7 Reasons Why Your Hair Actually Looks Better When It’s Greasy

Easier to Style • Less Maintenance • It's Healthier • Conserves Shampoo • You Save Time • More ...

By Jessica • Jun 22, 2014 MD

Most of us know that washing our hair every day isn't good for its overall health, but have you ever wondered why does my hair look better when i dont wash it? While you shouldn't skip the shower altogether because of dirt and oil build-up, there are surprising benefits to keeping your hair "dirty" throughout the week. If you've ever felt that your hair looks better when greasy, you aren't imagining it! From better texture to long-term health, here are some excellent reasons why dirty hair is better—enjoy!

Before we dive in, check out this quick comparison of how your hair behaves depending on its wash status:

| Feature | Freshly Washed Hair | Second-Day (Dirty) Hair | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Texture | Soft & Slippery | Gritty & Grip-friendly | | Styling | Difficult to hold heat | Holds curls and updos easily | | Health | Stripped of natural oils | Retains protective sebum |

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1. Easier to Style

One of the primary reasons why dirty hair is better is that it's so much easier to style! Freshly washed hair is soft and light, which often means heat doesn't hold well and even having it up in a bun is a challenge. If you've asked yourself, "is day old hair better for styling?" the answer is a resounding yes. I still love the feel of clean hair and the weightlessness it has; however, if I'm planning on an event where my hair needs styling, I make sure it's not super clean so that styling is a breeze. For more on this, you might want to look into a new hair care routine that prioritizes texture over squeaky-clean strands.

***

Dirty hair is a great way to get a stylish look that is easy to maintain. Not only is it easier to style, but it also has many other benefits that make it a great choice for any woman.

First, it can help reduce damage to your hair. Washing your hair too often can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. When you don't wash your hair as often, it helps to keep your hair's natural oils intact, which can help protect it from damage.

Second, dirty hair can help you avoid product buildup. If you use a lot of styling products, over time, they can leave a residue on your hair that can be difficult to remove. This residue can weigh down your hair and leave it looking dull and lifeless. By not washing your hair as often, you can help avoid this buildup and keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.

Third, dirty hair can help you achieve a more voluminous look. When you use styling products, they can weigh down your hair and make it look flat. Not washing your hair as often can help you to achieve a more voluminous look without having to use a lot of product.

2. Less Maintenance

Often times, you can style your hair at the beginning of the week and, with the proper up-do while you sleep at night, you can conserve your hairstyle for a few days! This low-maintenance approach works well when you're not constantly washing and styling your hair. Day-old hair holds style much better and is much healthier for your locks. These unwashed hair styles are a great way to save your hair from the daily wear and tear of heat tools.

3. It's Healthier

Shampooing, blow-drying and heat styling is super rough on your hair and is what leads to split ends, frizziness and poor overall health. If you are wondering is dirty hair healthy, the answer is often yes because you are avoiding those stressors. Well-moisturized hair that doesn't see shampoo every day means better health (and your natural oils will thank you!) and fewer trips to the salon; something we all desire.

4. Conserves Shampoo

Many women invest in making their hair look its absolute best—that means regular cuts, color and quality shampoo. None of that comes cheap! One great reason why dirty hair is better is that you conserve your shampoo and hair products and save money. It's a simple way to make those expensive bottles last twice as long.

Embrace your individuality and transform your look by trying out a unique shade. Did you know that green hair is associated with nature, creativity, and growth? So go ahead, experiment with this bold hair color to represent a new phase in your life, waiting to blossom like a fresh spring leaf.

5. You Save Time

Washing, drying and styling hair takes time, and frankly, most of us don't have lots of time on our hands to spend on doing hair every day. It's so much more convenient to hop in the shower with your hair tied in a bun, which leads to a quick fix-up, rather than spending the time drying and styling it in the morning. If your hair seems oily, there's always the option of a reliable dry shampoo!

6. Your Color Lasts Longer

We all love the look of freshly cut and colored hair but totally hate when it starts to fade. If you continuously wash your hair which opens its follicles, you're essentially washing the color right out of your hair. Instead, go as long as possible before initially washing it after it's been colored, then wash it sparingly with cool water and a quality, color-safe shampoo to keep that shade vibrant.

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When it comes to keeping your hair color looking vibrant and fresh, it's important to avoid washing it too often. Washing your hair opens its follicles, which can wash the color right out of your hair. To keep your color lasting longer, wait as long as possible before washing your hair after coloring it. When you do wash it, use cool water and a quality, color-safe shampoo.

In addition to avoiding washing your hair too often, there are other ways to keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant. Limit the amount of heat you use on your hair, such as from blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons. Heat can cause your color to fade faster. If you do use heat, use a heat protectant to help protect your hair.

It's also important to use a deep conditioning treatment regularly to help keep your hair moisturized and hydrated. Dry hair can cause your color to fade faster. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week to keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.

Finally, use a color-safe leave-in conditioner or a color-preserving hair mask. These products help protect your hair from the elements and can help your color last longer.

7. Your Natural Oils Will Benefit

Washing your hair strips it of its natural oils which can cause drying. That's why you need conditioner which replenishes moisture back into your hair, albeit unnaturally. Taking longer in between shampooing may be hard at first because your hair will produce more oil than it should to compensate; however, in a short amount of time, it will regulate and you can go much longer without washing it. I've gone from everyday washing to 1-2 times a week no problem! Here are a few ways to manage the transition:

  • Use a boar bristle brush to distribute oils from roots to ends.
  • Try a sleek low ponytail for a professional yet unwashed look.
  • Incorporate a top-rated dry shampoo on day three.

It can be hard at first to skip washing your hair if you feel being clean means freshly washed hair. If you have particularly oily hair, try washing it every other day instead and use a dry shampoo in between washes. Do you notice a difference in your hair's health when you wash in it sparingly? Whether you're trying to save time or improve hair health, embracing the "dirty hair" look might be the best thing you do for your beauty routine this year.

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Lydia

    2014-06-23T02:01:31.438Z

    I wash maybe 2-3 times a week and it's very healthy with no strip ends!
  • heyy123

    2014-06-23T04:23:10.537Z

    when you have thin and weak hair, it's impossible not to wash it almost every day. I wash mine every other day, and the second day is always tough as I can see my greedy roots as soon as I wake up.
  • Zanna

    2014-06-22T06:35:36.146Z

    oops! - stringy and dark at the roots
  • Shilomandgoodnight

    2014-06-22T14:44:00.495Z

    I'll stick to every other day because by day twos end my head feels itchy and dirty, but I have my best hair days the day after I wash it, go figure
  • Zanna

    2014-06-22T06:34:43.736Z

    my hair is light blonde and really looks bad and dirty if I don't wash it daily. The natural oils make it stringy and
  • Toni

    2014-06-22T11:46:28.451Z

    every 4-6 months?! I'm trying to get used to every other day... but months?!?
  • Jocelyn

    2014-06-22T13:03:26.644Z

    I wash my hair once a week! its so healthy and now that my hair has become used to it because ive been doing it for years it doesnt even get greasy anymore! Plus the amount of money i save on shampoo is great! and my hair never smells, i get compliments on it daily actually.
  • Purplelove

    2014-06-22T06:00:40.092Z

    I don't wash my hair too often either. usually only twice a week.
  • Midnight

    2014-06-22T09:41:30.028Z

    Great post! The natural oils actually HELP CLEAN the hair (when thoroughly combed through) and they 'calm down' after about six weeks of not washing. One can also use dry shampoo to remove excess oils
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