How Often To Wash Your Hair in the Spring, According to a Dermatologist
Just as our skin goes through some pretty significant changes when winter thaws into spring, the same thing happens with our hair. During the colder months, less-than-optimal humidity levels make our strands extra sensitive (read: brittle and more prone to breakage), which means fewer weekly washes and more moisturizing products. But this time of year, as humidity increases, we have to switch up our shampoo routines to address the extra oils, sweat, and grime that come with warm weather.
"In the spring, the scalp becomes oiler, which causes dandruff for some people," explains Dr. Yoram Harth, MD, the chief medical officer at MDhair. Aside from the fact that no one wants to walk around with a greasy, flaky scalp, ignoring these issues can cause inflammation on your scalp that creates a less-than-ideal environment for healthy hair growth.
Because of this, Dr. Harth recommends increasing your hair washing frequency as soon as spring weather officially sets in. To prevent hair from becoming oily, Dr. Harth says you should increase the frequency of hair washing. "Most people wash their hair less in the winter, which is OK," he says. "But once the temperature gets warmer, it is recommended to increase the frequency of washing the hair to at least three times a week."
Upping your weekly washes will allow you to regularly remove any excess scalp oils, which will help to prevent dandruff and greasiness. What's more, if you can get this oil production under control, the spring months may give you your healthiest hair of the year. "The warmer temperatures and increased air humidity in spring make the hair healthier, shinier, and easier to manage," says Dr. Harth. "It was also found that the hair in spring and summer grows a little faster than in winter."
No matter the season, it's important to use sensitive shampoos that keep your hair healthy. Especially during the spring, Dr. Harth advises using "sulfate-free shampoos that contain moisturizing agents like aloe vera and hydrolyzed plant proteins," which will cleanse your scalp and strands without stripping them. Below, find dermatologist-approved hair care products to get smooth and shiny hair this spring and summer:
Below, find dermatologist-approved hair care products to get smooth and shiny hair this spring and summer.
Take a peek at this duo’s ingredients lists, and you’d swear you were looking at facial care products. The gel shampoo has got moisturizing vitamin B5, inflammation-reducing niacinamide, skin-soothing aloe vera, and seven different weights of hydrating hyaluronic acid. The conditioner contains many of the same ingredients, plus celery seed extract for added nourishment. Use them together the derm-recommended three times a week, and you’ll be left with a clean, clear scalp and beautifully quenched strands.
This detoxifying shampoo uses apple cider vinegar to gently clear away dirt, oil, and debris, and also includes chelating agents to break down any hard water buildup. Plus, hydrolyzed keratin helps to smooth away frizz, leaving your hair shiny and smooth.
This exfoliating shampoo combines charcoal (which unclogs hair follicles), salicylic acid (which clears debris out from the depths of your pores to reduce irritation and flaking), and lactic acid (which lifts away dirt, oil, and buildup). The formula packs a major punch, and is great for giving your hair a weekly deep clean.
In addition to using the right detoxifying shampoo, if you have thin hair, Dr. Harth recommends making the most of the warmer months by adding “plant-based oral supplements, especially those that use marine collagen,” like this one, to your daily routine.
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