Is it true your hair shouldn't be washed every day?

Question

My friends tell me that it's really bad to wash your hair every single day and that your hair is much better off being washed only twice a week or so. The problem is, I NEED to wash my hair every day. If I don't, by the middle of the 2nd day my head is so itchy it's almost unbearable and I scratch it so much that my head bleeds. My friend says that your head needs time to get used to not washing. Is this true? Or is everybody different?

Answer 1

Proper hair and scalp care involves washing your hair regularly to remove the normal buildup of dirt, dead skin cells, oils produced by skin glands, and any other substances you put in your hair such as hair spray, etc. The frequency with which you wash your hair depends on the condition of your hair. Basic guidelines are to wash your hair a few times a week for dry hair, and every day or every other day for oily hair.

If you do choose to wash your hair daily, make sure that you are using a pH-balanced shampoo and only wash it once. If you wash it more than once a day, you will be removing too much of the natural oil found in hair. Of the shampoos available on the market, most contain water, foaming agents, fragrances (often added to mask odors of other ingredients), and various amounts of detergents. Shampoos that are designed for oily hair have more detergent than shampoos for nonoily hair. Detergents can make hair less manageable and cause it to lose body. Shampoos with more detergents may also come with "conditioners" which remain on hair even after rinsing, to prevent hair from being completely stripped of oils.

Here are some guidelines for choosing a shampoo for your particular type of hair:

* Damaged or fine hair: Use protein shampoo labeled substantive protein. Shampoo should be more than mildly acidic. Or you can rinse your hair following shampoo with white vinegar and water, or lemon and water. This acid rinse will help to restore a smooth cuticle and shine to your hair.
* Healthy hair: Regular protein shampoos are fine. Blondes might try a chamomile shampoo, which has mild bleaching properties. Brunettes might use a henna shampoo, which has mild reddening properties.
* Oily hair: Use a lemon based shampoo.
* All types: Jojoba based shampoo is successful in treating scalp conditions as well as dissolving sebum buildup. It leaves your hair clean and shining.

For all types of hair, try alternating shampoos. Use one type once or twice a week and the other once or twice a week. Change brands every few months to keep your hair shiny and full of life. Diet plays an important role in hair care also, so pay attention to what you eat and try to incorporate a healthy balance of foods.

Answer 2

It all depends on the type of hair you have. My hair gets real oily if I don't wash it everyday so I use a shampoo for oily hair once a day, generally at night after I get home for the day. I would recommend getting a shampoo for dry scalps to help with the itchiness if you dont want to wash your hair everyday. That will keep you from itching too much.

Answer 3

I'm wondering what your ethnicity is of your friends, b/c that will make a difference as to how often they should or should not wash their hair. The reasoning behind NOT washing your hair too much is that you produce natural oils that are GOOD and ESSENTIAL for the health of your hair. Washing your hair too often, and depending on the products you use, you may be ridding your hair of the oils it needs to be healthy. Yes it varies from person to person. If you naturally have fine or oily hair, you will have to wash your hair more often than others, likely everyday or every other day if you can manage it. If you have very dry hair or dry scalp, you are in need of its natural oils and should wash it less, such as 3 times a week. You can also oil treat your hair (like with V05 from the drugstore) if you wish to you wash your hair everyday regardless.

Answer 4

it all depends on the type of hair you have.. if you have oily hair it may need to be washed every day or every other day... people with dry or normal hair can probably get away with doing it 2-3 times a week. your not hurting your hair by washing it that much as long as your using the right stuff. do whatever feels best... there's no set rules on when to wash your hair!

Answer 5

It just depends on what type of hair you have. Yes everyone is different. If you have dry or normal hair, you shouldn't wash it more than every other day. If you have oily hair you can wash it every day because your hair is producing plenty of natural oils to protect it and you won't strip too much away.
Whatever type of hair you have you should use an intense conditioner at least once a week.

Answer 6

For the majority of people, washing their hair everyday leads to dryness. So most people wash their hair every other day to avoid this.

Maybe your itchy hair-ness could be something other then "dirty hair." Perhaps their is something wrong with your scalp. You could probably find this out from your local hair stylist or maybe even a doctor depending on the seriousness of it. There is most likely a special kind of shampoo you can use that will alleviate your itchy head.

Answer 7

woah.......tip try getting t-gel it helps for that sort of thing with the itching. Use it every other day. I wash my hair everyday because by the second day my hair is extremely oily. People say its bad for you but i really don't give a damn. do what ur most comfortable and most importantly what works for you.

Answer 8

If your scalp itches and you scratch it to the point of bleeding, you should really see a dermatologist. You may need to switch the shampoo that you use, you may not be rinsing the shampoo that you currently use completely off of your scalp, you might even need medicated shampoo. Your scalp shouldn't itch in the manner that you describe, one day after washing.

Answer 9

I only wash my hair every 2nd or 3rd day, reason being is that it can actually dry out your hair. Your scalp produces oils that are essential for healthy hair. Mind you, my hair is VERY thick and naturally curly (hair stylists worst nightmare lol) so it may be different if you have thin / fine hair. I know it's not necessary for me to wash it everyday (was told by hair stylist).

Answer 10

Your hair should not be "washed" every day so that the natural oils in your scalp can do the job they are meant to do. Washing strips these natural oils and over time causes irreperable damage.

Answer 11

it all depends on you...if you have dry hair do not wash it everyday because it will just give you dandruff. you can have a shower everyday but just not clean your hair. maybe you should see a doctor if your scalp is really itchy and bleeds when you scratch it too much.