Of fact, the answer to this question may not be as easy as one might expect. This is because you’ll have first to determine whether or not your hair requires daily cleaning before you can proceed. Another consideration is whether going a day without washing your hair is potentially dangerous.
We hope that this article will help you find the answers you’re looking for.
Why do we wash our hair?
I know almost everyone has one reason or the other as to why they wash their hair. But other conditions may be unknown to you that will necessitate regular hair washing.
Dangerous organism
Ringworms, lice, and other hair parasites are inhabited by dirt. When the hair is too dirty, it breeds some of these dangerous organisms, which may cause severe hair conditions.
Medical conditions caused by buildups
Essentially, buildups are things that accumulate on our scalp over a long time. As a result of leaving these buildups on our hair, they might become harmful and cause scalp diseases in some individuals. In addition to folliculitis and eczema, psoriasis and other common scalp conditions are caused by buildups. If left untreated, they can result in severe itching, bleeding, and hair loss.
Common factors that cause hair buildups
Dead skin cells
Our skin renews every 28 days. When this happens, the dead cells accumulate on the skin surface. If not cleared off, it can lead to several hair conditions, e.g., eczema, dandruff, etcetera.
Sebum
The skin on our scalp realizes oily substances called sebum. This is where the action of shampoo comes into play. This oily substance, upon accumulation, will block the follicle and causes a disease known as folliculitis, which is simply an inflammation of the follicle. This can lead to pain in the hair and everyday permanent hair loss (if left untreated).
Haircare products
Hair cars like dry shampoo are important hair buildup elements. Because they don’t easily wash off, accumulation can also lead to hair conditions.
Why do I need shampoo?
There is no medical need to shampoo at all for most people, as rinsing with water can eliminate debris and dandruff. However, some health issues can benefit from regular shampooing.
People with parasitic diseases of the scalp, notably lice, may need to use specific shampoos to get rid of the bugs. Either way, aside from misuse, shampoos still play an important in helping us build healthy hair.
Some of the reasons are;
To remove dirt
Hair washing is similar to skin washing. Water can wash away the most apparent dirt, but not odors or greasy deposits. Shampoo aids water in removing dirt, debris, and smells like tobacco or sweat.
To remove wax
Shampoos can also be used to eliminate excess oil. Our sebaceous glands secrete an oil called sebum, which helps keep the hair moisturized.
Moisturized hair is less prone to breakage and dryness; however, too much moisture can make hair look greasy. Without shampooing for a few days, oil tends to build up near the scalp, making facial hair look unclean. Most shampoos are meant to remove excess oil, keeping hair cleaner longer.
To build a healthy hair texture
Another reason why we use shampoos is so that we can add to our hair texture. Some shampoos contain chemicals that can help add nutrients to our hair, thereby improving their quality.
What should inform our decision in using a shampoo
Some people have extremely fragile hair that is easily damaged by washing. They can wash their hair every two weeks.
Some of these questions can help you determine when to use shampoo.
Style
On the day following a shampoo, oily hair tends to look its finest. Normal hair may look its finest the next day; however, dry hair may not look its best for several days after being shampooed.
Does our hair break easily?
Dry hair is prone to breaking easily and developing split ends. Oilier hair tends to be more elastic.
Type of hair
Just taking a close look at the hair may reveal some information. When dry hair is over-washed, it can become brittle and lifeless, but oily hair can become flat and greasy merely a day after being washed.
What should influence our decision to wash
Oil
Oil is the main cause of “dirty” hair. It can clog and limpen hair. Oil production is affected by age, gender and environment. Children and seniors produce less sebum than teenagers and adults in their 20s and 30s. While you may have once had an oily scalp, it can gradually become drier with age.
Hair type
The thin hair needs more frequent washing than curly or wavy hair. Straight hair absorbs sebum easily, becoming greasy quickly. Hair that is thick, wavy, or curly is more prone to dryness. Curly hair requires more moisture to keep soft and avoid frizzing.
Black hair requires the least washing. The use of harsh shampoos, combined with chemical treatments or tight braids that pull at the roots, can cause hair damage and loss. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing curly or textured hair only once a week or every other week.
Sweat
Unsurprisingly, a sweaty workout can mess up your hair. How much you sweat affects how often you should wash or at least rinse your hair. It spreads sebum, making hair look and feel unclean. It can also make your hair smell stale. After sweaty workouts or prolonged use of a cap or helmet, Hughes advises shampooing.
Dirt
Soil and other messes may require a wash. It’s possible to get dirty on the hair. These can not only dull your hair but also cause allergies.
Styling items
Styling products can cause discomfort and damage to your hair and scalp. Using many products means washing your hair more often than if you don’t use them.
Conclusion
You’ve probably observed that the answer to whether we should wash our hair every day isn’t an easy one to make. However, there may be nothing wrong in doing so or otherwise. The choice of when and how to wash is largely yours, provided you consider the points raised in the article.