TikTok is full of beauty tips, tricks, and hacks. And right now, TikTokers are obsessed with not washing their hair regularly. Also known as hair training or hair cycling, this trend is all about achieving the prettiest, healthiest hairstyle yet, without the need to rinse and repeat. It’s essentially a “how to wash your hair”!
“Hair training refers to the idea of reducing the frequency of shampooing so that the hair and scalp reach a natural, balanced state.” Dr. Marisa Garshick, explains a certified dermatologist. According to TikTok, this so-called “balancing” involves reducing oil buildup and preventing the potential stripping of natural (and necessary) oils when washing your hair regularly.
But here’s the thing: the hair training trend on TikTok (which currently has 168.2 million views) does not refer to washing your hair once a week. Instead, it highlights the benefits of washing your hair once a day. month with dozens of videos showing how people train their hair to wash less for extended periods to achieve the desired balance. So, does hair training really work? Read on to find out if this TikTok trend is worth it, plus the best hair training tips and tricks you can try.
Does hair training really work?
While hair training sounds great in theory, it may not be ideal for all hair and scalp types. Garshick notes that in some cases, hair training can help those with dry hair and scalp, as “washing too frequently or too aggressively can dry out the scalp and hair.” However, Garshicks says that people with oily hair may need more frequent washing to remove excess oil and keep the scalp fresh and clean. “Oily scalp can be a result of not washing your hair enough, so not washing your hair can make it worse,” he explains.
In addition to scalp conditions, hair types are also worth considering. Those with thicker, coarser hair might be able to get away with not washing their hair as frequently because this type of hair doesn’t tend to be as affected by oil production. Meanwhile, those with fine hair may experience a more weighing-down effect caused by greasy, dirty hair, especially at the roots.
Before trying the hair training trend, it’s worth consulting with a dermatologist to find out if your hair and scalp are good candidates for the technique. This is especially important for those with oily scalps and locks, as it can sometimes correlate with a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, which Garshick says produces red, greasy, scaly, and itchy plaques on the scalp and requires regular washing to help. to prevent fat accumulation. and peeling.
Additionally, not washing your hair for long periods of time also means that dirt, residue, and product buildup build up on your scalp and strands. stay on the scalp and strands. As a result, the scalp can become more irritated and inflamed, causing itching and, in some severe cases, hair loss.
for hair training, How long can you go without washing your hair?
Most hair care experts do not recommend washing your hair daily, as doing so can strip the strands and scalp of natural oils. Just like on the skin, this speeds up oil production and causes them to produce even more oil. However, washing your hair infrequently also has its downsides and may not be a good option for every hair and scalp type.
So how long can you go without washing your hair? If you have dry, thick, or coarse hair, you may be able to wash it once a week. People with fine or oily hair may need to wash more regularly, and every two to three days is ideal.
Hair Training Tips and Tricks
If you are a candidate for hair training, there are some hair cycling tips and tricks that you should keep in mind to benefit from this hair care trick.
Reduce product usage
Before you ditch the shampoo, it’s worth reducing your use of the product a couple of weeks before starting the cycling process. This will allow you to get a good idea of your true hair type (some styling products can make hair appear drier than it really is) and keep product buildup at bay when you try out the cyclical trend.
Choose a shampoo and conditioner duo for your hair type
Using a shampoo and conditioner duo specifically formulated for your hair type can make or break this experiment. Formulas designed for dry, damaged hair can be also moisturizing for oily or fine hair and, as a result, makes hair look heavier and feel greasy faster.
Incorporate a hair mask
If your ends tend to feel a little dry, consider adding a hair mask when you wash your hair. This can help provide deep nourishment to dry strands and make hair look and feel healthier.
Use a silk pillowcase
No matter what your hair washing schedule is, silk pillowcases are always a good idea. Silk helps reduce friction and does not absorb moisture in the same way that cotton and linen do. That means all of your hair’s natural oils stay in your hair and your hair also appears less frizzy and less broken.
Note: Always wash your silk pillowcase regularly, especially when training your hair. Since you wash less frequently, your hair is likely to have more dirt and debris coming into contact with the pillow and potentially causing acne or skin irritations.
Brush your hair regularly
Brushing your hair is important not only to comb it or keep knots at bay, but also to distribute vital natural oils from roots to ends. Grab a boar bristle brush and lightly comb your hair for up to two minutes a day. Doing so can help draw out oil from the scalp to the ends and can promote healthier locks, especially for those with dry hair.
