Expert exposes the haircare lie we've all believed in
- Replies 4
The age-old debate about how often you should wash your hair has finally been put to rest by a hair loss and scalp specialist.
Trichologist Chelcey Salinger has debunked popular haircare myths and provided valuable insights into maintaining a healthy scalp and luscious locks.
Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair daily is not detrimental.
In fact, Salinger recommends daily hair washing, especially after sweating or working out.
'The “gold standard” would be to wash your hair every day. If the shampoo is well balanced in regards to its pH, frequent hair washing is beneficial because it helps balance the scalp's pH and prevents overgrowth of unfavourable bacteria,' she explained.
‘Shampooing hair helps to remove the build-up of sebum (oil) on the scalp and any dirt and debris. Many of the “bad” bacteria are sebum-dependent, which is why it is good to wash the hair frequently.’
Hair loss can be a distressing experience, but it's important to remember most types of hair loss can be corrected with the right treatment within six months.
'Some causes correct themselves, some are genetic, some relate to autoimmune problems, others relate to medical or nutritional imbalances, stress or medications being taken,' Salinger said.
She recommended using products from the John Frieda PROfiller+ range to enhance the texture and appearance of your hair while correcting hair imbalances.
'It adds texture to the hair, making it feel fuller and giving the appearance of thicker hair,' she added.
You can also try other brands, like Hairification, which is specifically designed to help stimulate hair growth and is ‘backed’ by science. You can read more about this product here.
Salinger advocates for a simple weekly hair and scalp care regime, dismissing the need for frequent hair spas or elaborate seven-step routines.
She typically washes her hair every second day, more frequently if she sweats during workouts, and then applies a leave-in treatment.
However, she advised against frequent heat application when it comes to styling as it can cause hair breakage.
'Any hairstyle that requires heat application is going to be more likely to cause hair breakage,' she warned.
'People with coloured or chemically treated hair are at greater risk of hair breakage because some of the bonds within the hair have already been broken. Avoid heat-styling every day and use lower heat settings.’
Protection is key when it comes to maintaining healthy hair.
'I wear hats outdoors to protect my hair and scalp from the strong UV radiation we have here in Australia,’ she said.
She also emphasised using good hair products.
‘A good shampoo and conditioner are a MUST,' she said.
'Which one is the right choice for someone will depend on their personal hair and scalp health. For people with thinning hair or generally fine-diameter hair, the John Frieda PROfiller+ is a great choice.'
She also believes everyone should have a well-suited leave-in treatment, anti-frizz serum, and a heat protectant spray.
We go to another issue: Dandruff.
According to Health Direct, Dandruff is a common scalp issue often caused by the overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia globosa.
This overgrowth is more likely to occur when people do not wash their hair regularly or sweat more.
'Overgrowth is more likely to occur when people have not been washing their hair regularly or have been sweating more. When there is an abundance of this yeast, it damages the upper layer of the skin, causing dandruff,' Salinger said.
'Washing the hair regularly is the first step in preventing dandruff. If dandruff has already occurred, then a medicated, anti-dandruff shampoo may be required.'
Diet and lifestyle can significantly impact your hair health. Consuming high-sugar snacks has been linked to hair loss, particularly pattern hair loss (thinning on top).
'I recommend a healthy diet, with lots of fruits and vegetables, which provides us with antioxidants—which can help to prevent cellular damage,’ Salinger said.
'Consumption of more plants also provides us with fibre, which acts as a prebiotic for our good gut bacteria—essentially, it provides their fuel source, helping the “good guys” flourish.’
'The good bacteria in our digestive tract produce compounds which are beneficial to our health.’
'Additionally, a large proportion of our immune system is in our gut, so having a well-balanced microbiome supports our immune system perform better, making us less likely to experience autoimmune hair loss conditions or scalp problems.'
What are your thoughts on this revelation about hair washing? Have you been following a different routine? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
Trichologist Chelcey Salinger has debunked popular haircare myths and provided valuable insights into maintaining a healthy scalp and luscious locks.
Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair daily is not detrimental.
In fact, Salinger recommends daily hair washing, especially after sweating or working out.
Chelcey Salinger shared tips on taking care of our hair. Credit: Unsplash
'The “gold standard” would be to wash your hair every day. If the shampoo is well balanced in regards to its pH, frequent hair washing is beneficial because it helps balance the scalp's pH and prevents overgrowth of unfavourable bacteria,' she explained.
‘Shampooing hair helps to remove the build-up of sebum (oil) on the scalp and any dirt and debris. Many of the “bad” bacteria are sebum-dependent, which is why it is good to wash the hair frequently.’
Hair loss can be a distressing experience, but it's important to remember most types of hair loss can be corrected with the right treatment within six months.
'Some causes correct themselves, some are genetic, some relate to autoimmune problems, others relate to medical or nutritional imbalances, stress or medications being taken,' Salinger said.
She recommended using products from the John Frieda PROfiller+ range to enhance the texture and appearance of your hair while correcting hair imbalances.
'It adds texture to the hair, making it feel fuller and giving the appearance of thicker hair,' she added.
You can also try other brands, like Hairification, which is specifically designed to help stimulate hair growth and is ‘backed’ by science. You can read more about this product here.
Salinger advocates for a simple weekly hair and scalp care regime, dismissing the need for frequent hair spas or elaborate seven-step routines.
She typically washes her hair every second day, more frequently if she sweats during workouts, and then applies a leave-in treatment.
However, she advised against frequent heat application when it comes to styling as it can cause hair breakage.
'Any hairstyle that requires heat application is going to be more likely to cause hair breakage,' she warned.
'People with coloured or chemically treated hair are at greater risk of hair breakage because some of the bonds within the hair have already been broken. Avoid heat-styling every day and use lower heat settings.’
Salinger advocates for a simple weekly hair and scalp care routine. Credit: Unsplash
Protection is key when it comes to maintaining healthy hair.
'I wear hats outdoors to protect my hair and scalp from the strong UV radiation we have here in Australia,’ she said.
She also emphasised using good hair products.
‘A good shampoo and conditioner are a MUST,' she said.
'Which one is the right choice for someone will depend on their personal hair and scalp health. For people with thinning hair or generally fine-diameter hair, the John Frieda PROfiller+ is a great choice.'
She also believes everyone should have a well-suited leave-in treatment, anti-frizz serum, and a heat protectant spray.
We go to another issue: Dandruff.
According to Health Direct, Dandruff is a common scalp issue often caused by the overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia globosa.
This overgrowth is more likely to occur when people do not wash their hair regularly or sweat more.
'Overgrowth is more likely to occur when people have not been washing their hair regularly or have been sweating more. When there is an abundance of this yeast, it damages the upper layer of the skin, causing dandruff,' Salinger said.
'Washing the hair regularly is the first step in preventing dandruff. If dandruff has already occurred, then a medicated, anti-dandruff shampoo may be required.'
Diet and lifestyle can significantly impact your hair health. Consuming high-sugar snacks has been linked to hair loss, particularly pattern hair loss (thinning on top).
'I recommend a healthy diet, with lots of fruits and vegetables, which provides us with antioxidants—which can help to prevent cellular damage,’ Salinger said.
'Consumption of more plants also provides us with fibre, which acts as a prebiotic for our good gut bacteria—essentially, it provides their fuel source, helping the “good guys” flourish.’
'The good bacteria in our digestive tract produce compounds which are beneficial to our health.’
'Additionally, a large proportion of our immune system is in our gut, so having a well-balanced microbiome supports our immune system perform better, making us less likely to experience autoimmune hair loss conditions or scalp problems.'
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