What Happens If You Don’t Wash Your Hair? Possible Side Effects

Many people don’t wash their hair every time they bathe — and for good reason. Over-washing can strip natural oils from your hair, making it dull, dry, and coarse.

But not washing your hair enough may lead to conditions like dandruff or itchy scalp.

How often you should wash your hair can be different for everyone, depending on your activity level and the type of hair you have. Knowing more about hair and scalp health can help you figure out the best hair-washing schedule for you.

Despite all of the potential benefits, there are also side effects of not washing your hair, especially for an extended period of time.

It could slow hair growth

The main factors that affect hair growth and the growth cycle are:

• genetics
• nutrition
• stress
• overall health
• hair care

Treating your hair gently can promote hair health. This can include things like using a towel gently, not using hairdryers or turning down their heat, and going to a salon.

If you don’t wash your hair, dirt and hair care products may build up on your scalp, potentially affecting hair growth.

Oils and grime can be trapped, creating odor

When you don’t wash your hair, oils may accumulate on your scalp. This can cause odor on the scalp and hair.

If you use hair care products, these can also build up on your scalp and create odors, even if the products themselves smell good.

Hairs may become ingrown

If there’s buildup of product or oils on the scalp, you might experience ingrown hair. This is when a hair grows back into the scalp. It’s often painful.

To help treat this, you can do the following:

• Apply warm compresses to the area at least three times a day.
• Use gentle scrubbing after the compresses with a moist washcloth.
• Shampoo daily with a soothing antiseptic shampoo.
• Moisturize the scalp.
• Avoid covering your head.

Dandruff

Dirty hair itself doesn’t cause dandruff. However, oily buildup from not washing your hair can cause flakes.

Most cases of dandruff can be treated with over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. If it doesn’t help or you notice the flakes getting worse, see a dermatologist.

Itchy scalp

An itchy scalp can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• dandruff
• reaction to a hair care product
• product buildup
• lice
• psoriasis

Finding out the underlying cause of the itching can help you address it.

There are some benefits to not washing your hair, especially if you have dry hair, damaged hair, or tightly curled hair. Depending on your ethnic background, less frequent washing can also help reduce breakage and hair loss.

People with tight, coiled hair are at a higher risk for hair loss and breakage from a condition called acquired trichorrhexis nodosa (TN). Repeated heat styling and chemical processing can damage the outer protective layer of the hair shaft. This can then change the hair’s protein structure, causing weak points and breakage.

This is especially true of Black people’s hair, since the fibers have an asymmetric shape and curvature, making them more susceptible to breakage due to weakness.

Washing hair less often is suggested to minimize the impact of TN.

Additionally, oils have a harder time coating curly hair. By not washing as often, the sebum can coat the hair more, providing some protection.

When it comes down to it, the benefits you experience may depend on the kind of hair you have. If you have oily hair, you may need to wash it more often. But if you have natural hair or coarse, curly, or dry hair, washing it less often can yield benefits.

There’s no scientific proof that people with oily hair can “reset” oil glands in the scalp.

Are there any benefits to not washing hair for a week?

Not washing your hair for a week can have different benefits, depending on the kind of hair you have.

Washing hair once a week, or even every other week, can help prevent the hair from drying out while also removing any buildup of hair products.

Chemically treated hair and hair of older people may be drier, so not washing it for a week can help prevent it from drying out.

Right now, there’s not any research on how long someone can go without washing their hair. Some people find alternative ways of washing their hair and have been using these methods for years. Some of these methods include:

• dry shampoo
• co-washing, or washing with conditioner only
• washing only with water

Because each person’s hair, lifestyle, and personal preferences are different, there’s no one prescribed length of time that someone can go without washing their hair.

Everyone’s hair is different.

Depending on the makeup of your hair, your activity level, and personal preferences, you may find that washing your hair less often is helpful. For many people with oily hair, washing more frequently may be necessary.

Finding a routine that works for you and your hair is the most important goal.

