As much as shampoo is excellent for cleaning your hair, it’s not meant to be used every day. In other words, too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing. Shampooing daily often strips the scalp of the oils your hair needs to be healthy while also drying out the ends. While I use to shampoo daily, I’ve finally learned some ways to go longer between shampoos (without greasy hair) and wanted to share them with you.
7 Ways To Go Longer Between Hair Shampoos
Not only are you going to go longer between washes, but your hair won’t be greasy while you do it. I think that’s win-win.
1. Do Not Touch Your Hair
Just don’t. Don’t scratch it all day, twist your hair, or hold onto it in any way. If it’s in your way, put it up in a ponytail or topknot if you have to. Our fingers and hands have so much oil that it will, and does, transfer over to your hair, causing to it to get pretty greasy.
That time I created the world’s biggest topknot. It stayed that big all day thanks to dry shampoo and hairspray.
2. Use a Shampoo That’s For Your Hair and Scalp Type
Scalp and hair types vary from person to person. Some people have a dry scalp while some have greasy scalps (and thus hair). Because of how unique your scalp and hair are, it’s important to use a shampoo made specifically for your needs.
If you’re not sure what hair type you have, feel free to head on over to my hair quiz and I’ll be in touch with the results. This will help us identify your scalp and hair type, plus how you style your hair, so I know which shampoo will be best for you.
3. Rinse with Cool Water
Hot water opens the cuticle and the pores of the scalp. This can help your shampoo get in there and remove the dirt and oils. Cold water does the opposite and, along with the help of your conditioner, closes the cuticle. Think of those cuticles like the scale of a fist. We want them all closed and smooth for our hair to look good and avoid snagging or catching on things. With that in mind, do your best to rise with cool water. Before you throw this tip out the window, keep in mind that there’s a trend right now where people will intentionally take cold showers. They do this for five to ten minutes because of all the health benefits. I’ve also read that celebrities like Pharell and Naomi Campbell credit their youthful appearance to rinsing their faces daily with cold water. Just some of the benefits of a cold shower are:
- Increases overall oxygen intake, which is always good
- Prevents our scalp and hair from losing essential oils
- Temporarily tightens the skin and scalp, so hair looks shiny and healthier
- Improves blood stimulation and circulation- helping vital organs
- Stimulates weight loss
- Eases stress
- Keeps your dyed color lasting longer
Why not just wash your hair in some cold water while you lose some weight, right?
You can do it, I promise. Take the polar bear plunge.
4. Exfoliate Your Scalp
We all know you can exfoliate your face and skin, but do you know your scalp needs it too? You can do this with a thorough brush session before each wash or by purchasing a boar bristle scalp brush on Amazon. You can even buy a silicon one to use while you’re in the shower.
When using the scalp brush here are some tips:
- Be gentle. You don’t want to cause breakage, and more damage so keep the pressure light
- Use high-quality products that won’t clog the pores on your scalp
- Rub it in a circular motion
- Finish with an oil treatment before bed
I would also recommend you clarify twice a month with a clarifying shampoo to see even better results. This is just one of the ways to go longer between shampoos.
5. Clean Your Brushes
Do you ever take a shower and then immediately put on dirty clothes after? Of course, you don’t. So why would you brush your clean hair with a dirty brush or comb? To keep all that old grime and grease from getting to your clean hair, soak your brushes in water with a couple of activated charcoal capsules, or even some clarifying shampoo. Just make sure you don’t soak them too long because brushes aren’t made for that.
You can also consider using one brush for dirty hair and one for clean, but I find that will just complicate your morning routine.
Here are a few other tips for cleaning your hairbrush:
- Run the end of a comb handle under the bottom of the hair on the brush, gently lifting it. This helps keep the brush intact.
- Once the hair is lifted, use scissors to cut it out of the brush.
- Use a toothbrush and some clarifying shampoo (with water) to scrub the base of the brush. Make sure to dry it, so it doesn’t damage the brush.
Here’s my brush soaking for 5 minutes in a little clarifying shampoo and warm water. Side note, I love these wet brushes.
6. Create Texture at the Root
Creating texture at the roots makes the hair stand up, which keeps it off the scalp where the oils are. You can do this using a fine tooth comb to tease and you really only need one pass to do it. It doesn’t have to be beehive worthy. Follow with a straightener for just a second on the area you teased to set it, and you’re all set.
7. Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a must for going longer between shampoos. One trick I’ve learned with dry shampoo is actually to use it before you go to bed, so you don’t have to wash in the morning. This helps with going longer between shampoos but also makes styling it a breeze.
Some other dry shampoo tips and tricks are:
- Use it for texture too- even right after a shower. Dry shampoo especially helps those with thin fine hair.
- Don’t spray it too close to the scalp
- Spray it before you do a braid or bun style, it will add a lot of volumes and make it easier to handle.
- Avoid dry shampoo that contains butane or talc (both these things are pretty bad for not just your hair but you as well)
I really like that Monat’s The Champ Dry Shampoo uses a rice starch instead of talc, doesn’t contain butane (most do), and has rejuveniqe oil to make it moisturizing. Plus, it smells incredible.
The best dry shampoo on the planet. I’ve tried them all. This is the best performing dry shampoo that is also safe.
How Do You Go Longer Between Washes?
If you have some ways to go longer between shampoos that I didn’t mention, let me know in the comments. I hope this blog helps you avoid a wash or two! Don’t forget to take my hair quiz to make sure you’re using the right products for your scalp and hair.
