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How Often Should You Shampoo Your Hair?

Most doctors agree that, for an oily scalp with thinning hair, frequent shampooing is advised. Shampooing will reduce surface sebum, which also contains high levels of DHT that may reenter the skin and affect the hair follicle.

Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair is very important. With so many products to choose from, it can take many years to find what works best for you. Some may make your hair limp; others may even dull it with a film.

It is a myth that shampooing increases your hair loss. Whether dry or greasy, hair should be washed as often as required to look good, even every day for some people. Most experts recommend a minimum of twice a week washing to prevent dandruff from clogging the scalp. If you have an oily scalp, frequent shampooing will keep the hair from lying flat, weighted down by the fats in the sebum.

If done gently, daily shampooing will not damage your hair. The amount of washing will depend on the type of your hair, the weather (heat, humidity, and sun), your physical activity, and even your workplace conditions.

Apply the shampoo by hand to the oiliest part of the scalp and massage the entire scalp gently, using your fingers (not your nails) as you work the lather outward. It's important not to tangle or pull the hair. Rinse thoroughly with water. As most water is "hard" because of mineral content, you must take the time to wash out all the suds from your hair.

Shampoo can leave a residue that can dry the hair, attract dirt, and irritate the scalp. If you shampoo daily, lather only once, even if you have oily hair. Over-cleansing will create a cycle in which you over stimulate oil production and then dry out the hair. If you shampoo less frequently, experiment with one or two times to see what works best for you.

If your hair is the type that is dry, brittle, or damaged, you really must condition and moisturize your hair to make it stronger and easier to manage. Always be sure to rinse out the conditioner after leaving it on a few minutes.

After Shampooing: Handle Properly

After washing, towel dries your hair gently. The heat from blow-dryers and curling irons is an effective way to destroy your hair. To prevent damage, the hair should be allowed to dry naturally. If you must use a blow dryer, use it on a lowest heat setting and leave your hair slightly damp.

If you brush or comb your hair while it is wet, you pull out much more hair than you would by gently untangling it with your fingers and waiting until it is damp or dry. An occasional gentle massage with the fingertips will help blood flow to the scalp.

Your hair requires gentle handling. Wet hair is especially fragile because it can be easily stretched and broken. A natural bristle brush is better than a synthetic one which may create static and break the hair. Always brush or comb your hair gently and slowly. Slow down - take your time.

Brushing is especially important for long hair because it's hard for the natural oils to reach the ends. Brushing is also good for short hair. It increases circulation to the scalp. If you prefer a comb to a brush, use a wider-toothed comb to avoid damaging your hair.

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