Can we be real for a minute?
We’ve all gone longer than we’d care to admit without washing our hair.
But what if you skipped washing your hair for longer than a few days?
What if you went weeks, months, or even years yes, years without shampooing your locks?
In the early 1900s, this would’ve been the case for all women.
Prior to the ’30s, people would use bar soap to clean their hair.
Once shampoo arrived on the scene, it wasn’t used with the frequency it is today.
Is that a good idea?
Well, here’s what could happen when you give up on washing your hair.
One of the benefits of forgoing daily shampoo sessions is the return of nourished hair.
If left to its own devices, your hair’s oilwilleffectively hydrate your strands.
And, really, who doesn’t love shiny hair?
Unfortunately, your scalp is not exactly great at evenly distributing oil.
Lorean Cairns, co-founder of Fox & Jane hair salon in New York City agrees.
Say bye-bye to a greasy scalp andhelloto a shiny head of hair.
Curlier hair, too, can often survive and thrive without frequent shampooing.
If your hair feels greasy, you’ve got the all clear to proceed.
If you develop redness or itchy scales on your scalp, though, it’s time to suds up.
“That’s your body trying to tell you that it needs more frequent washing,” she added.
Well, you may want to consider, at the very least, cutting back.
When that happens, the residue can become visible and your hair could even start looking a bit lackluster.
This all happens pretty quickly, too.
In just a few days of not washing your hair, you may experience some scalp inflammation.
So, what should you do?
to get to avoid drying out your hair, clarifying once a month should be enough.
What’s that smell?
According to Lamb, hair traps moisture, which in turn collects bacteria.
A lot of the science behind the stench has to do with your lifestyle.
And if you have thick hair?
Watch out: you’re at risk for somereal dealmalodorous hair.
So, is the cleansing effect of your shampoo to blame for the dulling of your dye?
Protecting your hair from water, even if you don’t use shampoo, can be difficult though.
Rinsing with cold or lukewarm water as opposed to hot is your best bet for long-lasting color.
You might just start noticing the signs of pollution on your own head.
Your hair, on the other hand, doesn’t have that superpower.
If you live in a major city, this problem will likely be even greater for you.
Ouch, dirt hurts
Do you remember the old adage, “Beauty is pain”?
Well, as it turns out, dirty is pain, too.
At least when it comes to your hair.
However, that comes at a cost.
Additionally,oily hair is heavierthan freshly shampooed hair, causing even more strain on those nerve endings.
You’re much better off opting for a loose braid then a tight hairstyle during your oily hair stage.
Much the same, your scalp can get congested, but it’s not from anything viral.
When your scalp is dealing with too much of that buildup, hair loss can occur.
That may all come to an end when you kiss your shampoo goodbye.
When you stop washing your hair, you also stop getting rid of your natural oils.
Too much debris like product or oil and “your scalp will absolutely tingle,” the hairstylist added.
You could also experience pain.
“The fungus feeds on the oils and releases free fatty acids which can irritate your scalp.”
“Fresh hair will color better with more even results, better gray coverage and increased longevity.”
Jeff Stump, owner of Artkiteks salon, agrees.
“Oily hair won’t allow the color to penetrate through the build-up evenly.”
For every person whoswears by it, there’s another who thinks it’sthe worst hair trendthey’ve ever tried.
So, which is it?
Well, both actually.
But, unfortunately, you don’t have a say in whether or not you’re one such person.
Lamb went on to explain that certain medications and even your hormones can play a role in oil production.
“But it’s detrimental for others.”
Well, because your hair may just end up lookingbeyond phenomenal.
It’s impossible to truly know unless you give dirty hair the ol' college try.
