Retraining hair so it’s not so greasy

[thebellagio]

My hair has always been greasy to the point where I have to wash it every night, but my hairdresser told me I need to try and leave it a few days between washes to “retrain” it, and rely on dry shampoo, and this will improve the overall condition of the hair,

I’ve been trialling this for about 3 months now, and my hair is better condition,

but what I want to know is, if I have a bath and get the hair wet, but don’t shampoo it, does that count as washing it? Or is it just the shampoo part? I’m fed up of quick showers with a shower cap on - I miss my lazy baths haha

Strip the oils from scalp? Christ you make it sound like we are washing hair with industrial strength dish soap!
Shampoos can be SLS free or for dry hair, gentle cleansing stimulates the scalp and keeps it healthy. You can add oils or masks before washing a few times a week. Unwashed scalp has an unpleasant smell.

Definitely think retraining does work, though perhaps not for everyone.

I used to have to wash every single day as it was always flat and greasy the following day. During covid and wfh, I was able to push it to every two days, and gradually increased. I usually wash it just twice a week now, but I currently have a newborn so am washing it just once a week and it doesn’t look greasy until day 6.

You can’t ‘retrain’ your hormones. Nonsense.

There's nothing wrong with washing it daily.

Once a week use Fairy washing up liquid and really massage into your scalp to work up a good lather before rinsing off.

It doesn't strip hair, it thoroughly cleans your scalp and is kind to skin.

Where are these scientific studies?
I had a look and couldn't see any

There is absolutely bio feedback. When we scratch or assault skin our bodies heal the wound. We can cause eczema and inflammation from over stripping the skin barrier and if we over strip our scalp we can cause increased oil production.

Just try washing your scalp with fairy liquid a few times and come back and tell us how there was no adverse reaction.

Just try washing your scalp with fairy liquid a few times and come back and tell us how there was no adverse reaction.

I've had to wash my hair in fairy a few times in my life after accidentally getting a little bit of oil in it and once after dd gave me headlice. The treatment fluid left her curly/wavy hair lovely, mine looked like an oil slick after repeatedly trying normal shampoo. I just had to condition it pretty much as usual and it was fine.

Presumably people don't all respond the same and some on this thread don't have the hormonal issues others do.

SLS is added to so many cleaning products and cosmetics it is becoming a common contact allergen. Professionally I see reactions to toothpastes. All of them contain SLS but most don’t remain in contact with the oral mucus membrane long enough to illicit a reaction. A fair few fancy “Total” toothpastes contain a chemical that forms a film on the teeth and gums that holds the “active ingredients” and SLS in place for several hours, long enough for a dermatitis type reaction to occur, leaving the gums and inside of the mouth sore.
The same can happen with some shampoos if you don’t thoroughly rinse them and some are design to build up on the hair to smooth it. Combined with regularly overheating the scalp while drying your hair, the scalp can become really sore and flaky.

You need sulphate free shampoo, anything strips your natural oils and your scalp makes grease to compensate. Sodium laurel sulphate (SLES/SLS) was originally developed as a floor cleaner and is in almost anything that foams (toothpaste, washing up liquid etc) as it is a cheap way of making bubbles. But bubbles don't equal clean, just marketing over the years has made us think it does.

I have tried to quit daily washing - six weeks in wasn’t enough to notice even a minimal improvement or change or re-training. I give up. Feel manky with limp, greasy hair. It only looks good on the day it’s washed. I know there’s dissent on this thread but I’m relieved to know I’m not the only one that feels the the need for a daily hair wash. If I could change one thing about my body this sure would be on the short list! I have a friend who washes her hair once a week and it always looks amazing. She doesn’t know how lucky she is!

Is there any way a product foams without sulphites? I tried sulphate free and didn’t notice an improvement and yes I really missed the foam/bubbles - fully accepting that’s just what I’m used to! No bubbles made hair washing less gratifying and….. still greasy. I probably should try again though!

I did this and now only wash my hair twice a weak. However I have quite dry hair. I can now easily go 3 or 4 days until it looks like it needs a wash.
My hair is in a much better condition not being washed every day.

I do occasionally wash it in water when it's been slept on badly !

I should add that it took quite a few months to build up to 3 days without washing .

This!

It’s taken me pretty much 9 months but now I can go 3 days without washing my hair - whereas this time last year I had to wash every single day.

so it has worked for me. My hair is much better condition