Do you know the benefits of not washing your hair? Hair care is personal, and everyone has their preferences — but don’t miss out on these unexpected advantages!
How frequently you should wash your hair depends on your hair type, scalp texture and skin oiliness. But did you know there are benefits to not washing your hair? Overwashing causes damage and results in a dry and itchy scalp. If you have this issue, check out these remedies to help treat an itchy scalp.
Regarding hygiene, shampooing your hair is technically not necessary. Taking a break from shampooing your hair can help preserve natural oils in the scalp and maintain moisture. The benefits of not washing your hair range from fewer split ends to less grease and oil — check out the most important advantages below.
If you really want to commit to washing your hair less, learn about the no-poo shampoo approach.
1. Washing Your Hair Less Prevents Split Ends
While you can’t influence external factors like weather conditions and sunlight exposure, you can control your choice, usage and frequency of hair treatments. A study by Swift and Brown revealed that shampooing, conditioning and brushing your hair are the main reasons hair structure deteriorates over time. Washing your hair less can prevent split ends by allowing your hair to repair itself using its natural oils.
If you prefer not to change your hair-washing routine, paying attention to the products you use is still useful. Chemical treatments are especially bad for your hair and can worsen hair breakdown. Using eco-friendly shampoo bars and treatments will benefit your hair in the long run. How about trying out sustainable DIY shampoo bars? You can also use coconut oil for your hair — a great moisturizer or overnight hair mask. In addition, be mindful of these factors:
- Keep heat tools on low heat
- Brush your hair gently
- Stop picking at your split ends
- Cut your hair regularly
2. Not Washing Your Hair Restores Its Shine
Not washing your hair allows natural oils to moisturize your hair and scalp. This also prevents dryness and improves luster. Luster refers to the amount of light that your hair reflects. One appealing benefit of not washing your hair for a few days is some natural shimmer and less frizz!
One example of an important natural oil is sebum, a wax-like substance found in the skin. According to the American Chemical Society, sebum has several functions, such as coating the outer layers of hair and maintaining water content in the hair shafts. This water content is essential for keeping your hair flexible and soft. Sebum also contributes to a shiny finish.
3. Your Hair Will Be Less Greasy and Oily in the Long Run
Another one of the many benefits of not washing your hair is that your hair will be less prone to getting oily and greasy. People with oily hair tend to wash their hair nearly every day. This is counterproductive, making your scalp go into oil production overload.
You might have heard of hair training — a technique that slowly reduces the frequency of hair washes. This way, you get your scalp accustomed to being rinsed less often and naturally minimize oil production.
Follow these tips for easier hair training:
- Use dry shampoo in between washes. You can quickly make this DIY dry shampoo recipe instead of using store-bought dry shampoo. It’s a great way of using ingredients at home and much more eco-friendly than store-bought spray bottles.
- Wear your hair in a second-day hairstyle (we’ll share some of our favorite looks below).
- Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar or rice water rinse once a week. This can help restore the pH balance of your hair and is mild enough not to strip your hair of essential nutrients.
- Keep it simple! Using too many styling products overworks your scalp. Focus on natural hair care like burdock roots or flaxseed oil.
Check out our guide on How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Care for more information on the best way to make an apple cider rinse.
4. Benefits of Not Washing Your Hair: Less Dandruff
Dandruff is a scalp condition in which the skin becomes dry and flaky. These flakes are especially obvious on darker hair and clothing. Overwashing your hair causes oiliness, and this oiliness can be responsible for dandruff production. In turn, dandruff causes itching and can even lower your confidence.
Dandruff production is a complex process influenced by many other microbial conditions. If your dandruff levels seem unusually high, it’s best to consult a professional. When it comes to smaller amounts, the benefits of not washing your hair include reduced dandruff and itching.
5. Less Heat Styling Means Less Heat Damage
If you use a blow-dryer or straightener every time you wash your hair, your hair is exposed to another source of potential damage. Heat styling can alter hydrogen bonds in your hair and change your hair’s shape. Heat styling is also responsible for drying the hair out and damaging the cuticle, the outermost layer of a hair strand. This, in turn, reduces the protection this layer usually offers and causes moisture loss.
