How often is the healthiest way to wash your hair?Experts tell you – The Epoch Times

[The Epoch Times, November 30, 2023](Comprehensive report by Epoch Times reporter Zhang Ting) Reports of cancer-causing chemicals detected in some dry shampoos may make you reconsider your hair care habits. But experts say there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often a person should wash their hair, or how to care for it in between washes. But there are some ways you can find the answer that works for you.

According to CNN, Dr. Anthony Rossi, an assistant dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, said: “Some people think they have to wash their hands every day. Otherwise your hair will become very greasy.”

“But if they give themselves a chance, they might find that they don’t actually have that oily scalp or hair,” Rossi said.

So, how often should you wash your hair? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your hair texture, hair style, how oily your scalp is, and your activity level.

Washing it too often can make your hair dry and dull, while not washing it enough can build up oil, which can lead to odor and flaking.

Try the following methods to find a hair washing habit that suits you.

when to shampoo

Rossi typically tells his patients to wash their hair once or twice a week. But if you’ve had chemical treatments that make your hair drier, such as bleaching, perming, or using softeners, you’ll want to wash your hair less often than every day to avoid breakage, brittleness, or split ends. Once a week.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology website, if your scalp is very oily, you may need to wash it once a day. This also has something to do with age.

“During puberty, our body’s hormones surge, so our oil glands get enlarged. That’s why we get acne,” Rossi says. He adds that kids may develop more oily scalps during puberty and, therefore, more frequent acne. Washing your hair may help.

The American Association of Dermatology says that as we age, our scalps produce less oil.

If your hair is curly, it may dry out or break more easily. The association says washing your hair too frequently can exacerbate the condition, so thick, curly hair generally doesn’t require daily or weekly washing. But you should wash it at least every two to three weeks for optimal cleanliness and health of your scalp and hair. If you have long, thick hair, wash in sections to reduce damage or tangles. Choose a hydrating shampoo specially formulated for curly hair. If you typically use gel, oil, cream or wax to style your hair, consider using a clarifying shampoo before using a moisturizing shampoo.

How to care for your hair between shampoos

Hair and scalp care doesn’t just happen in the shower. There are a few things you can do between shampoos to keep your hair clean and looking good, and to protect it from damage.

“I think scalp hygiene is important. Just like beard hygiene, you have to take care of the skin underneath,” Rossi says. “Take care of it and comb your hair. This loosens dead skin cells and debris.”

“You don’t necessarily have to shampoo it, but it’s very helpful to keep it clean,” Rossi adds. “You can use products like a leave-in conditioner or scalp oil to help nourish and moisturize your scalp.”

If you sweat frequently from exercise, you don’t need to shampoo every time unless bacterial overgrowth or your hair or scalp starts to smell, Rossi says. You can rinse with water if needed. If you notice excess oil around your hairline, wipe it away with makeup absorbent paper.

When you swim in a pool, your hair is often exposed to water, and chlorine can dry out and make your hair brittle. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you can protect your hair by moisturizing and conditioning it beforehand, wearing a comfortable swimming cap, and immediately after swimming to replenish lost moisture with a shampoo and deep conditioner formulated for swimmers .

Rossi says if you have chronic issues with your scalp or hair, such as dandruff, hair loss, or brittle hair, you should see a board-certified dermatologist who can treat conditions in these areas.

Editor in charge: Lin Yan#