Let’s face it – we’ve all been there. Stuck in the eternal struggle of attempting to tame our tresses while balancing the demands of our busy lives. Enter the ever-so-popular concept of hair training – the notion that we can coax our scalps into producing less oil by skimping on those seemingly endless wash days. There has been so much hype online about this concept, however, is there any evidence to back that up? Will our scalp produce less oil the less frequently we wash it? Let’s find out together.
Is Hair Training Real?
While the idea of hair training has gained significant traction in the beauty world, the facts are not as promising as many would like to believe. There is absolutely no scientific evidence backing up this concept, and just taking a closer look at it from a biological perspective – it makes absolutely no sense. As much as we’d love to believe in the possibility of training our hair like a loyal pet, our body’s biology simply doesn’t adhere to such principles. Your scalp will produce oil whether you wash it or not. And the amount of oil it produces depends on much deeper factors, such as your hormone levels, age, skin type, and even the climate you live in.
What Can You Do?
Now that you know that hair training is an absolute myth, let’s give you some actual tips that can help you stretch out those annoying wash days. But first, and foremost we want to give a huge disclaimer. Even though washing your hair can be annoying, especially if you’re someone who is blessed with thick and long hair, that doesn’t mean that shampoo is the devil. For some hair types, washing daily can even be beneficial. If you have thin hair and an oily scalp, and you often experience things such as dandruff, itchiness, or redness around your scalp area, chances are that your scalp could be inflamed. That’s typically the consequence of conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis. In those cases washing your hair infrequently can only cause further damage.
Changing Your Wash Routine
One of the best things that you can do to ensure your scalp stays clean for as long as possible is to incorporate a clarifying shampoo into your weekly ritual to rid your locks of built-up residue and pollutants. Even though sulfate-free shampoos may be the best option for daily washing, if you’re an infrequent washer you will need something stronger. This will clean your scalp from all the built-up oil and give you a clean canvas to work with. Also, make sure to swap out those heavy-duty conditioners for their lighter counterparts to ensure that your strands remain nourished without feeling weighed down. Opt for products that provide the essential hydration your hair craves without making your hair look heavy.
And if everything else fails, remember that you always have dry shampoo! A quick spritz can revitalize your hair and absorb excess oil, granting you an extra day of hair bliss without the laborious wash and dry routine. But for those inevitable in-between days, the art of the clean girl bun can be a chic and easy solution. Don’t let the “clean” adjective fool you. The greasier your hair is, the easier it will be for you to create this look. Effortlessly sweep your locks into a sleek bun, brush away any flyaway hairs with the help of gel or hair spray, and call it a day.
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