As a kid, you probably didn't wash your hair every day. Maybe you switched to daily hair washing as a teenager or young adult and have been in that routine ever since. Now, you may be putting in a lot of time and effort into styling your hair, and perhaps you don't want to do that every day. Who has the time?
Or maybe you're noticing that your hair and scalp is drying out, so you want to try something new. While cleanliness is important, over-washing can strip away natural oils, leaving your hair dry and prone to damage. It turns out that skipping hair wash day isn't all that dirty, as we may have thought when we were younger. The good news? You can break free from this cycle and achieve healthier, more vibrant hair by washing less frequently. And you can still shower, but keep your hair dry with a washable, reusable shower cap from Skipper.
1. Start Slow: Transitioning to a less frequent washing schedule requires patience. Begin by stretching the time between washes gradually. If you're accustomed to washing daily, aim for every other day initially.
2. Use a shower cap: Yes, it's why we're here! Even though you aren't washing your hair daily, you'll likely be showering. Use Skipper's comfortable, high quality shower cap to keep your hair dry when you shower. It will save your hairstyle (and all that effort you put into it), and you won't have to fuss with a Skipper, like you do with elastic shower caps that move around and leave forehead marks!
3. Invest in Quality Products: Choose shampoos and conditioners formulated for your hair type. Look for products free from harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens, which can strip away natural oils and disrupt your scalp's pH balance.
4. Double Shampoo: On wash days, you may find that shampooing twice will help to get your hair a little cleaner. Shampoo as usual for the first wash. Right afterwards, shampoo your hair again, but this time only use a small amount of shampoo, about half the amount you'd usually need. You'll find your hair will suds up a lot more on the second time, and this helps get a deep clean since you have more days of oil, sweat, pollutants, and product buildup on your hair to remove.
5. Use Dry Shampoo: A lifesaver for those in-between days, dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and adds volume to your hair. Spray it onto your roots or the part of your hair closest to the scalp, wait a minute, then brush or massage it in for a fresh look. It takes a bit of getting used to, since some dry shampoos will feel a bit gritty. You may notice your hair has more volume when dry shampoo is in it!
6. Embrace Hairstyles: Get creative with hairstyles that can camouflage greasy roots or add texture to unwashed hair. Braids, buns, and ponytails are stylish options that keep your hair looking polished between washes. Many people find that hair holds waves or curls from heat tools better on days that aren't wash days.
7. Change your pillowcase more often: This is often overlooked, but if your hair isn't cleaned as frequently, your pillowcase may need refreshing more often.
What to Expect:
Patience is key! Initially, your scalp may overproduce oil as it adjusts to the new washing schedule. This is temporary and should normalize over time. You may also notice that your hair feels softer, retains moisture better, and has increased shine. Additionally, washing less frequently can help preserve hair color and reduce frizz.
By washing your hair less often, you're allowing your scalp's natural oils to nourish and protect your hair, resulting in healthier and more manageable locks. With a bit of patience and the right approach, you can say goodbye to daily washes and save time, energy, money, and water!
