You've heard it from both sides. Some experts say you need to suds up every day, while others say that it's totally unnecessary to wash your hair every day. If you're firmly in the first group, but want to be sure your hair still looks gorgeous, there are some simple tweaks you can make to your daily routine that will keep you from having to reach for the shampoo on a daily basis. These tips were collected from brightside.me and we are so grateful they were able to share them here with us. Incorporate these easy tips and you'll have the best looking hair on the block, even if you haven't washed in a few days.
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1. Watch Your Menu
To ensure that your hair stays clean longer, remove any fatty or fried dishes from your diet. The same goes for sugar, white bread, and canned foods. Replace these products with fruits and vegetables, dairy, lean meats, and nuts. This will help reduce the sebaceous glands’ activity.
2. Use Dry Shampoos
To conceal greasy shine, divide your hair into strands and apply dry shampoo to the roots like a hairspray, from a distance of 8-10 inches. If the shampoo is in the form of talcum powder, apply it to the roots. Wait for ten minutes, and then comb your hair. Dry shampoo will create a shell around the greasy strands that will, for a time, make your hair look clean.
Frequently asked questions
3. Don’t Neglect Accessories
If you have a fringe, a headscarf can provide interesting hairstyling options. All you’ll need to do is wash your fringe, pin it up, and disguise it in some way. Headscarfs look good with collected or loose hair. They can also become a real salvation for those with short hairdos. Greasy hair can be further concealed by means of various hair pins or headbands with flowers.
Accessorizing doesn't have to stop at your hair. Bold earrings or statement necklaces can shift the focus away from less-than-fresh tresses. It's all about creating a diversion - think glittery hair clips, sparkling barrettes, or even a chic hat. Matching these with your outfit not only amps up your look but also helps you feel put-together on days when washing your hair just isn't on the agenda. Remember, confidence is key – if you believe you look great, others will too.
4. Pay Attention to Water Temperature
When washing your hair, use warm or tepid water. Hot water increases the amount of fat secreted by the skin. After you’ve washed your hair, it’s best to let it dry naturally.
5. Put Your Hair into Braids
Braids of any type do a good job of disguising greasy hair roots. The thicker the weave, the better. We advise you to do a slight backcomb at the crown to conceal the more visible part of the unwashed hair. Make sure the braid doesn’t turn out smooth. A small amount of sticking-out hair will help hide the staleness.
Braiding can be a stylish and strategic choice when you're short on time. There's a variety of braids to try, like a messy fishtail, a bohemian side braid, or a classic Dutch braid. All these styles pull the hair away from the scalp and incorporate texture to mask any oiliness. Adding some dry shampoo before you braid can absorb excess oil and provide extra grip. Don't worry about perfection with your braids, as a little bit of lived-in texture adds to the charm and does wonders at keeping the unwashed look under wraps.
6. Comb Your Hair before Bedtime
Comb your hair before going to bed. Once you’ve settled on your pillow, pull your hair back in such a way as to arrange it along the upper edge of the pillow. If the length allows, make a quick ponytail or a loose braid.
Brushing your hair before bed not only helps to distribute natural oils from the scalp through the lengths, keeping your hair nourished, but it also minimizes tangles and knots that might form overnight. A gentle brush with a wide-tooth comb or a paddle brush can prevent breakage, which is critical to maintaining your hairstyle for an extra day or two. Remember not to tug or pull too hard; you want to relax your strands and prepare them for a night of rest, just as you do with your body.
7. Change Your Parting
Switch your parting from one side to the other, or replace a straight parting with a diagonal one. The reason for doing this is simple: our hair gets used to being arranged in a certain fashion, which leads to loss of volume at the roots. Also, it tends to become dirtiest along the parting line. Shifting the parting gives your hair volume, a new look, and an appearance of cleanliness.
Shuffling your part can be as simple as flicking your hair with a comb to the other side of your head. If you typically have a straight part, get creative and try a zigzag design to add an instant lift at the roots. Not only is this tip super lazy-girl friendly, but it also gives your mane a break from the wear and tear in one constant area, helping to maintain better overall scalp health. Plus, it's a sneaky trick to use on less-than-fresh hair days for a seemingly fresher look.
8. Avoid Flat Hairdos
Try not to give preference to smooth and sleek hairstyles: they’ll make your hair look even more messy and greasy.
The best option would be to slightly backcomb the hair at the roots to achieve extra volume, and then secure it in a shell or a bun.
9. Wash Your Brushes
Don’t forget to clean your styling tools regularly to prevent residues of surface skin fat, conditioner, and styling substances from gluing your hair together. Brushes and combs should be washed once a week in warm water with shampoo or soap.
10. The Right Way to Wash Your Hair
• Dry wet hair with a T-shirt instead of a towel to smooth your frizzy hair.
• Don’t scrub your scalp. Use your fingertips to gently massage shampoo into your hair.
• Roots should never, ever be conditioned.
• Wring out your hair before applying hair conditioner.