TikTok Trend Review: Hair Training
Have you heard of Hair Training? The latest hair “hack” trending on TikTok suggests we should be training our hair and scalp to require less frequent washing. Like, once/month or less. TikTok’s armchair experts suggest that less frequent hair washing has a number of benefits, aside from time saving - once you get through the potentially painful training period you’ll be rewarded with healthier hair and lots and lots of extra shine.
As a hair-obsessed and very busy team, we were definitely excited by the prospect of getting better hair by doing less. But, the training period takes some time, so before diving in and suffering through itchy, greasy scalps, we thought it best to find out what actual, trained professionals (trichologists and dermatologists) had to say.
Sadly for our schedules, experts are not super keen on this concept, and suggest infrequent washing can have some pretty bad side effects. In fact, one 2021 study found that infrequent hair washing can lead to dandruff, hair loss and even scalp infection 😱. Why? Blame sebum. Sebum is the natural oil produced by your sebaceous glands, which is good, but it’s also what makes hair look greasy after a day or few. Increased levels of sebum on the scalp can lead to a host of issues that ultimately can lead to those not-so-great side effects we noted.
A couple weeks ago we posted an article unpacking how to *properly* wash your hair. So, now we need to understand how frequently we actually SHOULD wash our hair. And the answer is not one-size-fits-all. It depends on your scalp and hair, but here’s some general guidance to help you narrow in on your own ideal* routine.
And, note*, when we say “ideal” we’re only talking about optimized hair health. We know for many, washing your hair means a full “wash day,” so there are real logistical considerations that definitely impact mental health. TLDR; you do you, we support you!
Before diving into specific recommendations, it's crucial to understand your hair type. Hair types, in this case, can broadly be categorized into oily, dry, normal, and a combination of these. The characteristics of your hair type will play a significant role in determining how often you should wash your hair.
Oily Hair:
Oily hair tends to produce more sebum. For those with oily hair, washing more frequently may be necessary to prevent a greasy appearance. Aim to wash your hair every other day or every two days.
Dry Hair:
On the other end of the spectrum, individuals with dry hair should be cautious about over-washing, as it can strip the hair of essential oils, leading to increased dryness and frizz. Washing your hair 1-2 times a week is generally sufficient for those with dry hair.
Balanced Hair:
If you are fortunate enough to have balanced hair, you have more flexibility in your washing routine. Washing your hair 2-3 times a week should suffice to maintain its health and appearance.
Combination Hair:
For those with a combination of oily roots and dry ends, a balanced approach is key. Focus on cleansing the roots every other day or so, but, unless you’ve used a lot of product, avoid washing the shaft and ends of your hair. This is actually good practice for everyone, though. Again, see our recent post on How to Wash Your Hair.
For those wearing protective hairstyles, you may choose to go a bit longer between washes to preserve the style. Washing with protective styles is doable but can be tricky, so it’s not recommended to leave protective styles in for too long without a break.
Finding the optimal frequency for washing your hair is a personal journey that depends on your personal hair type. Experiment with different routines and products to discover what works best for you, and remember that a balanced approach is often the key to maintaining healthy locks. And, if you want to experiment with Hair Training we fully support you. Just be sure to go in with eyes wide open - and report back and let us know how it works for you!