Is washing your hair too often okay?

Experts talk about tackling greasiness and how often it is okay to wash your tresses

It's certainly hot and you're definitely sweating it out while commuting to work, at the gym or even at home. These increased levels of perspiration might make you feel like washing your hair every day. Experts tackle common questions that you may have about this predicament.

Is a daily hair wash okay?

It's not necessary to do so, feels city cosmetologist Dr Sama Rais. "Preferably not everyday as shampoos have harsh chemicals and can remove the essential oils from the scalp, causing an over-drying of the scalp. Thrice a week is good enough. Even if you perspire, just pour plain water on the hair. If your hair suffers from Hyperhidrosis (problem of excessive sweating), you may have to wash everyday. But use only a mild shampoo, which is suitable for to your hair," she says.

Overcoming dandruff issues

Dandruff and an itchy scalp is probably one of the biggest and most common offshoots of the sun playing havoc on hair. Says cosmetologist Dr Jaishree Manchanda, "There are two types of dandruff, oily and dry. Oily dandruff is dangerous as its eats away the pigment of your hair, while dry dandruff falls off. The former can give rise to numerous problems like pimples, pigmentation, etc, as dandruff on the scalp prevents blood circulation." She also advises staying away from using heavy oils. "If you have oily skin, just use a lighter oil, like olive oil, and massage it for 15 minutes, followed by a hot towel treatment, then wash it off. Home-based treatments include putting ginger juice on the scalp. Leave it overnight and wash it off. Also, wash hair every alternate day with a mild, anti-dandruff shampoo. Eating green vegetables like palak and methi helps the hair," she adds.

Using henna, a myth

Henna actually dries the hair and most stylists will tell you should not use it, saysa Dr Rais, adding, "Henna makes the hair more porous and can can turn hair brittle. Instead, use a good conditioner, which has a sunscreen or even a hair serum."

How to use hair serums

Hair serums improve the texture of the hair and untangle it, leaving it softer. They are perfect for that dry, frizz that summer bestows. Anyone can use it but there are rules to follow. "If you use too much, the hair can look oily, so, take only a few drops on the fingertips and apply on the hair, not scalp," says Dr Manchanda, adding, "Look for products that have argan oil as well as those with walnut and almond oil. Avoid those having silicon. After you have used a hair serum, don't use a spray after that."

Tips for healthy hair

•  Trim away damaged ends of the hair, especially if they are frizzy.
•  Wear a hat, scarf or peak cap (not too tight) to protect hair from damaging UV rays.
•  Use a hair sunscreen if you are going out between 11am and 4 pm as that is when the sun's rays are harshest.
•  Always use a little conditioner on the hair before you go swimming.

Thinking about a hair spa?

States naturopath Nirmala Shetty, "Go natural when it comes to a hair spa. Look for nutrients in what nature provides us. For instance, grind hibiscus into a paste and apply on hair. It darkens and strengthens hair roots. Methi (rich in iron and darkens hair) and neem (antibiotic and has germicidal properties) also increase hair strength. Aloe vera is a powerful antioxidant and can tackle scalp allergies and boils. It is also a great hair strengthener. Avocado is full of antioxidants and is especially good for those who have coloured hair."

Foods for strong and healthy hair (expert tips)

Tried various shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments but nothing seems to work? The real reason for bad hair could be a poor diet. What you feed your hair internally has more effect on it than external factors like shampoos or hair packs. And there are certain essential nutrients that both your body and hair need to look healthy and strong. Dr Dinyar Workingboxwalla, a celebrity cosmetologist with clients like Jacqueline Fernandes, Lara Dutta and many more, explains how food plays an important role in the health of our hair and also lists down the essential ones we should all consume in his book ‘Beauty Unleashed: A Comprehensive Guide To Getting Perfect Skin And Hair’. Here’s an excerpt from the book.

The type, the length, the growth, the thickness, the thinness, curls and strength of your hair all depends on what you have inherited genetically, but the condition of your hair depends on the internal state of your body, which feeds the papillae that produces it. For the hair to be strong and beautiful, the cuticle and cortex have to be strong first. Any animal lover changes the look of his pet’s hair by altering its diet. The same goes for humans, too.

Each hair follicle depends on the current nutritional state of one’s blood stream and on adequate oxygen reaching each cell. If a person goes on a poor diet, or for some reason—like stress—has improper food, detrimental changes in the hair bulb can be detected in as little as three to four days. People going on a protein-free diet for ten days have found that when their hair has been plucked and analyzed microscopically, it showed significant changes in colour, texture and structure.

