Is Shampooing Good for Your Hair? Experts Weigh In
Growing up, I thought daily hair washing was a no-brainer. I showered every day, so naturally, I shampooed my hair too. But in my teens, a classmate with enviably thick, lustrous hair told me the opposite – shampoo was bad, stripping natural oils and leaving hair dry and brittle. She only washed once a week.
I gave it a try for a few messy months, only to end up looking like I’d been dunked in oil. I settled into an every-other-day routine, but the question lingered: Is shampoo really bad for your hair? How often should you wash it, and which of the countless shampoos out there should you use? Here’s what experts say:
Is Shampoo Bad for Hair?
Yene A Damtew, a hairstylist at Aesthetics Salon in Arlington, Virginia, believes shampoo isn’t inherently harmful. “Cleansing your hair and scalp is crucial for hair health,” she explains. However, Dr. Deeptej Singh, a board-certified dermatologist, notes that shampoos can strip natural oils. The key, he suggests, is balance – not washing too much or too little.
How Often Should You Shampoo?
According to Dr. Singh, the frequency varies based on hair type, treatments, activity level, medications, and even weather. The general range is from daily to weekly:
- Fine or Thin Hair: Might need more frequent washing.
- Thick or Curly Hair: Can usually go longer between washes.
- Chemically Treated Hair: Should be washed less often due to fragility.
Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a dermatologist specializing in hair health, adds that going too long without washing, especially if you have an oily scalp, can lead to scalp issues like dandruff.
Choosing the Right Shampoo for Your Hair Type
With myriad choices, selecting the right shampoo can be overwhelming:
- Oily Scalp/Hair: Use clarifying or anti-dandruff shampoos, but ensure they’re not too drying.
- Braids, Weaves, or Locs: A diluted clarifying shampoo helps manage buildup.
- Normal Scalp/Hair: Opt for hydrating shampoos with ingredients like sodium gluconate for balance.
- Chemically Treated Hair: Look for reparative shampoos with ceramides and proteins to moisturize and repair.
The Right Way to Shampoo
- Start with Wet Hair: Use a dime-sized amount of shampoo, more for thicker or longer hair.
- Focus on the Scalp: Gently massage to remove buildup and stimulate circulation.
- Work Down the Hair: Gradually move the product to the ends.
- Rinse Thoroughly: To avoid residue which can dull hair.
- Condition: To seal and strengthen hair fibers.
Beyond Shampooing
Damtew highlights that hair health involves more than just washing. “A healthy scalp and diet are essential for hair growth,” promoting an inside-out approach to hair care.
Thus, shampoo isn’t the enemy, but like all good things, it’s about finding the right balance for your hair’s needs.