I may not know about you, but I find regular washing of my hair to be a daunting task and such a burden.
There’s just too much time to be invested.
Actually, scratch that.
It is the drying part that I hate, because it takes ages. If I opt not to dry it, I might end up looking like someone that’s been dragged across a hedge backwards. So, there’s always an hour of every week dedicated to just drying out my hair.
The thing is, the more you wash your hair, the more you’ll need to wash it. Most of the shampoos in the hair stores contain harsh chemicals that strip off the moisture in your hair. Your hair has both good and bad oils. But when it is frequently washed, it fights back by excessive production of natural hair because it is trying to guard itself against dehydration.
For you to stretch the gaps in between subsequent wash days, your hair needs to be trained to last longer.
Here are the best tips to help you achieve that:
1. Pick the correct shampoo
Overloading your hair with products makes your hair greasier than it should be. The right shampoo will cleanse your hair and still maintain its moisture retention levels.
Sulfate shampoos are definitely a no, because they strip your hair of its natural oil, making your scalp to produce more oil. The same applies to heavy, oil-based shampoos that result in product build up that overwhelms the hair.
Go for a product that will cleanse your tresses gently, leaving them looking and feeling rejuvenated.
2. Avoid conditioning your roots
Reduce
the amount of product you use on your scalp. This
saves you frequent washes as the hair is not weighed down by hair products. Due
to the weight of conditioners, you may want to restrict their application to
the mid-length and the tips of your hair.
3. Reduce the manipulation
Restyling your hair over and over increases the greasiness of your hair. This is why I emphasize on getting your look down from day one. Even if it means spending a little more time on the blow-dryer, be sure to have your hair set in place to distinguish the oily roots.
Don’t forget to use a blow dry balm with some hold during prep time to increase the chances of your hairstyle lasting. If a blow-dryer feels like too much work, you can opt to curl your hair on day one and work towards maintaining this style till your next wash day.
4. Before bed…prep your hair
What’s the point of spending so much time styling hair if it will just get ruined the same night?
Since restyling it every morning increases its greasiness, save yourself the hassle by prepping it the previous night. Use a scrunchie to tie your hair in a low ponytail or bun. You could also twist your hair into a high bun if you wish t have a lot of volume the next day. Lose twists or braids do the work as well.
To switch it up, tie your prepped hair in a silk scarf or use silk pillowcases to reduce the drying as your head rubs against your pillow.
5. Keep your hands off your hair
Well, you could be guilty of playing around with your hair without knowing you are increasing the greasiness of your hair.
Now is the best time to stop.
Constantly digging your fingers into your hair transfers the oils to your hair leaving it greasier every time you play with it.
6. Use Dry shampooing
If you intend
to stretch the wash breaks, you will definitely use some dry shampooing. Evening
application is preferred so that there’s
ample time to have the product absorbed and work its magic. Your hair’s volume
will increase, and there won’t be any residue left.
7. Do an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse (ACV)
This tip comes in handy for those with oily hair. The ACV rinse resets your hair and scalp’s PH balance, getting rid of the disruption caused by shampoos and conditioners. The vinegar strengthens the follicles, promotes its growth and leaves it clean and smooth.
8. Massage and brush
Give your scalp a vigorous massage to evenly distribute the oils from your scalp to your strands. Do this at least once a day in the morning or evening for effective results. The same applies to brushing it using a boar bristle brush.
This is the only time you should touch your hair, otherwise, keep your hands off your head for the rest of the day.
9. Stick to hairstyles that work
This
is a trick that many are yet to figure out, yet it is the easiest to use when
trying to control hair greasiness. Learn the hairstyles that work for you and
stick to them. Braids, buns, ponytails, headbands and hairpins are among the best options. Not only are they
presentable, but will also stretch the time in between washes.
10. Wash your hair only when you need to, not when you feel it’s time
In
as much as you may have a hair wash schedule, allow your hair some time just to see how further it can go. You will be
surprised. Try pushing it to 7 to 10 days and observe the difference in its
greasiness level.
Significantly reducing the frequency of washing your hair will save you plenty of time and money. Your mane will become healthier, more manageable and stronger. Step up gradually, till your hair gets used to it. It might take three to four months or longer.
Don’t give up; don’t get discouraged. This is a technique anyone can implement!
