With so many dry shampoos and texturizing sprays available today, it’s tempting to put off washing your hair longer. However, if you lead an active lifestyle, which includes going to the gym, working in the office, shopping, traveling, your hair and scalp are more actively influenced by internal and external factors. If you delay washing, itching and flaking may occur, as well as more serious problems.
How long can you go without washing your hair?
According to Dr. Rashmi Shetty, two factors influence how often you wash your hair: hair type and a person’s lifestyle. Those with fine hair will likely need to wash it daily or every other day. “Due to more sebaceous glands, this type of hair can become oily more quickly,” explains Shetty. Hair prone to oiliness can stay fresh with two to three washing sessions a week, and dry hair with one.
Once you have determined your hair type, pay attention to your lifestyle. “Excess dust accumulates on the scalp of those who drive around the city in a car with the windows down or go jogging in the fresh air,” says Shetty.
What happens if you skip a wash day?
Dr. Shetty identified several problems associated with delaying hair washing.
Slower hair growth
How often you wash your hair doesn’t directly affect hair growth, but clean skin creates a healthier environment for hair. Maintaining good hygiene promotes normal hair growth and helps prevent hair loss.
Increased dandruff formation
One of the causes of dandruff is an oily coating that forms as a result of insufficiently frequent or thorough cleansing. Pay attention to your lifestyle and hair type and make sure you wash your hair often enough.
Itchy scalp
Infrequent washing can accumulate dust, dirt and sebum on the scalp, which can cause itching and discomfort, as well as other problems such as dandruff.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle. The disease can have varying degrees of severity, which can only be determined by the attending physician. “Ultimately, the most important factor that plays a key role in hair quality is scalp health,” says Dr. Shetty. – Therefore, keep it clean, wash it as often as necessary. If, despite regular washing, your scalp itches, consult a specialist.”
