Let’s face it no-one likes to wash their hair. Blow drying, styling, primping…that’s a good hour of my day that I could spend watching Netflix instead ;). I thought it was dang near impossible but almost a year ago I trained my hair to not need a shower every day and now I can go almost a week without washing! I know that doesn’t sound sanitary or cute but it’s a lifesaver and actually better for your hair. When you shampoo your hair you’re actually stripping it of its oils giving it the cue to start producing more oil again and the cycle just continues until you’re forced to wash every day! I know you’re probably thinking, “I’ve tried and it doesn’t work, my hair isn’t like that” I promise you it’s possible and here are 5 simple steps and tricks to get you there!
Day 1: Wash your hair + apply treatments
Of course, you have to start with clean hair but you want to make sure you’re really cleaning it and taking good care of your locks. This is so important because what condition your hair is at the start will determine how long you can go without washing. Start out with super clean hair by using a clarifying shampoo. This will help detox your scalp and get rid of any product buildup. I use Paul Michell’s Tea Tree Shampoo. (More tips on shampooing later in this post) The hair care doesn’t stop there, make sure you’re really conditioning your hair to become healthy by applying a leave-in conditioner or damage repair serum. And don’t forget your heat protectant!!
Style it once and then touch up when needed.
On day one I’m usually curling my hair but whether you’re curling, straightening, or just letting it go make sure you style it and then only restyle when it’s absolutely needed! If you use the right products you won’t have to completely re-curl or straighten again until your next wash.
The Holy Grail: dry shampoo + texture spray!
Speaking of good products, here’s your holy grail and my secret to less washing. Right after I style I spray my texture spray (I use this one from Navy Hair Care) throughout my roots and it not only adds volume but keeps my curls intact even the next day! It’s also the perfect quick hair refresh for day 3 or 4. IF you need to, also apply dry-shampoo in any greasy spots (I use this detox one).
Brush out the roots in the morning and then don’t touch it!
When you wake up in the morning you’re most likely going to have greasy roots from sleeping on it. Run a brush softly through those greasy parts before you style or get going for the day. This helps spread out the oil buildup and separates your stands so they don’t look dirty. Then try your best NOT TO TOUCH YOUR HAIR! Put on a headband, hat, or pull it back with sunglasses if you have to just avoid touching so you don’t transfer oils from your fingers onto your hair! The less you touch and play with your hair the better.
Gradually increase the days you don’t wash your hair.
If you’re just starting out build up the days you go without washing. Increase by a day (or 2) each time until you reach almost a week! You may have to try this a couple of times until it sticks but this is training your hair to stop producing oil so often. It’s going to take some time but once you get to the finish line you’re going to be praising the hair gods!
Other tips to help keep your greasy hair at bay:
- Sleep on a silk/satin pillowcase- this has helped my hair so much!! I use this satin one from Kitsch!
- Apply dry shampoo before bed if you shower at night– you just need a little spritz! This will help prevent excess oil that your hair produces at night.
- Wear your hair up when you sleep– this is also an easy hack to keeping your hair from over-producing oil. Wrap it up in a loose bun and you’re good to go!
- Don’t apply conditioner to the top of your head– I only apply conditioner to my strands and gently glide my finger over the top of my head. Applying a ton to your roots can excess buildup.
Links for hair products here! (commissionable links)