If you’re having persistent oily hair or scalp issues, see a dermatologist. There may be underlying health issues that need to be addressed that go beyond washing the hair.

Can You Get Dandruff From Not Washing Hair?

Find out if you can get dandruff from not washing hair, as well as tips to combat dandruff once and for all

We’ve all experienced dandruff at some time or another. It makes sense considering it’s one of the most common hair-related problems that men and women face. In fact, according to a research article published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, “Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost half of the population.” Dandruff can not only be an embarrassment but also lead to hair loss and scalp acne. 

It is almost inevitable that you will face dandruff at some point in your life. Some people get dandruff from not washing their hair, while some get it as a result of fungal infections or incessant exposure to UV rays. However, the good thing is that in the majority of cases you can manage dandruff through simple lifestyle choices.  

What exactly IS dandruff?

In simple words, dandruff can be explained as dead cells called corneocytes that come off as loose flakes from your scalp. These dead cells are made when natural oil on your scalp mixes with dead cells or dirt and develop into a layer and then shed when disturbed. 

You can suffer from dandruff in all seasons. People with dry hair tend to get it in winter, when the air is cold and lacks humidity, and ends up drying out the scalp. Winters also deter people from shampooing and they get dandruff from not washing hair. Some people’s dandruff problem is exacerbated in hot and humid weather, making their scalp oily, which in turn attracts dust and grime. 

What causes dandruff and can you get dandruff from not washing hair?

Here are some common causes of dandruff: 

Seborrheic Dermatitis: It is a condition in which your scalp becomes extremely oily and scaly that creates dandruff. You can have seborrheic dermatitis on your eyebrows, chest, and armpits. It can be treated with medicated shampoos that have zinc pyrithione. It is also subdued with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drugs.

Fungus Infection: In several cases malassezia, a type of fungus, creates dandruff. All people have malassezia on their scalps but its excess presence triggers a very fast creation of scalp cells. Eventually, the extra cells build up and become flakey dandruff. The malassezia induced dandruff is a chronic condition that needs to be managed with the help of anti-fungal topical creams and isotretinoin. Factors like age and hormonal imbalance also cause malassezia to flare up. 

Not washing hair enough: Proper shampooing is fundamentally important to haircare. One can get dandruff from not washing hair enough. People should wash their hair at least twice a week to rinse away dirt and pollution. Using a natural and mild shampoo will maintain the scalp’s pH and not harm the healthy microbes that are on your scalp. 

Using Too Much Shampoo: Excessive shampooing can strip your scalp of natural oils created by the sebaceous glands. These natural oils maintain the elasticity of the scalp and lubricate the hair follicles. The dryness caused by needless shampooing rids the scalp of the natural oils which lead to dandruff. 

Using The Wrong Products: Some shampoos instead of reducing dandruff, aggravate it. Shampoos that have ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and palm oil can be hard to rinse. Conditioners or leave-in conditioners with murumuru butter, hair gels, and hair sprays leave their residue that mixes with dead cells and oil. This eventually builds up and develops into dandruff. 

A Sure Shot Way To Prevent Dandruff

Dermatologists around the world agree that in the majority of cases, people get dandruff from not washing hair properly. One should use anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial shampoos like Unearth Yourself Balancing Clay Hair Cleanser for all hair types. This all-natural shampoo cleans your hair while retaining the natural moisture of your scalp. You can also include a pre-wash such as Back To Your Roots Scalp + Hair Prewash that has tea tree oil in it. Research has shown that tea tree oil is highly effective in the treatment of dandruff.

So, the next time you think you might have dandruff, try these tips and keep your scalp healthy and clear of this scalp condition.

VICHY Dercos PSOlution Keratoregulating Shampoo [Official Site]

VICHY Dercos PSOlution Keratoregulating Shampoo [Official Site]

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Dercos PSOlution

200 ml

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Tested under dermatological control and successfully clinically tested formula Keratoregulating Shampoo PSOlution is specially designed for the care of scalp prone to psoriasis.

