How often should you wash your hair and why?

Determining the appropriate washing frequency that suits each hair is a key issue to ensure optimal cleaning since this not only affects the appearance of the hair but, more importantly, its health. Experts indicate that the hair should be washed "when it asks for it", which requires knowing how to identify the needs well. Although it depends on each type and lifestyle, some studies conclude that the most satisfactory frequency is 5 or 6 times a week. Experts insist on the importance of demystifying the concept of "excessive cleaning" and that the more you wash your hair, the more it falls out.

“Washing your hair daily shouldn't be a problem if you use the right products. It all depends on the particularities of each type of hair. In general, it is usually indicated that very oily hair should be washed more frequently than dry hair”, explains Aurora Garre, Medical Marketing Manager of ISDIN.

Traditionally it has been said that excessive cleaning of the hair can eliminate the natural protective barrier of our scalp and, on the contrary, poor cleaning can interfere with its health, since a greater amount of fat, dust or contaminating particles accumulates.

That is why Garre considers it necessary to make it clear that “concerns related to "excessive cleaning" are unfounded both objectively and subjectively. “In a publication from this same year, it is observed how the degree of satisfaction with the state of the hair and scalp is achieved after washing the hair 5-6 times a week”, points out the dermatologist.

Other studies, according to Garre, have also concluded that more frequent washing is "beneficial and preferable to less frequent washing, thereby reinforcing the demystification of excessive cleaning."

Rocío Gil, a dermatologist at the Pedro Jaén Group's Trichology and Capital Transplant Unit, speaks in a similar vein, pointing out that "washing your hair every 24-48 hours is recommended to maintain proper hygiene of the scalp." This guideline can only be harmful in the case of very brittle hair or hair damaged by heat treatments, bleaching or other chemicals, or in cases of sensitive and irritable scalps due to shampoos, "in which case we recommend less frequent washing, between two and three times a week.

effects of dirt

The effects of dirt on the hair are increased dryness, loss of luminosity, open cuticles and frizz. External factors such as pollution or polluting particles can lead to hair alteration that even causes hair loss, "without forgetting natural flaking or secondary to specific diseases of the scalp, such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, among others, or the production of excess fat. These situations are aggravated by the proliferation of certain bacteria that worsen this sensation of dirty hair”, Garre points out.

Dirt on the hair causes a decrease in shine and movement by weighing down the stems, adds Gil.

What happens in the wash when applying shampoo mixed with water is that the surfactant components, that is, the detergents mobilize the dirt and accumulated fat so that they are eliminated from the scalp and hair with rinsing, explains this dermatologist.

The conclusion, according to dermatologists, is that the hair should be washed when it "asks for it", that is, adapting hair hygiene to the needs of each case and, above all, avoiding the use of aggressive products or products that harm the leather. hairy.

The ingredients present in the composition of the shampoos that clean the hair are the surfactants, which act by dragging the excess sebum, dust and other particles. Depending on the type of surfactants, we will have shampoos that are more or less mild and respectful of the hair fiber. A very important issue is to perform a good rinse to remove all traces of these ingredients.

The moisturizing and repairing agents of the shampoo are those that restore the health of the hair after the aggressions suffered during the day, in relation to agents such as wind, humidity, sun or pollution. Other ingredients that help prevent frizz, the dreaded tangles, and peeling of the cuticle.

Some specific ingredients allow you to choose between different varieties adapted to each need, for example, to remove excess sebum more deeply, remove flaky cells or provide high nutrition, among other options. "It is important to choose the most suitable shampoo, just as it is done with facial care products," says Dr. Garre. This is the only way to prevent possible damage to the hair fiber and the cuticle, which is the outermost layer that is the first line of protection for the hair against external agents, and is also responsible for part of the mechanical resistance of the hair and controls the hydration of the hair fiber.

Brushing should be soft and it is recommended to avoid high-temperature dryers that alter the cuticle and the capital fiber.

And it is not enough to wash your hair with the indicated frequency but it is necessary to follow an adequate method. "It is such a basic procedure in our care routine that, in general, we do not usually consider whether we do it right or wrong," says Garre, which leads us to make mistakes. Some tips to avoid them are as follows:

A myth that experts consider necessary to eradicate is that more frequent washing accentuates hair loss. "It is not like this. And the really important thing is how we wash it and what we wash it with, because we must avoid those products that contain harmful substances, especially for our scalp”, explains Garre, who adds that in case of hair loss a specific shampoo with ingredients that help prepare the scalp for subsequent treatment.

Gil speaks along the same lines, who also warns about the mistake of thinking that washing hair daily produces more and more oil. "What can also happen is that you wash less often than necessary, which can lead to dermatitis problems."