What Happens if You Don't Wash Your Curly Hair
Does washing your hair feel like a chore?
Are you too busy or too tired to bother?
I get a ton of new clients who report only washing their hair once a month on average because it’s “a lot of work”.
So out of 365 days of sweat and grime, you only wash your hair 12 times?
... And you wonder why your hair is stuck, not growing and dry.
If you want healthy manageable hair it’s so important to regularly cleanse your curls. If you don’t, it can lead to a variety of issues such as:
Clogged Hair Follicles
Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair because the natural oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft due to its coiled structure.
If you don't wash your hair regularly, oils from the scalp and hair products can accumulate, leading to greasy and weighed-down hair. If left untreated, buildup can clog hair follicles, blocking healthy hair growth.
If you have a ton of product build up on your hair and scalp, use a gentle clarifying shampoo to detox your curls. A clarifying shampoo is strong enough to breakdown heavy products for a deeper clean.
Itchy and Irritated Scalp
Accumulated oil, sweat, and dirt can lead to an itchy and irritated scalp. This can be uncomfortable and potentially contribute to scalp issues like dandruff or inflammation.
Stop putting more oil on your dry scalp. Use a moisturizing shampoo to improve moisture levels to combat flaking and irritation.
Odor
Unwashed hair can develop an unpleasant odor due to the accumulation of sweat, oils, and environmental pollutants. Your hair absorbs smells while the heat from your head pushes the smell out (think oil diffuser). Cleanse your hair at least once a week for a fragrant refresh.
Dryness & Breakage
While the scalp might become oily, the length and ends of curly hair can become dry, frizzy and brittle if not properly moisturized. This makes styling your hair incredibly challenging.
Brittle hair breaks easily. To stop breakage, use a deep conditioner once a week. The Deep Repair Treatment moisturizes hair and uses keratin protein to strengthen. This helps maintain the moisture - protein balance for healthy growing hair.
Breakouts
Have you ever gotten pimples from your greasy bangs? I know I have.
When hair touches the forehead or back, oily hair can transfer oils to the skin, potentially leading to acne breakouts. Protect your skin by washing your hair once a week to remove pollutants that may be irritating your skin.
Only you will know the best frequency to wash your hair based on your specific curl type and lifestyle.
A good rule of thumb is to shampoo and deep condition at least once a week.
Using sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners can help maintain a healthy balance of oils and moisture for stronger and manageable curly hair.