Hair FAQs: I Wash My Hair Daily Without Shampoo. Is That Bad?

Hair is the fastest-growing tissue in the body, second only to bone marrow. Unlike popular myth, hair isn’t ‘dead’ and requires care in order to look and feel its best. 

Yet, there are so many misconceptions out there about caring for your hair. Read on to learn the truth behind daily hair washing and proper hair treatment.

On Hair, Oil, and Shampoo

As you know, your scalp produces a natural oil. This is called sebum. What shampoo does is captures excess oil, dirt, and residue from hair products. Then, it rinses out with the shampoo leaving the hair clean.

However, it is important to understand that you do want some oil to remain in your hair. It is nature’s way of providing moisturizer and protection for your skin and hair.

That’s why you want to use a gentle shampoo that cleans your hair without stripping it. 

Yes, Overwashing Is a Thing

Let’s get microscopic for a second. Your skin is covered in billions of good bacteria. These are helpful for many reasons including keeping your skin’s pH levels balanced.

So, when you wash your hair too frequently or with harsh cleaners, you can upset the balance of good bacteria on your scalp. Then that can cause all sorts of drama including inflammation and the growth of fungi. 

Why Water Only is Not Good

Some people think that healthy hair means washing it with only water because water is all-natural. While that’s a logical conclusion, it’s unfortunately wrong.

While fresh water does remove some dirt and oils from your hair, it doesn’t get most of it. And in our modern society with pollution and hair products, we need more than our ancient ancestors. 

Without properly removing surface buildup, a barrier will form around the hair. This will stop nutrients from penetrating the hair shaft. You definitely don’t want that if you want healthy hair. 

How Often Should You Shampoo?

Deciding how often to wash your hair is mostly based on personal preference. Most experts agree that only a small percentage of the population needs to shampoo daily. Generally, most people can shampoo every other day or every few days. 

These individuals include those with very fine hair or those who sweat excessively. Hair tends to be more oily when it is straight and very fine.

For the average person, every other day, or every 2 to 3 days, is great. There is no one right answer for everyone. Just notice what feels just right.

If you have an itchy scalp, dandruff, or visibly oily or lank hair, it’s time to shampoo. 

If your hair is curly, thick, gray, or treated with chemicals, it is more likely to be dry. If this is true for you, you want to avoid overwashing your hair to prevent making your hair even drier. Be sure to use hydrating, nutrient-rich shampoos that include coconut oil extracts if you have dry hair. 

Best Hair Care Tips for Healthy Hair

Caring for your hair doesn’t have to be hard. Once you know what you should and shouldn’t do, caring for your hair becomes an easy habit. 

Here are some of the best hair care tips for you to know.

Focus Shampoo on Your Scalp

When you wash your hair, concentrate on really getting the shampoo into the scalp. Pretend you are a hairstylist and give yourself that nice, deep scalp massage with your shampoo.

It’s fine to use shampoo on the entire length of your hair but you want to concentrate on the scalp. 

Use High-Quality Shampoo

To have healthy, shiny hair, you need to make sure to use quality, professional-grade products. This is paramount for shampoo.

Magic Sleek has a hydrating and nutrient-rich formula that repairs damaged hair, and hydrates while delivering color protection.

Especially if you have color-treated hair, you need to use a product that protects color from fading as well as prevents frizz and static.

Quality shampoo will protect your hair from damage from the elements as well as heat from hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons.

Look for products that contain tannins. Tannic acids bind to the keratin proteins in your hair to keep it smooth, supple, and stronger. 

Check the ingredient list for citric acid. These acids occur naturally in citrus fruits. It benefits your hair by stimulating hair follicles which promotes hair growth.

Citric acid also has antibacterial properties making it great for itchy scalps and oily hair.

Don’t Forget the Conditioner 

Conditioner is specially designed to hydrate, protect and repair your hair as well as add shine.

Also, the conditioner helps with tangles so that you don’t have to brush hard to get out knots. that means your hair is less likely to break and split.

If you have colored hair, conditioner is vital to extend the longevity of your color treatments. 

If you swim regularly, conditioner is necessary to protect your hair from salt and chlorinated water. 

Unlike shampoo, when using conditioner, you want to focus on the shafts of your hair and ignore the scalp.

Use Lukewarm Water and Brush Less

Scalding hot water strips the protective oils in your hair. Plus, it can dull your hair’s shine over time.  Instead, use lukewarm water to wash your hair. 

Also, don’t believe that myth about 100 brush strokes a day. Excessive brushing snaps your hair causing hair loss. Of course, some hair loss is normal but you don’t want to cause extra stress on your mane.

Opt for a brush with ball-tipped bristles. And never brush wet hair; use a comb instead.

Enjoy Your Healthy Hair

There you go! Now you know all about your hair’s natural oils, the value of a good shampoo, and how to keep your locks in optimal condition.

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