How often should you wash your hair?

This year you’ve decided to commit yourself to some good hair resolutions. Keep it up by following the golden rule of any good hairdresser: wash your hair no more than once or twice a week. Here’s our advice on how to stick it out!
 
Your hair needs natural protection, otherwise known as sebum. These sebaceous glands, located at the base of the hair, distribute sebum across, and lubricate the whole strand for protection. “If you wash your hair too much, even using gentle shampoos, you will end up damaging this natural form of protection.” Some people’s glands are more productive than others. If this is the case for you, your hair will tend to be greasy. “And for greasy hair, the only solution is shampoo. So use shampoo designed for greasy hair and dry ends to avoid removing too much oil from the hair. After all, your hair does require a certain amount of sebum.” Dry shampoo can be used on the roots between washes if necessary.
In addition to the hair’s appearance, there’s also the psychological factor to consider. And there’s not much that can be done about that! “If you tend to wash your hair every day, try not to concentrate too much on the scalp, and focus instead on the mid-lengths and ends.” Avoid putting too much pressure on your hair or stripping it of all oil all together, as this will cause damage and leave it static.
 
If you’ve got into the habit of washing your hair as soon it’s looking a bit dull, put this right by using our advice now! Washing your hair just because it’s looking lifeless or because your curls are lacking volume is not the answer. “On the first day, your hair looks healthy and bouncy, the second day a little less, but that’s nothing that a comb can’t sort. On the third day, many of you decide to wash your hair as the roots tend to be greasier. To avoid doing this, wear your hair up. And consider using styling products such as hairspray or styling mousse.”


Our tip: To get your hair used to being washed once or twice a week rather than three or four, you’ll need an ounce of patience! This will happen gradually. Go from four to three, then three to two, and if you’re struggling, go back up to three washes every now and then. It’s all a question of habit. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll no longer feel like you have dirty or greasy hair.

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The expert Jean Louis David

Vanessa Giani

Head of training in Paris

Vanessa Giani