I understand. Washing hair is very troublesome. You’ll need to muster up the energy to take off your clothes, wash (maybe double), scrub, rinse, condition, and rinse again. And depending on your hair type, the entire post-shower routine can take several hours to complete. That being said, it’s easy to delay your hair wash day a little too long. So how can you tell if you’re over the limit? We asked experts to tell us the main signs you’re not washing your hair enough.
1. It looks and feels sticky.
Whether dry or oily, your scalp produces sebum on a regular basis. “If you don’t wash your skin thoroughly, oil builds up,” says Dr. Hadley King, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Oil buildup can make your hair look greasy and even cause it to smell unclean,” she says.
2. Your scalp is itchy and inflamed.
Not only does oil build-up create a greasy texture, but your scalp can also start to feel itchy, sensitive, and irritated.
“Sebum acts as a natural moisturizer, but it’s also a strong attractant for dirt, dust, and other environmental pollutants. This is where bacteria, fungi, and yeast can thrive and multiply, causing scalp irritation. ,” says Jodi LeGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC.
This is a big sign that you’re not washing your hair enough. If you’re experiencing frequent itching, it’s time to reconsider your laundry schedule, says Legerfo.
3. Visible dandruff or dandruff
A flaky scalp is often accompanied by itching and oiliness. “If you don’t wash your hair regularly, oil builds up on your scalp, creating a breeding ground for yeast, resulting in seborrheic dermatitis, commonly referred to as dandruff,” Dr. King says. Masu.
If dandruff persists despite regular shampooing, you may need a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo to eliminate yeast.
4. An existing problem appears to be getting worse.
Inadequately washing your hair can worsen or worsen your scalp condition. “If you have seborrheic dermatitis or an itchy scalp, not washing your hair enough can make these symptoms worse and harder to treat,” says trichologist Sophia Emmanuel, V&Co. he warns. Beauty brand ambassador.
5. There is a buildup of product.
Terrarose Puncelleri, a celebrity stylist and spokesperson for Hairrapy Hair Care, says she can always tell when a customer’s laundry isn’t going well. how? “This is due to residue build-up on the shaft and scalp. If hair products aren’t thoroughly rinsed out, they can leave a sticky, insoluble residue.” She says this is due to shampoo, conditioner, styling Apparently this can happen with creams, oils, gels, foams, etc.
It’s not just how often you wash your shampoo, but also how well you wash it. Puncellelli recommends two washes. The first time removes buildup and dirt, and the second time cleanses the hair.
6. You’re losing more hair than usual.
This is a surprising sign that you’re not washing your hair enough. Your hair is starting to fall out or breakage occurs. “A 2021 study published in the Skin Appendage Discord found that washing hair less frequently was associated with an increased risk of hair loss,” Dr. King says. It causes inflammation, which leads to hair loss. ”
LeGerfo adds that it can also form a thick coating on your hair that prevents it from absorbing moisture. This may ultimately cause damage or damage.
7. Hair looks flat
A build-up of styling products and oil can naturally make your hair look flat and heavy. “Many modern hair products contain silicones and other occlusive agents that can stick to the hair and scalp. If not washed regularly, this build-up can weigh down the hair and reduce volume and movement. “It can lead to a lack of,” says LoGerfo.
8. I don’t feel my best.
Confidence may not seem like a sign of poor cleaning, but Dr. King says don’t forget this idea too soon. “One of the more important considerations is the psychological impact of hair cleanliness. Clean hair is essential to a person’s self-esteem and social interactions,” she says. “Hair is thought to reflect an individual’s hygiene and grooming habits. Poorly washed hair can cause bad odors and an overall lack of cleanliness. It can have a negative impact on how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others.”
