Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – A new report on the discovery of a carcinogenic chemical in some dry shampoos may prompt you to rethink your hair care routine.
However, experts say there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how often to wash your hair or what you can do to keep it on during rest days.
“Some people think they have to wash their hair every day or they will get a lot of weight,” said Dr. Anthony Rossi, assistant dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and a fellow American Academy of Dermatology.
“If they give themselves a chance, they might see that they don’t actually have an oily scalp or hair,” Rossi said.
“On the other hand, they may not be able to go long without washing their hair, because they feel their scalp is getting too greasy,” he added.
How often you wash your hair depends on many factors, including your hair type, how oily your scalp is, and your activity levels.
Excessive washing can make hair dry and dull, while oil buildup from insufficient washing can also cause unpleasant odors and dandruff.
Here’s how to find out what works for you
When do you wash your hair?
Rossi usually tells his patients that they should wash their hair once or twice a week.
But if you run chemical treatments that can make your hair drier, such as bleaches, perms, or styling creams, you may want to wash it less than once a week to avoid hair breakage, split ends or split ends, she says.
And if your scalp is very oily, you may need to wash your hair once a day, according to the American Dermatological Association’s website.
Age can also play a role.
“During puberty we have this increase in hormones, so the sebaceous glands can get bigger, which is why teenagers have acne,” Rossi said.
She added that children can have oilier scalps during adulthood, so frequent hair washing can be beneficial for them.
The American Dermatological Association notes that our scalp produces less oil as we age.
Hair may be more prone to dryness or breakage if it is curly or limp, according to the association.
Washing your hair too often can exacerbate these risks, so thick, curly hair generally doesn’t need to be washed daily or even weekly, according to the association.
But it should be washed at least every 2-3 weeks to keep the scalp and hair clean and healthy.
What do you do between washes
Hair and scalp are not only cared for in the shower.
And between hair washes, you can take some steps to keep it clean and looking and to protect it from damage.
“I think it’s important to keep your scalp clean and take care of it, just like a man’s beard is,” Rossi said.
He added: “Take care of it and brush it, this dissolves the dead skin cells.”
Rossi explained that at least massaging the skin on the scalp will also help remove dead skin, adding, “You don’t necessarily have to wash it, but keeping it clean is very helpful.”
Rossi added: “You can also use products like leave-in conditioners or oils that help nourish and moisturize the scalp.”
If you sweat regularly due to exercise, you don’t need to wash your hair every time, unless there’s an overgrowth of bacteria or your hair or scalp smells good, according to Rossi.
It may be sufficient to rinse with water.
Rossi also pointed out that most dry shampoos are considered safe for hair, but you shouldn’t rely too much on them.
He added that if you notice excess sebum around the hairline, you can clean it with cosmetic paper towels.
In a swimming pool, the chlorine in the water can make hair dry and brittle.
Protect your hair while swimming by bathing it first, wearing a suitable swimming cap, and then immediately replacing lost moisture with a deep shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for swimmers, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
And if you suffer from permanent scalp or hair problems – such as dandruff, hair loss or breakage – Rossi recommends seeing a dermatologist who treats the conditions in these areas.
