Recently, learning how to train your hair to not produce so much oil per wash, especially between washes, has become a thing to help people keep their hair healthy while not overwashing it constantly. The idea is to reduce washing your hair more often so you’ll give the scalp time to readjust itself to the lesser demand for oil production. For example, here’s an overview of the hair training process, tips you can do to be successful, and what to remember if you have certain hair types or a busy lifestyle.
Simple Ways to Unlock Your Jaw at Home
What is Hair Training?
Hair training means lowering hair washing frequency gradually to balance oil composition. Overwashing shampoo can take away some of your scalp’s natural oils, causing your scalp to produce more oil than it should. Spacing out washes allows your scalp some time to adjust and produce less oil over time.
How Long Does Hair Training Take?
Hair training timelines differ depending on your hair type and your routine. Some feel changes soon after they begin astral travel, while others may not notice until they’ve been doing it for a few months. The first few weeks can be tough some people even tell me how their hair looks greasier than usual. But patience is paid off for a more balanced scalp and longer intervals between washes.
Key Hair Training Methods
- Wash Hair Less Often: Wash gradually and progressively add time between washes. Skip a day or two and begin by working up to 3 to 4 days, depending on your scalp, as it adjusts. This can decrease the scalp’s oil response and keep hair looking cleaner and longer.
- Use Dry Shampoo: It draws out excess oil in between washes. It can also be applied to roots (not scalp) after washing to prolong wash time and reduce greasiness.
- Brush Regularly: Brushing not only distributes oils that come from your scalp but also through your hair shaft which can lead to healthier and shinier hair. This is to get 1-3 times a day to optimize oil distribution without overstimulating the scalp.
- Choose Sulfate-Free Products: They can also strip hair and encourage hair to produce excess oil. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to help cleanse without over-drying.
- Use “Second-Day” Hairstyles: Regardless of your oiliness, styles such as buns, braids, or ponytails will not only hide the oiliness but also add variety to your routine.
- Scalp and Hair Exfoliation: To keep the scalp clean, add a clarifying shampoo, or a scalp scrub, if possible, every few months to help reduce product buildup.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: This weekly status of sterilization assists in getting scalp pH back in line and reducing oil without disturbing nutrients.
- Consider Hair Type: For people with thicker or curlier hair, which oil distributes slower by default, hair training might be a bit easier. Those with fine or straight hair may want to reduce wash frequency a little more gradually.
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Initial Greasiness: Early stages often feel uncomfortable due to extra oiliness. Dry shampoo, second-day hairstyles, or wearing a hat can help you push through this phase.
- Consistency: Sticking to a routine is essential for hair training. Once your hair adjusts, maintaining a washing cycle (every few days or once a week) is easier.
- Alternatives for Active Lifestyles: After workouts or intense sweating, try rinsing with water, using a scalp brush, or applying a lightweight dry shampoo.
Expert Opinions and Caveats
While many find success with hair training, not all experts agree on its effectiveness. Sebum production is largely influenced by hormones, which means that the ability to “train” your scalp can vary greatly. Dermatologists caution that excessive buildup from oil, pollution, and dry shampoo can harm the scalp microbiome, potentially leading to issues like itchiness, irritation, or hair thinning.
Final Thoughts
Hair training can be good for those with oily hair and wanting to stretch between washes. But it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Daily washing might work best for people with naturally oily hair or who have certain scalp conditions. Ultimately, the most effective routine balances scalp health, comfort, and lifestyle needs.
Q1: What is hair training, and why do people do it?
A: Hair training involves reducing how often you wash your hair so your scalp produces less oil over time. It’s done to maintain less oily, healthier hair without needing constant washing.
Q2: How long does it take for hair training to work?
A: It varies by individual, but some see results in a few weeks, while others may need a few months for their scalp to adjust and reduce oil production.
Q3: What are some methods to support hair training?
A: Hair holds onto oil a bit longer, so you can wash it less often, use dry shampoo, brush regularly, only use sulfate-free products, and try second-day styles like buns or braids to manage oil.
Q4: Are there any challenges when starting hair training?
A: Yes, many experience greasiness in the beginning, which can be managed with dry shampoo, hats, or certain hairstyles until the scalp adjusts.
Q5: Is hair training effective for everyone?
A: Not necessarily. Hormones greatly influence oil production, so results vary. People with oily hair or certain scalp conditions may need more frequent washing.