In my experience, I see a higher percentage of vegetarians with hair thinning problems. While many are extremely conscious of their diet and get all the required minerals, vitamins and basic nutrients, what is often neglected is protein, which makes up the core of hair. The essential amino acids that are the building blocks of keratin are most plentiful in animal products, and without adequate intake, less energy is available for hair follicle production.

• Eat lots of lean meat, especially liver which is high in iron and Vitamin B12, and also seafood, which contains the all-important iodine.

• You will also benefit from a sufficient intake of vitamins A, B and C, which are found in eggs, milk, fresh fruits and vegetables. A daily course of vitamins and oil capsules may help if your hair is dry and brittle.

• Use biotin and calcium panthothenate tablets if you suffer from hair fall.

• Hair is fed by the blood flowing to the follicles, so a good diet and circulation from exercise and massages are essential to give your hair shine and vitality.

Remember, just as the residue from drugs and medication and all the negative things that we put in our bodies show up in our hair, the positive results of nutritional care are also seen.

Daily Hair Care Routine in Six Easy Steps

Trying to look after your hair and get all that everyday stuff done you need to do, as well as look after your friends and family, can be a difficult balancing act. We all want to have great hair; but unfortunately, shiny, healthy hair doesn't just happen without a little bit of effort.

 

That effort, however, doesn't have to take up all of your time or break the bank. In fact, the only thing you need to do is put in the short amount of time necessary to follow this simple daily hair care routine. It's that easy!

Step 1: Brush Your Hair

It may seem like the obvious thing to do, but maybe what you didn't know is that brushing keeps your hair tangle free and distributes its natural oils throughout the hair. This promotes healthy growth and shine.

Step 2: Wash Your Hair

How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type and texture. Work out what's best for you by seeing how your hair reacts to washing and hair care products, and develop a schedule from there. For instance:

• Your hair is coarse/dry if it often feels brittle- this means you only need to wash it every second or third day.
• Your hair is fine/oily if it feels greasy the day after you wash it- this means you need to wash it daily.
• Your hair is normal if you wash it one day and it's not too greasy the next- this means you can get away with washing it every other day.

Shampoo Tips

• Remember to shampoo in small, circular movements; don't forget to target dirt collecting areas such as the nape of your neck.
• Massaging your scalp will increase blood flow which encourages growth and will stimulate your hair's natural oils (producing shiny locks).
• Coarse/dry hair will benefit from hydrating shampoos.
• Fine/oily hair should be washed with a clear shampoo (one that doesn't look creamy).
• Normal hair can use just about any type of shampoo- just remember to always use good quality products for the best results.

Conditioner Tips

• Similar to body lotion for your skin, conditioner is moisturizer for your hair and will keep your strands hydrated and manageable.
• For an even application use your hands and a wide-toothed comb.
• If you've got coarse/dry hair try a hydrating conditioner and apply it right from your roots to your ends.
• For fine/oily hair use a lightweight conditioner and avoid putting it on your roots (evenly distribute it from the mid-lengths to the ends).
• For normal hair you can use just about any kind of conditioner, applied from your roots to your ends also.

Step 3: Apply Hair Styling Products

If you have a hairstyle that needs to use hair products- hairspray for hold, wax for hold and shine, or serum for shine and to maintain fly-away pieces- then don't use too much! You might end up weighing your hair down and reducing its volume, or just making it greasy and dirty. Often less is more.

Also, don't forget to protect your hair. If you style your hair with a hair straightener or blow-dryer, it's very important to protect your hair with heat protecting products, and to give your hair a break every few days from the stress of using hair accessories and hairstyling tools.

Step 4: Style Your Hair

Everyone styles their hair, whether they're elaborate updos, professional looking hairdos for work, or casual wash-and-wear looks. Styling is required daily and should be done as gently as possible.

Step 5: Brush Your Hair Again at Night

Brushing your hair again at night will help you to untangle any knots that made their way into your locks during the day.

Step 6: Secure Your Hair at Night

Securing your hair at night with a simple ponytail or plait will make sure your locks don't get snagged or tangled as you sleep.

There you have it, a simple daily routine (and some great hair care tips). It's not hard to follow, it won't have you spending all of your hard earned cash, and most importantly, it will get your hair in the best condition possible.

Now that you know how to look after your hair, why don't you find a style to show off your fabulous locks! Log in to your account to see our huge number of virtual hairstyles.