Fortified with urea [5%] and salicylic acid [2%], PSOlution visibly reduces flaking, instantly reduces discomfort – reduces the feeling of tightness, relieves itching caused by dry scalp and visibly soothes.

Clinically proven. Tested under dermatological control. Hypoallergenic .

GET THE EXPERT’S OPINION

Altana Bazyleva Vichy medical expert, cosmetologist-dermatologist

GET THE EXPERT’S OPINION

“Help eliminate peeling and tightness” 90 005

Shampoo contains urea, which has a keratolytic effect and softens the stratum corneum of the epidermis , as well as salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates horny cells from the surface of the skin. These components help to eliminate peeling and a feeling of tightness, and glycerin helps to retain moisture on the surface of the skin.

Apply a small amount of shampoo to damp hair, massage gently into the scalp, leave for 2 minutes, then rinse with water. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water. Suitable for frequent use.

1144809 T2 – INGREDIENTS/COCTAB: AQUA / WATER • SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE • UREA • SODIUM COCOAMPHOACETATE • PEG-200 HYDROGENATED GLYCERYL PALMATE • GLYCOLID STEARATE • GLYCERIN • SALICYLIC ACID • SODIUM LAURETH- 8 SULFATE • GLYCINE • PIROCTONE OLAMINE • HEXYLENE GLYCOL • ALCOHOL DENAT. • CARBOMER • CHLORPHENESIN • CITRIC ACID • COCO-BETAINE • HYDROXYPROPYL GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE • MAGNESIUM LAURETH SULFATE • MAGNESIUMLAURETH-8 SULFATE • MAGNESIUM OLETH SULFATE • PEG-55 PROPYLENE GLYCOL OLEATE • PEG- 7 GLYCERYL COCOATE • PHENOXYETHANOL • POLYQUATERNIUM-30 • PROPYLENE GLYCOL • SODIUM CHLORIDE • SODIUM HYDROXIDE • SODIUM LACTATE • SODIUM OLETH SULFATE • PARFUM / FRAGRANCE • Code F.I.L.: C234573/1

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Hello! Can I use balm and hair conditioner with Dercos PSOlution shampoo?

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Victor, hello!

Dy. You can use hair care products in conjunction with the shampoo.

Have a nice day!

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dermatologist’s advice, effective remedies and ways to combat seborrhea

You monitor the condition of your hair, carefully study the labels of shampoos, do not neglect balms and are always ready to devote time and effort to beauty treatments for curls. It would seem that you did everything to make your hair look luxurious. But dandruff is not going to disappear anywhere, treacherously stretching the shoulders, and the itch is driving you crazy. It’s time to figure it out! After reading this article, you will learn how to effectively get rid of dandruff on your head.

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Dandruff is a disease that cannot be cured with cosmetics. A special shampoo, a remedy to get rid of dandruff, will work, but temporarily (while you use it), then the problem will return. It is better to go to the doctor once than spend money on shampoos an infinite number of times. The chief doctor of the British chain of Saco salons, Olga Green, a dermatologist, trichologist, Ph.D., told us about why dandruff appears and how to get rid of dandruff forever.

What is dandruff, why does it occur and can you get rid of dandruff in your hair at home quickly?

Our skin is renewed and this is completely normal: old skin particles are shed and new ones come in their place. Sometimes, however, this process becomes too intense and we begin to notice these particles in our hair and clothes – this is the same dandruff that causes us a lot of problems. Why does dandruff occur and how to get rid of it? These are the main questions that are asked by those who have encountered a problem. There can be quite a few reasons for the occurrence of dandruff – depending on what exactly caused it to appear, the answer to the question of how to get rid of dandruff in the hair will be different.

