How I Stopped Having To Wash My Hair Everyday

Learning how to not wash my hair every single day has saved me SO MUCH time! I really wish I had started sooner.

Most people have been there. It usually starts when you’re a kid and your parents wash your hair every single day and by the time you’ve figured out how that doesn’t actually benefit your hair, it feels like it’s too late. Only within the past few years, has the focus turned to scalp health and hair washing trends have really changed.

I hear it all the time in the shop. Women with a certain hair type say their hair is just so oily they have no option but to wash it every single day. I’ve been there. I thought the same thing about my fine locks. My hair stylist had been gently nudging me for years to experiment with skipping a day here or there and once I finally got the hang of it, I realized how much time it saves me and how much healthier my hair is. Admittedly, what made the experiment easier, was that I started during the Covid lockdown when no one was seeing my hair anyway! Here are some tips to make it easier on yourself!

  1. Ease into it

    You’re more likely to stick with something this way. Start off by skipping a day here or there to get used to it. Work your way up to every other day. Then, when you’re ready, you can take the plunge into going a few days in between washes. I personally dove right in to skipping a few days at a time right away, but again, it was the Covid lockdown and you have to do what works best for your schedule.

  2. Plan your washing schedule.

    If you’re already thinking to yourself that you don’t have time to plan around your hair, you’re already missing the point! It really doesn’t take that long to think about what your upcoming schedule is like and in the end, not washing everyday will save you significant time (not to mention money on shampoo!) If you know you have a particularly important day coming up when you want to look your best, that’s hair wash day. If you know you have a day when nothing big is happening and you won’t run into anyone notable, that’s a skip day.

  3. Prepare options.

    Have second and third hair day styles planned. Sometimes, this depends on the season. Right now, my hair is down on wash days. Day two is tied back in a bun day. Day three is the day to brush some dry shampoo through and push back with an on-trend headband. In the Winter, I will probably be able to stretch it one more day by adding a beanie day in the mix! This means, on days two, three and potentially four, I am spending less than 3 minutes on my hair.

4. Invest in scalp health products.

Healthy hair starts at the source. Shimmer fave, Innersense Organic Beauty, makes several products to help maintain a healthy scalp. My personal favorite is their invigorating True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub. This gentle exfoliant removes buildup from your scalp, aiding in preventing too much oil production. It also stimulate the hair follicle, stimulate blood flow, reduces hair shedding, and hydrates the scalp. Your hair will have more volume than ever after each time you use it!

Once a week, I also cleanse with their pre-wash treatment, which balances natural oils and restores a harmonious environment for optimal hair growth. Micro Hyaluronic Acid replenishes hydration to reduce flakes and itch-causing dryness. I then follow up with their Hair Renew Daily Active Serum. This calming formula features Hemp Seed Oil and Tea Tree Oil to address common scalp conditions such as flaking, itching, dryness and irritation. Antioxidant rich Pea Sprout Extract helps fortify hair follicles to revitalize roots.

Something as simple as switching to a satin pillow case is a huge help, too! These help reduce frizz and breakage and are also easier on your skin!

Once you’ve decided to make your scalp health a priority, you won’t believe how much time and hassle you save by stretching out your hair washing days. Your locks will thank you, too!

Katherine Lowe