How to properly care for your hair so that you have to wash it less often?

Frequent oily hair is one of the most common problems that almost every second woman faces. Did you know that with proper hair care, it is possible to reduce oily hair and the frequency of hair washing? Let's take a look at what actually contributes to oily scalp and how this process can be balanced.

Why does hair get greasy?

Let's start with the fact that hair doesn't get oily, the scalp does. One of the factors that contribute to oily scalp is too hot water, which we use to wash our hair. Not only does it dry out the skin, but it also activates the sebaceous glands, causing them to secrete more sebum, which causes the scalp to try to protect itself by forming a protective barrier, and the hair becomes oily faster.

The second important aspect is shampoo compositionIf the shampoo contains aggressive surfactants, they negatively affect the condition of the scalp and hair, while the body reacts to them with a counter-reaction – increased activity of the sebaceous glands to form a protective layer on the skin. 

Another major factor that contributes to an oily scalp is the incorrect use of hair care products. For example, did you know that you should wash your hair twice instead of once? Or that hair conditioners and masks are meant to be applied to the length of your hair, not to the scalp? 

How to wash your hair properly?

Proper washing is simple, but for it to be effective, you must follow a few basic rules: 

1) Choose warm water for washing your hair – it effectively cleanses but does not irritate the scalp. On the other hand, cooler or lukewarm water will be more suitable for rinsing your hair, as it is gentler on both the scalp and hair.

2) For everyday use, choose shampoos with a gentle and balanced composition, such as: ONE:ZERO gently cleansing, natural hair shampoo without sulfates and parabens. Even if natural shampoos don't lather as effectively as advertised, they still perform a great cleansing function without disrupting the skin's natural balance. If you've been using a shampoo containing SLS or SLES until now, but want to switch to a more natural shampoo with milder surfactants, it's recommended to use  ONE:ZERO Cosmetics Deep Cleansing Shampoo, which gently but effectively cleanses the scalp. During the transition period, it is advisable to use at least one bottle of Deep Cleansing Shampoo so that the hair and scalp gradually adapt to the use of gentler hair care products.

3) Another important step that is talked about too little is scalp exfoliation. Scalp scrub should be done once a week or every two weeks, depending on the condition of the scalp, to cleanse the scalp of dirt, accumulated sebum, dead cells and residues of hair styling products. The cleaner the scalp, the longer the hair will retain its fresh appearance.

When choosing a shampoo, the main criterion is not the length or color of your hair, but the type of scalp. If your scalp is oily, sensitive, or dry, choose a shampoo according to your scalp type. 

Lifestyle has more influence than you think

However, washing your hair is not the only factor that affects the condition of your scalp – it is also greatly influenced by our daily habits.

Full-fledged and balanced diet, taken in sufficient quantity water – is the very foundation of how we feel and look, so if you want to improve the condition of your hair and skin, first of all, analyze your eating habits. Are you able to provide your body with all the nutrients, minerals and vitamins it needs with the food you eat every day? Do you drink at least 1,5l of clean water a day? Start with the basics, and you will see how the condition of both your hair and skin will improve.

Stress and elevated cortisol levels can promote increased sebaceous gland activity, so during periods when you are emotionally stressed or exhausted, your hair may become oily faster than usual. It is also important to sleep quality, because sleep inhibits skin renewal processes. It is during the night that the skin's balance is regulated, and if the body is unable to regenerate sufficiently, it will directly affect the condition of your scalp. 

Touch matters.

In our daily lives, we often don't even notice how often we touch our hair. However, every touch transfers oils and dirt from our hands to our hair, accelerating its greasiness.

Comb hygiene is no less important. It collects dust, grease, and product residue. If you don't wash your comb regularly, you'll end up combing this dirt into your clean hair over and over again. Read more about how to properly care for your comb here.

Silicone

Another factor that can affect the freshness of hair is silicones in hair care products. Ingredients such as Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane and Trimethylsiloxysilicate can form an invisible film on the scalp. Although the hair may initially appear smooth and shiny, in the long run this film can make it difficult for the scalp to breathe and promote faster oiliness.

Healthy hair starts with the scalp

Hair care should be gentle, gentle, and balanced, so by choosing the right hair care products for you and following proper washing habits, you can gradually extend the time between washes and keep your hair fresh, clean for longer.