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Seborrheic dermatitis

This is perhaps one of the most serious problems that cause itching and flaking, and therefore it is most likely not possible to get rid of dandruff quickly and effectively in this case. There will be a lot of work. The thing is that seborrheic dermatitis occurs due to the reproduction of a fungus of the genus Malassezia on the surface of the scalp. It is necessary to fight not just with a cosmetic defect, but to treat a fungal infection. In this case, most likely, you can’t do without the help of a specialist who knows how to get rid of dandruff.

Improper hygiene of the scalp

The scalp also needs care, and the right one. And, before trying all the ways to get rid of dandruff on yourself, pay attention to how exactly you care for your scalp. She needs regular cleansing of sebum – a layer of dead cells. For these purposes, a scrub is suitable, which will gently exfoliate.

Hair coloring

Dandruff may appear 3-4 days after hair coloring. As a rule, it is accompanied by itching and redness of the scalp. Usually this condition lasts no more than 2 weeks and goes away on its own. But if you constantly resort to staining with such paint, then in the end everything will end with allergies and chronic inflammation. If this happens, shampoos that help get rid of dandruff, such as Dixidox DeLuxe Antidandruff Shampoo, as well as Dixidox DeLuxe Antidandruff Lotion, will help relieve symptoms. In a duet, these remedies are especially good, as they not only quickly help get rid of dandruff, but also prevent its further appearance, and also regulate the secretion of sebum (sebum).

If you are looking for a product that helps get rid of dandruff, then pay attention to other brands – Vichy, L’OREAL and others.

Wrong Shampoo

Usually flaking and itching after using the wrong shampoo appear immediately. In this case, give it up, and if the question of which shampoo to get rid of dandruff is still worth it, then use any sulfate-free shampoo. There are no sulfates and parabens in such products, but nutritional ingredients are most often added. Hair will become shiny and silky.

Gastrointestinal problems

How to get rid of dandruff without shampoo? Pay attention to the health of your digestive system. Until you restore the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, you can forget about healthy skin and how to quickly get rid of dandruff on your head. We advise you to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist.”

Bad carbs

Don’t know how to get rid of dandruff with diet? Now we’ll tell you. The relationship between the use of cakes, chocolates, sweets, pastries, croissants and the appearance of dandruff against the background of increased oily hair has already been proven. This is because fast carbohydrates actively stimulate the work of sebaceous hair follicles. In this case, we recommend avoiding fast carbohydrates. Tune in to the fact that the process will be long, because in this way you won’t be able to get rid of dandruff in 1 day. But it is useful not only for the health of the scalp and hair, but also for the whole organism as a whole.

Stress

Stress affects many different aspects of health. It does not cause dandruff on its own, but it can suppress the activity of the immune system, which can impair the body’s ability to fight fungal infections and diseases that dandruff is a symptom of.

In 2015, scientists conducted a study in which 166 people with seborrheic dermatitis took part. 28% of them reported that stress was a trigger – it was because of it that the manifestations of the disease began to develop. Do you want to keep stress under control? Do yoga, meditate and learn breathing techniques.

How to get rid of dandruff

You can get rid of dandruff at home, in a salon or clinic – with the involvement of a qualified specialist. And, by the way, we recall that people of both sexes and of all ages face dandruff. Despite the question of how to get rid of dandruff for a woman is asked more often than the question of how to cure seborrhea for a man, this problem worries a lot of people.

Method #1 to quickly get rid of dandruff: mechanical peeling

Start exfoliating your scalp regularly as dandruff interferes with normal hair growth. Here is one of the options on how to get rid of dandruff, reviews of which say that it works. Use mechanical peeling: a product based on a complex of fruit acids and salicylic acid, plant extracts and apricot kernel powder. Due to natural fruit acids, this mechanical peeling provides exfoliation of superficial keratin scales, moisturizes the scalp and activates immunity, and the skin becomes fresh, soft and velvety. In general, try it, and it is possible that this procedure will give you an answer to the question of whether it is possible to get rid of dandruff. The result will be noticeable and we think you will be pleased.

