How Often Should You Shampoo Your Hair?

This has been a lifelong question of mine until very recently. I have thin, stringy, straight, oily hair, and have struggled with excessive oil since I was a child that seemed to follow me into adult hood. I washed my hair every day to combat the oil, but less than 24 hours after a wash, you could visibly see my oily roots shining through. Not to mention, washing daily caused my ends to fray and dry out. For years, I envied women who had beautiful, bouncy, healthy locks until one day, I decided to GTS (Google That Shit) to learn all about hair health and prolonged styling. In this post, I am sharing all the tips and tricks, as well as my new hair routine that only requires a wash every 3 days!

Before I dive in to all the tips, I wanted to share my recent Amazon Live Video sharing my routine for shampooing my hair every 3 days.
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How Often Should I Shampoo My Hair?

The frequency with which you should shampoo your hair can vary depending on factors such as your hair type, scalp condition, and personal preferences. One thing to note, it is never suggested that you wash your hair every single day, the frequency in which you should wash, depends on the type of hair you have. Here are some general guidelines for how often I should shampoo my hair based on hair type:

• Oily Hair: If you have oily hair, you may need to shampoo more frequently, perhaps every other day or every two days.
  
• Normal Hair: People with normal hair may find that shampooing 2-3 times a week is sufficient.
  
• Dry Hair: If your hair is dry, you might not need to shampoo as often. Washing 1-2 times a week could be suitable.

NOTE: Scalp condition can also affect how often you should shampoo your hair.

• If you have a dry or itchy scalp, you might need to shampoo less frequently to avoid stripping your scalp of natural oils.
  
• If you have dandruff or other scalp conditions, you may need a specialized shampoo recommended by a dermatologist.

So after reading this information, I just tried to shampoo less frequency, but the amount of oil initially was unmanageable. Yes, it will take time to train the oil in your hair and scalp. You see, washing every day will strip your scalp of natural oils which tells your scalp to produce more oil and more frequently. When you stop washing initially, you will notice that your scalp is super oily. Just power through it. After a week, you begin to notice that your scalp is less oily and your hair more healthy looking. One way that I got through the initial fist step of not washing my hair for 3 days and to manage any extra oil that may arise from sweat or exposure to the elements, is dry shampoo!

What Does Dry Shampoo Do?

Dry shampoo is a product designed to refresh and clean your hair without the use of water. It comes in a spray or powder form and is particularly useful when in between washes. Here are the primary functions and benefits of dry shampoo and some of my favorite brands.

1. Oil Absorption:
   • Dry shampoo is formulated to absorb excess oil and sebum from your scalp and hair. This can help to reduce the greasy appearance of unwashed hair.
     
2. Refreshes Hair:
   • It provides a quick way to refresh and revitalize your hair between regular washes. This is especially handy for people with busy schedules or those who want to extend the time between shampoos.
     
3. Adds Volume:
   • Dry shampoo can add volume and texture to your hair, making it easier to style. It can be particularly useful for people with fine or flat hair.
     
4. Convenience:
   • It offers a convenient and time-saving alternative to traditional shampooing. This is beneficial for individuals who may not have access to a shower or prefer not to wash their hair daily.
     
5. Preserves Hair Color:
   • Washing hair too frequently can contribute to color fading. Dry shampoo allows you to go longer between traditional washes, helping to preserve color-treated hair.
     
6. Extends Hairstyles:
   • If you’ve styled your hair and want to maintain the look for an extra day or two, dry shampoo can help refresh your style without starting from scratch.
     
7. Travel-Friendly:
   • Dry shampoo is often considered a travel essential as it provides a quick solution for keeping hair clean on the go, especially during trips where access to showers may be limited.

Oddly enough, some dry shampoos seem to make my hair oilier mid-day. Not sure why, but I assume it is because of the differences in ingredients. Som elf my favorite dry shampoos include: Amika Dry Shampoo, Davines Dry Shampoo, Batiste Dry Shampoo, and Dry Bar Dry Shampoo

SHOP THE DRY SHAMPOOS

Homemade Dry Shampoo Recipe

Making your own dry shampoo at home is a simple and cost-effective alternative to store-bought options. Here’s a basic recipe for a DIY dry shampoo:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder: Acts as the main oil-absorbing ingredient.
• 1/4 cup baking soda: Helps neutralize odors and contributes to oil absorption.
• Optional:
  • 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for dark hair): If you have dark hair, this helps to avoid the white cast that can occur with traditional dry shampoos.
  • 5-10 drops of essential oil (e.g., lavender, tea tree, or peppermint): Adds a pleasant fragrance and may provide additional benefits.

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, mix the cornstarch or arrowroot powder with the baking soda. If you have dark hair, add cocoa powder to match your hair color.
2. Add Essential Oil (Optional):
   • If you want your dry shampoo to have a nice fragrance, add a few drops of your preferred essential oil. Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, or peppermint are popular choices.
3. Mix Well:
   • Stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the powders and oil.
4. Store:
   • Transfer the mixture to a clean, airtight container. An old, empty spice container or a small jar works well. Make sure it’s sealed tightly when not in use.

How to Use:

1. Application:
   • Apply the homemade dry shampoo to your roots using a makeup brush, a powder dispenser, or by sprinkling it directly onto your scalp.
2. Massage and Comb:
   • Gently massage the powder into your scalp using your fingertips. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to absorb oil. Then, comb or brush through your hair to distribute the dry shampoo evenly.
3. Style as Desired:
   • Style your hair as usual. The dry shampoo will add volume and freshness to your hair.

Remember that individual hair types may react differently, so you may need to adjust the quantities based on your preferences and needs. Additionally, if you have any allergies or sensitivities, be cautious with essential oils, and consider doing a patch test before widespread use.

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