Even if you can’t stay away from washing your hair, try to cut down your use of heat styling. Make sure not to apply heat above 450°F and use natural heat protection, such as olive oil for your hair. Try to incorporate days without using any heat styling at all. Letting your hair dry naturally embraces its natural texture, especially during summer.
6. It Can Save You Time in the Morning
Not washing your hair saves you valuable time in the morning. How about using this time to establish the best morning routine to kick-start your day off on a positive note? This could include rituals like making your morning coffee or golden matcha latte, or starting off with some self-reflection (check out these gratitude journal prompts). Perhaps you also just want to use this extra time to get some more sleep — you deserve it!
Do you prefer an evening hair wash? Use the extra time to bring your nighttime routine to the next level and increase the quality of your sleep by doing so.
7. Get to Know Your Hair
Learning more about your hair structure is another great benefit of not washing your hair. Some people report that their natural locks unfold more nicely after not washing their hair for a while. Document how your hair reacts to not washing it and how many days you can go without washing.
8. New Hairstyles Are Fun Benefits of Not Washing Your Hair
Some hair trends work even better with hair that hasn’t been washed. Try stepping out of your comfort zone and try one of the following looks:
- Sleek Ponytail: A versatile and current trend. All you have to do is hold your ponytail and brush out bumps to ensure sleekness.
- Messy Bun: The name speaks for itself. Some hair strands falling out of the bun make this look even more fun.
- Low Bun: The low bun is excellent for an elegant and stylish look. Start by putting your hair in a low ponytail, then form a bun and secure it with bobby pins.
- Space Buns: Two little buns on each side are a playful way of hiding your oily hair.
Just make sure you regularly wear your hair open as well. Wearing tight hairstyles too frequently may cause hair shedding. In case it does occur anyway, there are many tips on how to stop hair shedding.
9. Not Washing Your Hair Saves Money
The better you train your hair for less frequent washes, the fewer hair treatments and products you need to buy. Choose eco-friendly brands and get your hair used to solid shampoo and shower bars. They last much longer than regular shampoo bottles and often come with recyclable or even no packaging. Stop by your local zero-waste shop for the best options.
10. Hair Color and Highlights Last Longer
Colored hair is more prone to damage, and over-shampooing can cause the color molecules to fade more quickly. Consequently, not washing your hair boosts the lifespan of your hair color and highlights!
Tips & Tricks to Enjoy the Benefits of Not Washing Your Hair
There is no rule of thumb to not washing your hair; it all depends on your lifestyle. If you exercise a lot, for example, it may not be feasible for you to wash your hair less. But if your lifestyle does allow this change, it’s important to take it easy. Start slowly by washing your hair every other day and focusing on the scalp when applying shampoo. Likewise, you don’t need to use conditioner all over your hair — it is sufficient to concentrate on the ends, as they are usually the driest.
Once you feel comfortable washing your hair every other day, try every two days, three days, or even up to a week! While the breakdown of hair is complex, not washing your hair can significantly strengthen your hair and prevent deterioration. For more information on this process, check out our guide to no-poo shampoo: recipes for shinier, healthier hair.
Interested in learning more about natural hair care solutions? Take a look:
- How to Make Rosemary Water for Hair: DIY Hair Growth Solution for Strong, Shiny Locks
- How to Get Soft, Silky, Shiny Hair: 8 Natural Tips
- Mango Butter for Hair: Benefits and Drawbacks
- Flyaway Hair: 6 Eco-Friendly Fixes
- How to Naturally Lighten Hair: Tips & Tricks
- How to Use Aloe Vera on Hair + Benefits & Drawbacks
Read more:
- Does It Matter How Long You Brush Your Teeth?
- 13 Problematic Ingredients in Cosmetics
- Zero Waste Makeup: 5 Best Brands Made in the USA
Important Information regarding Health-related Topics.
** Links to retailers marked with ** or underlined orange are partially partner links: If you buy here, you actively support Utopia.org, because we will receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More info.Do you like this post?