girl, too. I am 36 and still have the kind of hair that gets the teenaged greasies if I don’t. However, I recently dyed my hair red and my washing regimen was causing a lot of my color to go prematurely down the drain. Allow me to concur with what Jessica suggests: instead of lathering daily, just wet your hair in the shower and condition it. Shampoo every other day, or every third day. I have been doing this with L’Oreal Feria conditioner (the stuff in the white tube, from Sally Beauty) and it has really made a different in the quality of my color.
I also suggest prenatal vitamins for anyone who has thinning hair. They really do work.
July 16th, 2007 at 9:33 am
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August 20th, 2007 at 8:52 am
woow
I never was think this!
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Hey girls, I wash my hair every 3 - 4 days and stopped coloring it after many years. I only shampoo once with not alot of Aveda shampoo, which now lasts a long time and then use conditioner. I use a product called Phomollient, which gives it a bit of body andsince it’s short, keeps it away from my scalp as well. I will try keeping the conditioner only on the ends as a few of you have suggested. Take your vitamins and watch your diet as well for less greasy hair. I think the less you harass your scalp with harsh things the better it likes it. I would like to find a good gentle shampoo.