6 Tips for Getting More Time Between Washes
One of my greatest accomplishments is being able to wash my hair only once a week. There, I said it. It’s life changing. To not have to wash my hair daily or even multiple times a week really makes getting ready faster than ever. My husband thinks this is gross and tells me I shouldn’t tell anyone I go that long between washes, but he’s not really my target audience here!
Outside of the benefit of time, it is actually better for the health of your hair to not wash it daily. Everyday washing can strip your hair of the natural oils that keep your hair healthy. As a teenager and young adult I had to wash my hair every single day. And on the rare occasion that I tried to go a second day, I felt like the grease from my hair was pouring down my face by lunch. But over the past few years I have “trained” my hair to go 7 to even 10 days between washes. The key to this is patience, I have been working on this for probably the past three years and have implemented each of the below one at a time over the years.
Using Salon Grade Shampoo and Conditioner
This was one of the last changes I made about a year ago and I can tell it has really made a difference. I finally bit the bullet and started buying salon grade products from my hair dresser and this was the final push over the edge for me to get to 7 days in between shampoos. I have blond, highlighted hair and trust me, it isn’t cheap every time I get it colored. Prior to buying products from my hair dresser, I bought the jumbo bottles of shampoo and conditioner from Sams. Like $4.99 for 32oz of shampoo, looking back, I can’t believe I was using something that low quality. That was until my hair stylist shamed me by saying, “how much do you spend on your color? You are ruining it with cheap shampoo!” Now, salon grade products are not cheap and I justified it in my head by saying, “I will only need to use it once a week.” This shampoo and conditioner is what I have been using and love it. It also takes much less product of the good stuff for my hair to feel clean and smooth, the small bottles of shampoo and conditioner last me almost 6 months!
Brushing My Hair
Y’all, I know this sounds crazy but, I went YEARS without brushing my hair when it was dry. I didn’t even own a brush. I remember thinking that girls that carried a brush in their purse were crazy, how can you possibly need a brush throughout the day? I would wash my hair, brush it with my wet brush, blow dry, style, repeat. Read about my love for my wet brush here. Then it dawned on me one day that if I brushed my hair it would distribute the oils to the rest of my hair rather than just collecting on my scalp. Earth shattering information I know, but I literally never thought about it that way. It was a light bulb moment. Now, I brush my hair twice a day and on days when it is getting a little oily it certainly does the trick! I use this big paddle brush because I have so much hair.
Actually Styling My Hair
This is where I fall short the most, but it always makes the biggest difference. I find if I actually take the time to style my hair, I can make the wash last a few more days. Now, I typically do not ever blow dry my hair unless I am in a hurry but after it is dry, I curl it and style it. I usually wear loose waves, so if I do that and add a good amount of hairspray in my hair, I keep my hands out of my hair, which obviously helps keep the oil down. I’ve been using the same curling iron since I was in college and I love it. I cannot figure out how to curl my hair with a flat iron or curling wand, it’s just not in my wheelhouse. This curling iron is my jam. Figure out what works for you and stick to it!
Using Dry Shampoo
This seems obvious, but I feel like it may be underutilized. The key to dry shampoo is finding the one that works the best for you. I feel like I’ve tried them all and in every price point. Here is an awesome article reviewing the top dry shampoos in every price point. I have found the best for me is Batiste. The original Batiste, not the volumizing or anything fancy like that. Just the plain old regular formula. My only note on this one, as is typical with most dry shampoos, is that it can leave a white residue on your scalp, so if you have darker hair be sure to find the brunette version of the dry shampoo so it will blend better. Protip, start using dry shampoo the day you wash your hair. I like to flip my head over and spray the dry shampoo through my entire head, it helps to add volume and texture. I also find that the use of dry shampoo helps hold the style several days.
Religiously Sleeping With My Hair in a Topknot
Every night, without exception I sleep with my hair on top of my head. The key to this is to use a non-creasing hair tie so you will not mess up your style or damage your hair. I use an Invisibobble hair ring, but am dying to add some fun scrunchies to my collection. There are so many good options now, check out this list from Oprah Magazine for options in every price point.
Collagen Peptides
I started adding collagen protein to my coffee daily about four years ago. Its benefits are amazing for many things like skin elasticity, joint health and promotes heart health. Another benefit is promoting the growth and strength of your hair and nails. I have noticed over time that my nails grow faster and are much stronger than they used to be, and the same is true for my hair. My hair is thicker, longer and healthier than it has ever been. I use Vital Proteins unflavored collagen peptides and add one scoop to my two cups of coffee daily, it has no flavor and dissolves great. Since having kids, I have trouble handling caffeine on an empty stomach, but love the routine of having my coffee first thing in the morning. It is part of my morning routine that brings me joy and part of my daily self care. The added protein in my coffee helps give me a little something in my stomach, so I can enjoy my cup of coffee without getting the jitters from not eating first. They have an entire line of products, but I’ve just always used this one and it does the trick for me.
I love that I can go so long in between washes. Last year, during quarantine, I was able to go as long as 14 days with the help of a hat and braided pigtails. Dry shampoo might be my most used item since we were home so much!
I hope this helps you, if you are looking to extend in between washes even if its just an extra day. Let me know if this helps you or if you have any other tips. Here’s to all the extra time we will have not having to wash our hair daily!
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