A Word Of Caution About Washing Hair Daily

[Paris Belle]

I know that many people on the board are considering/doing this now..And I didn't want to say anything to discourage anyone, but I would hate if anything stopped your progress or hurt you..

I know that many women of other cultures and races wash their hair daily, but many do not. I've read in many magazines where dermatologists cautioned against this for black hair. Their reasoning was the following:

Black hair is flat and curly/tightly curled. White people and some other groups have round hair (but not Asians). When a person has round hair, the scalp's natural oil travels down the hair shaft. This produces oily hair and thus it must be washed daily, or else it will be stringy and dirty.

Our hair, Asians' hair, and many other groups have flat hair, which prevents the same natural scalp oil from traveling down the hair shaft. Thus, we have to moisturize our hair daily. Even Asians and other groups moisturize their hair daily, but use things like coconut oil which in places like India and South America is prevalent. In addition they do not wash their hair everyday.

Instead they wash their hair 2-4 times a week, which is more prevalent than we do, and I think this a better option. Some people also "rinse" their hair with water daily. I think this is also a better substitute.

I'm not saying that it won't work or will not benefit you, as some people find success doing so..However, the people that I know that did this did not have success with it and it actually stunted their hair growth.

Either way, I just wanted to offer you a word of caution.

I've also looked this up online and one website said that it would not hurt if the shampoo was PH balanced (b/w 4.5-5.5) and that it might not hurt b/c the scalp would be clean and conditioners would work better. Here is the link: http://www.lisaakbari.com/talklive.html

Yes, this counters my word of caution somewhat, but I am completely unbiased and I just wanted to look out for my hair-friends..

 

[Nyambura]

Hi CarmenRose,
I'm new to the daily washing concept. Does the warning also include daily conditioner washes? or is it shampoo only?
Thanks in advance for your response.

 

[ngaa]

thanks for lookin out for us and really makes u stop and think coz i wudnt want my hair growth stunted coz i'm tryina reach them goals, yesterday

how bout daily conditioner washes compared to jus rinsin??

 

[alireno]

Thanks for looking out for us CarmenRose! That's what I love about this board....we're like one big happy family!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Leshia]

Thanks for this carmenrose. When I agreed to wash daily, for the month of May, I was speaking more of wetting my hair daily. Mostly rinsing, but not using shampoo/conditioner. Now, I realize that may be the best thing...

 

[Paris Belle]

I'm glad that you gurls are taking this the right way.

To be honest, I don't think conditioner washes are too bad b/c they usually don't contain anything that strips the hair (like sulfates).

But, I'm really not sure.

If you find that it works for you, I say go for it..But I'm going to do it every other day or every two days, just to be safe...HTH

Perhaps "rinsing" daily would be a better alternative...

 

[alireno]

We got nothing but love for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're trying to help us out! Thanks again!

 

[brownrelaxedhair]

Thanks for sharing this Carmen Rose. All information is helpful so we make a truly informed choice

I've been doing conditioner only washes approx 3 x weekly (sometimes on 3 consecutive days) but not every single day of the week.

 

[JazzAngel]

Hi CarmenRose,
I am glad that you posted this. I realize from reading all the hair washing thread that some people were not getting it. Rinsing is fine for our hair type and even conditoner washes but not shampooing. As a matter of fact I think even 2x a week of shampoo is still a very bad thing for our hair.

Rinse yes, shampoo no.

 

[BabyCurls]

<font color="purple">Thanx for the information on the subject if we are to wash or not wash our hair daily. That gave all of us a reason why harsh shampoos are not good for our hair, because of the sulfates which dries out hair moisture. You don't need lather to get hair clean. I agree with the others; rinse and go or conditioner washes makes a world of difference in our hair's moisture level. And it's more gentle to use. Great article, CarmenRose. </font>

 

[Supergirl]

This is GOOD, SOUND advice. I agree 100%

Conditioner washes are a great alternative though

 

[pebbles]

Thanks CarmenRose! I'll be rinsing my hair everyday instead and using shampoo maybe once or twice a week.

 

[Lindy]

I spoke to my stylist yesterday about frequent hair washing and he said NOT to use shampoo more than every 4 days. He said that any more than that and you would be stripping your hair of it's natural oils and that would lead to dryness and breakage. He did say that it would be fine to rinse it or do conditioner washes.

This is basically what the LHCF ladies have already been doing. You ladies sure are knowledgable!!

 

[sweetcocoa]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
Leshia said:
Thanks for this carmenrose. When I agreed to wash daily, for the month of May, I was speaking more of wetting my hair daily. Mostly rinsing, but not using shampoo/conditioner. Now, I realize that may be the best thing...

[/ QUOTE ]

This is exactly what I do...and my hair is loving it.
I no longer have to oil my scalp...it never feels dry and itches anymore...even in the winter. I also feel that most commercial shampoos contain harsh detergent ingredients. That is why I'm on the lookout for a great natural shampoo...

 

[jazzyfunknastee]

I understand Carmen. I usually wash with shampoo 1 or 2 times a week depending if I sweat or if I have buildup. The other times I conditioner wash or just rinse. No more dry scalp but I still got these damn itchies LOL

 

[TwistNMx]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
CarmenRose said:

I know that many women of other cultures and races wash their hair daily, but many do not. I've read in many magazines where dermatologists cautioned against this for black hair. Their reasoning was the following:
I'm not saying that it won't work or will not benefit you, as some people find success doing so..However, the people that I know that did this did not have success with it and it actually stunted their hair growth.

