Lather, Rinse, Repeat? Not So Fast

This post is part of our Gay Beauty Series.

Do hair experts recommend daily shampooing?

Buckle up as we slide into this hairy topic with all the charm of a 90s hair gel commercial.

Dr. Murad Alam, a dermatology boss from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, told the New York Times that the answer depends on a myriad of factors - your hair texture, its oil-production level, how processed it is, your lifestyle habits, and even your age.

Shampoo, our hair's knight in foaming armor, works by cleansing the scalp and hair, scrubbing away dirt, dandruff, sweat, and remnants of that mega-hold hairspray you regret buying. It's like your hair's very own superhero, battling the evil sebum, a slick, waxy substance produced by your scalp's sebaceous glands.

And according to our sebum sensei, Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton of Mount Sinai Hospital, sebum's job is to prevent your scalp from transforming into a dry, desert landscape and to shield your skin from infections. But when sebum parties too hard, that's when the problems begin.

Those with oilier scalps and fine hair, for instance, might need a daily dose of shampoo goodness to combat sebum buildup, advises Dr. Alam.

If your hair products collection could rival a Sephora shelf, daily washing might also be a good idea to prevent product buildup from turning your scalp into a disco ball.

Not everyone's hair, however, can handle the daily shampoo soirée. Dr. Ingleton cautions that curly or coily hair might turn dry, brittle, or even break from daily or semi-daily washes. And if hair dyes or relaxers are your guilty pleasures, Dr. Alam recommends washing two to three times a week to keep damage at bay.

What if you're an exercise junkie and your scalp sweats like a sprinter at the Olympics? For you, Dr. Alam recommends a daily rinse, at the very least, to unclog those sweaty pores and hair follicles.

But Dr. Shereene Idriss, founder of Idriss Dermatology, suggests a shampoo-and-water rinse rotation could help to avoid oil-stripping your scalp. If you're all about the "clean" feel but want to avoid irritating your scalp, she suggests opting for a mild, sulfate-free shampoo and giving hot water and vigorous scrubbing a miss.

And folks, air drying gets a big thumbs-up from Dr. Alam. It’s the equivalent of a gentle pat on the back for your hair.

Let's Talk About Black Hair

When it comes to black hair, the rulebook takes an interesting twist. Black hair is known for its distinct texture and, believe it or not, the age-old advice of daily shampooing doesn't quite apply here.

Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton, our trusted expert from Mount Sinai Hospital, highlights that black hair, whether curly or coily, needs special care.

In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology encourages washing your hair every week or every other week if you're Black. Why, you ask? It's because daily washing may dry out your locks, causing them to become brittle or even break. It's like being on a date with a super clingy person - they might mean well, but too much of their attention and you're out the door!

But what if you’re super active and your sweat glands work overtime? It doesn't mean you're doomed to a life of hair woes. While our workout warriors might still need to give their scalp a rinse after an intense sweat sesh, Dr. Shereene Idriss suggests that you might not need to pull out the shampoo bottle every single time.

Sometimes, a simple water rinse will do the trick. It’s kind of like the hair equivalent of a splash of cold water on your face – refreshing, right?

Now, we get it. Skipping shampoo might feel strange. But, if you find your hair needs that extra clean feel, consider a mild, sulfate-free shampoo. It’ll still do the cleaning job without stripping your scalp of its much-needed oils. Remember, it’s not about completely ditching the shampoo; it's all about giving your hair the right TLC it deserves!

In short, when it comes to black hair, less is often more! Your hair's not a demanding diva; it just wants some mindful and gentle care.