The truth about how often you really should be washing your hair
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freshly washed hair. Not only does it scream “clean”, it also adds an extra degree of polish to our overall look. Nothing ages or looks more unkempt than a lank, grease slicked ’do. Bearing all that in mind, it’s really no wonder that we’ve become a nation of over-washers. Yes, we wash our hair (and body) far more often and more harshly than we should. This is especially relevant during the cooler winter months when hair is more susceptible to damage from styling and environmental factors. So just how often should we be washing our hair?
The majority of hair types can be washed two to three times per week. If you’re using the correct shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and styling properly from the get go, you shouldn’t need to wash any more than that. In winter, environmental factors like wind and cold air automatically dry out the cuticle, especially when hair is damp so keeping washing to a minimum is extremely beneficial to the overall health of your hair.
The way you wash and what you wash with is almost as important as how often you wash. Quality products designed for your hair type will always provide the best results. Investing in a good dry shampoo can also stretch out time between washes. During the winter months, consider investing in an at-home deep conditioning treatment. Applying this once a week or fortnight will ensure hair is kept hydrated and nourished which improves overall appearance.
If you lighten or colour your hair, winter is a great time to return to a shade similar to your natural tone. This puts the hair under less stress and will require less maintenance (and visits to the salon). Try using a treatment product specifically designed for coloured hair to keep strands looking glossy and feeling healthy.