Method #2: Deep Cleansing Lotion

If you are wondering how else you can get rid of dandruff, then try using special lotions. For example, there are products that contain a natural ingredient derived from yeast that help remove cellular degradation products. As the reviews say, it helps to get rid of dandruff on the head pretty quickly. By the way, nicotinic acid for hair may have a similar effect, but everything is individual here – in some cases, “nicotine”, on the contrary, exacerbates dandruff, so do not take it as a panacea and try it with caution.

• Apply about 3 ml of lotion to dry or damp scalp.
• Gently rub the preparation into the skin, making a gentle massage.
• Do not wash your hair immediately after applying the lotion, allow the healing components to penetrate deeper.
• If you are going to wash your hair, do it before applying the lotion, or no earlier than 4 hours after applying it.

Method #3: anti-dandruff agent – chemical peeling

If you have dandruff and you are thinking how to get rid of it, if shampoos did not help, then we repeat, peeling is the most effective way to fight dandruff. In salons and trichological clinics, there is a chemical peeling procedure based on glycolic acid, created specifically for the scalp. Having an anti-inflammatory effect, scalp peeling promotes deep cleansing of hair follicles.

Method #4: a global approach to getting rid of dandruff

First, determine whether your dandruff is dry or oily. This is really important, because in order to understand how to effectively get rid of dandruff, you need to “know the enemy by sight.”

Dry dandruff appears a day or two after shampooing, there is a lot of it, it flies off easily, accompanied by brittleness, hair loss and itching of the scalp. The reasons for its appearance: hormonal problems, bad food, lack of vitamins, bad habits, bad cosmetics. How to get rid of dry dandruff on the head? You need to start drinking vitamin complexes that include B6 and PP vitamins, eat a lot of vegetables, fruits and seafood, and use high-quality hair cosmetics. By the way, if you are thinking about how to get rid of dandruff in a child, then do not exclude the option of beriberi – the normalization of nutrition can have a beneficial effect on the state of the head.

Oily dandruff manifests itself later, on the third or fifth day, it is yellowish, oily to the touch, difficult to comb out. It appears due to the poor functioning of the sebaceous glands of the scalp and impaired metabolism. Since it will not be possible to permanently get rid of oily dandruff only with the help of shampoos and cosmetics, you should give up fast food, fatty, sweet, carbonated drinks, lose weight if necessary, check your hormonal levels, try taking special drugs (by prescription) and make homemade anti-dandruff masks. Oily dandruff can often appear in teenagers, causing them a lot of problems when communicating with peers – all this can be a reason for frustration. How to get rid of dandruff for a teenager? In addition to skin care procedures, you need to pay attention to nutrition.

Remember: regardless of the causes of dandruff, it is necessary to contact a trichologist so as not to miss something serious.

How to get rid of dandruff at home, and preferably quickly doctor! And as old as the world, advice on how to get rid of dandruff on the head of a child or teenager, a man or a woman is quite universal: you should avoid stress, lead a healthy lifestyle, take Omega-3 or vitamins containing fish oil.

Here are some recommendations on how to get rid of dandruff with folk remedies, even if not in 1 day. As a rule, these components are in every apartment, try to use these methods regularly – first, try at least one procedure to understand that these methods suit you.

Coconut and olive oils

In order to restore the scalp, get rid of dryness and, as a result, severe dandruff, moisturize the hair, coconut or olive oil is suitable. How to use oil correctly to get rid of dandruff on your head – user reviews contain the most detailed instructions. Here it is: you need to slightly heat the coconut oil until it becomes liquid, for example, in a steam bath, or simply by placing a jar of oil in a container of hot water. Rub a couple of tablespoons of oil into the scalp, leave for an hour, put on a shower cap, and then wash your hair as usual. With olive oil, the procedure is the same, but you can leave this makeshift mask under a shower cap all night and wash your hair in the morning using regular shampoo and balm.

