The Hair Mistake You're Probably Making and How to Fix It
How often should you wash your hair, and what's the secret to a healthy shine? A hair expert shares essential tips and common pitfalls to avoid.
(Photo: shutterstock)Do you want healthy, beautiful hair? A hair expert offers a winning tip for achieving a shiny and vibrant look while also warning against common mistakes many of us make unknowingly.
According to Nicole Petty, a hair expert interviewed by the UK site The Mirror, most of us wash our hair with hot water, which can lead to damage.
She claims, "While hot water can help products absorb deeply into your hair, it can also strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness and excessive oil production as compensation for a dry scalp. This can cause flaking and itching, resulting in hair breakage."
Therefore, to maintain moisture and natural oils in your hair, she recommends washing it with lukewarm water.
"Try washing your hair with water that isn’t hotter than 38 degrees Celsius to minimize dandruff and help your hair look shinier, as cooler water helps seal the cuticle responsible for shine and moisture retention."
Overwashing Might Harm Your Hair
Petty further explains a common misconception regarding how frequently you should wash your hair—should it be daily or just a few times a week? She clarifies: "The frequency of washing depends on your hair type and lifestyle, but overwashing is a common mistake that can damage your hair. Excessive washing can strip the natural oils, making hair dry, prone to breakage, thinning, and loss of its natural shine, leading to increased oil production to compensate for lost moisture and faster color fading."
Why should you avoid washing your hair more than three times a week? She states: "Hair that becomes greasy quickly might indicate overwashing. If this is the case, try using dry shampoo to extend the time between washes and avoid ingredients like sulfates and parabens."
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