Across social media, it seems to be a trend to “train” your hair to be able to last longer between washes. I used to be a daily hair washer and was confused about how I could possibly go days between a wash.
By the end of the day, my hair just felt like it needed to be shampooed to be able to look good the next day. That is until I trained my hair.
I’ve been going about two to three days (sometimes four) without washing my hair for about a year now. While some people can only wash it once a week and be fine, I do what works for me.
Starting out was hard. I caved a few times and did wash my hair two days in a row because to be honest, sometimes that’s what you need to reset your hair. Not every day will be a perfect hair day.
I did research on how to last longer and it seemed dry shampoo and pulled-up hairstyles would be my friend, and let me be the one to say, they aren’t lying.
I started by washing my hair and then using dry shampoo the next day. The day after that, I would wash it. The whole goal here is to slowly build up your hair’s tolerance to not being washed as often.
As you slowly start adding more days between washes your hair will adjust accordingly.
Soon enough, I would only need dry shampoo on the third day. On this day I usually like to put my hair into a bun or ponytail, which helps conceal the fact that your hair may be starting to get oily. This is a good tip because slicked-back hairstyles are trendy, so no one will think twice about it.
By the end of the third day, if I take it out of my updo and my roots look good enough, I’ll brush it out and get ready for another updo the next day. Remember, if you think your hair needs to be washed, wash it. Washing your hair two days in a row will not ruin your progress at all.
Do what feels right for your hair.
Not only has training my hair been easier because my showers have become shorter by not washing my hair, but I also don’t need to spend as much time styling it every day. I am a night-shower person, so I often go to sleep with wet hair, which I know isn’t great for your hair health, but it’s what works for me.
After sleeping with wet hair, my hair was always a mess the following morning. Training my hair lets me wake up with already styled hair and I just need to add dry shampoo or pull it back which is much quicker.
The health of my hair has also drastically increased. Using soaps and conditioners on your hair daily is stripping your hair of its natural oils, which strengthen and nourish your hair.
My hair is much softer and shinier. When I was a daily hair washer, my hair was significantly dryer from the constant use of shampoo and having to use heat to style it daily.
Now that I let my hair breathe for a few days at a time, it has gotten much easier to manage and much healthier.
Need some more tips on training your hair? Check out this TikTok.