Science has proven the effectiveness of coconut oil. In a 12-week study of 140 women, applying coconut oil to the scalp resulted in a significant improvement in the skin microbiome and reduced dandruff. Another 8-week study showed that it reduced the symptoms of atopic dermatitis by 68%.

Aspirin

If shampoos somehow don’t really help get rid of dandruff, try to “enhance” their action with salicylic acid, or, more simply, with aspirin. By the way, do you know that it is included in the top best drugstore beauty products? You need to crush one or two aspirin tablets to a powdery state, mix with shampoo and wash your hair with it. Then rinse your hair thoroughly and use shampoo without aspirin. And in the end, of course, use a balm.

The efficacy of salicylic acid has been the subject of a number of studies. In one study of 19 people, it was found that a salicylic acid shampoo was better at getting rid of dandruff than one containing piroctone olamine, a compound often used to treat dandruff. Another small study by scientists proved that shampoo with salicylic acid significantly reduces irritation and itching of the scalp.

Salt

Yes, ordinary table salt. It can play the role of mechanical peeling. Salt, as an abrasive, will remove old exfoliated scales from the skin. Rub one teaspoon into dry skin, massage your head, thoroughly rinse the salt from your head and follow your routine with shampoo and conditioner – this method may help you get rid of dandruff quickly.

Soda

We tell you how else you can get rid of dandruff. A simple remedy is ordinary soda. Wash your hair with regular shampoo, but do not use balm, you will need it later. Massage a handful of baking soda directly into the scalp and leave for five minutes. Then wash your hair as usual, first with shampoo and then with balm. Soda regulates the level of dryness of the scalp, which helps to get rid of dandruff, and the hair becomes softer as a result of several procedures.

Don’t believe this will work? Scientists believe that soda can really help. A 2013 test-tube study found that it inhibited the growth of most of the most common fungal strains. And in patients with psoriasis, baths with soda significantly reduce both itching and irritation.

Chamomile decoction

The easiest way to keep your scalp healthy is chamomile, which also helps to effectively get rid of dandruff. Buy a collection of chamomile in any pharmacy, brew it according to the recipe on the package, and rinse your scalp and hair with this decoction after each hair wash. A simple and pleasant procedure that will strengthen your hair and help get rid of dandruff!

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has been used by people for centuries to treat acne and psoriasis. It has now been proven to have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight dandruff.

According to a 2004 review, tea tree oil is effective against a specific strain of fungus that can cause seborrheic dermatitis. Another study by scientists showed that a cloth soaked in tea oil was more effective in treating fungus than a prescription antifungal agent from a pharmacy.

In one study, 126 subjects with dandruff used a daily shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil. After four weeks, the oil reduced the severity of symptoms by 41%. It also had a beneficial effect on other problems: oily hair and itching became much less pronounced.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant often added to skin salves, cosmetics and lotions. According to a 2015 review, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera may protect against dandruff. In addition, it helps to treat psoriasis and herpes and heal burns. How to use aloe? Just add 20 ml of its juice to a homemade hair mask.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is often used as a natural remedy for dandruff. Its acidity is believed to help stimulate the exfoliation of dead skin cells, while the vinegar helps maintain the right pH of the skin and thus prevents the growth of dandruff-causing fungi.

There is not much research on vinegar yet. Those conducted “in test tubes” have shown that apple cider vinegar and its compounds can prevent the growth of certain types of fungi. If you want to try using vinegar to treat dandruff, then just add a few tablespoons of it to your shampoo.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for skin health. They help manage sebum production and hydration, promote wound healing and prevent premature aging.

Omega-3 deficiency can cause many symptoms, including dry hair and skin and even dandruff. According to a 2017 study, these fatty acids can reduce inflammation, which in turn helps the body deal with dandruff.

How can I add more of these acids to my diet? Eat oily fish like salmon, trout and mackerel or take an omega-3 supplement.

Probiotics

These highly beneficial bacteria boost immune function to help the body fight off fungal infections that cause dandruff. Studies have shown that taking probiotics for 56 days significantly reduces its amount.