Advocates for healthy hair have consistently reiterated the need to reduce the frequency with which you wash your hair if you want to keep it healthy. Some even recommend washing your hair for 2-3 times a week if you want to preserve the natural oils produced by the scalp that will nourish your hair and keep it naturally shiny. But the no-poo and no wash movement has created another concern for women: it is believed that not washing your hair often can lead to dandruff problems. Dandruff is one of the most persistent hair problems experienced by men and women alike. It is therefore important to examine this hair myth to find out if there is any truth at all.
Experts describe dandruff as the dead skin cells that shed from your scalp. Despite numerous studies and the fact that many suffer from dandruff, its exact cause is unknown. Dry skin is being pointed as the number one reason for dandruff. But not washing too frequently can also contribute to dandruff formation. Hence, it renders a bit of truth to the hair myth.
Related: Dandruff: Questions You Were Afraid to Ask, Answered
But what is exactly true about this hair myth? First and foremost, lack of washing can cause excessive oil formation on the scalp. When this oil blends with residues from hair products you might use (such as hairspray, styling gels, and hair lotions), then it can cause dandruff flakes to appear. These product residues might combine with your dead skin cells to make dandruff evident.
On the other side of this hair myth is the possibility of developing dandruff when you over-wash your hair, too. Thus, experts suggest finding the right balance so you are not over-washing your hair and neither are you making it too dry when you skip washing for too long. It starts by finding the right product. If you find that you are prone to dandruff, then invest in a shampoo that is designed with dandruff in mind. Then, start by washing your hair every other day. Do it for a few weeks and then notice if there are any differences. If you see no dandruff problem, then you can make it 3 days in between washes and so on.
Finally, one product that you should not use at all when you have dandruff problem is dry shampoo. Using dry shampoo will only encourage more product buildup in your hair. Consequently, the product buildup will promote more dandruff.
To conclude this hair myth, over-washing and under-washing are both factors that contribute to dandruff. Hence, you must avoid them at all cost.
Abby
Abigail is a travel enthusiast who enjoys trying new foodie destinations. She graduated with a degree in Creative Writing and has worked as a web content writer since 2010. She enjoys writing about travel, lifestyle, beauty, hair care, and wellness.