Either way, I just wanted to offer you a word of caution.


[/ QUOTE ]
Hello CarmenRose:

I'm still learning about good hair care and I was just wondering how this can stop the 'growth' of the hair since water is moisture? Also, would it make a difference if one might use a pre-conditioning oil with the heat cap first?
Also, I would like to know if you could recommend a good gentle rinse for the hair that does not contain alcohol.
Thank you.

 

[Paris Belle]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
High Priestess said:
</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
CarmenRose said:

I know that many women of other cultures and races wash their hair daily, but many do not. I've read in many magazines where dermatologists cautioned against this for black hair. Their reasoning was the following:
I'm not saying that it won't work or will not benefit you, as some people find success doing so..However, the people that I know that did this did not have success with it and it actually stunted their hair growth.

Either way, I just wanted to offer you a word of caution.


[/ QUOTE ]
Hello CarmenRose:

I'm still learning about good hair care and I was just wondering how this can stop the 'growth' of the hair since water is moisture? Also, would it make a difference if one might use a pre-conditioning oil with the heat cap first?
Also, I would like to know if you could recommend a good gentle rinse for the hair that does not contain alcohol.
Thank you.

[/ QUOTE ]

Water is moisture and IS excellent for the hair..Therefore, rinsing with water (distilled or tap) is excellent for the hair..And can be done on a daily basis and does not hinder growth..Many women on this board do this..

However, shampooing with shampoo (wh/usually contains harsh ingredients, or ingredients that should not be used daily) is altogether another thing. This strips our naturally dry hair of its natural oil thus stripping it of moisture, thus increasing the chances of breakage and hindering growth..

Rinsing daily and even conditioner washes (with a conditioner that doesn't contain harsh ingredients) is the best choice for our hair.

*Rinsing is usually done with water (purified/distilled/tap)

*Do you mean a rinse that is done after a shampoo or when we were referring to rinsing?

*Preconditioning or a preshampoo treatment with oil should always be done before shampooing in my opinion..Hot oil treatments are very very beneficial to the hair..HoneyRockette has a thread called "Essential Treatments"--check it out for more info..

HTH

 

[Leshia]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
sweetcocoa said:
</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
Leshia said:
Thanks for this carmenrose. When I agreed to wash daily, for the month of May, I was speaking more of wetting my hair daily. Mostly rinsing, but not using shampoo/conditioner. Now, I realize that may be the best thing...

[/ QUOTE ]

This is exactly what I do...and my hair is loving it.
I no longer have to oil my scalp...it never feels dry and itches anymore...even in the winter. I also feel that most commercial shampoos contain harsh detergent ingredients. That is why I'm on the lookout for a great natural shampoo...

[/ QUOTE ]

That's an interesting point, sweetcocoa. I wonder if I'm actually going to be stifling my growth, by trying to rinse daily AND castor oil my scalp and ends daily as well...?? I guess I'll have to try and see...

 

[sweetcocoa]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
Leshia said:
</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
sweetcocoa said:
</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
Leshia said:
Thanks for this carmenrose. When I agreed to wash daily, for the month of May, I was speaking more of wetting my hair daily. Mostly rinsing, but not using shampoo/conditioner. Now, I realize that may be the best thing...

[/ QUOTE ]

This is exactly what I do...and my hair is loving it.
I no longer have to oil my scalp...it never feels dry and itches anymore...even in the winter. I also feel that most commercial shampoos contain harsh detergent ingredients. That is why I'm on the lookout for a great natural shampoo...

[/ QUOTE ]

That's an interesting point, sweetcocoa. I wonder if I'm actually going to be stifling my growth, by trying to rinse daily AND castor oil my scalp and ends daily as well...?? I guess I'll have to try and see...

[/ QUOTE ]
I oil the length and the ends only. I haven't oiled my scalp in 2 years. My scalp used to flake and itch all the time. It took about 2 weeks of rinsing daily and then I saw no more flakes. I am positive that exercising and the daily rinsing are what have helped my hair grow so quickly. I have been trying to grow my sides for years. Once again I only rinse with distilled water(sodium free)....
This is my regimen for the summer. I'm gonna continue to do this...like they said if it's not broke don't fix it. This is what works for me....

 

[Kitkat]

It was really sweet of you to post that info CarmenRose. Thanks much!

I have thought about washing every day, but I'm just keeping up with every 3 days. I wouldn't have the time to wash daily. But it's good information for those who do this to have. Good looking out, girl!

 

[Paris Belle]

Thanks Kit Kat! And thank you all for the posts..I'm just glad I didn't start a war..

 

[sweetcocoa]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
CarmenRose said:
Thanks Kit Kat! And thank you all for the posts..I'm just glad I didn't start a war..

[/ QUOTE ]
Girl we are all on the same mission...long healthy hair. That's what counts in my opinion. If what works for one doesn't work for you...then you find out what does...

 

[Trinity1]

I semi-agree with this point. I think the article applies to daily shampoo use but rinsing and conditioner washes are ok,however,even with conditioner washes I do it once every other day just to give my hair a break in between. For me,daily washing is a no no because I shed too much if I rinse everyday but every other day works like a charm. If I'm wearing a straight style then I rinse every 3 days.


Tee

 

[aprilbiz]

I really completely agree with not shampooing the hair daily. In fact, I read an article on how to properly shampoo your hair. I'm not sure if I read it on here or just from browsing for info on the web, but if I can find it again, I will post it.

Basically, the gist of the article was that only a small amount of shampoo should be used when shampooing the hair. I don't recall the amount, if it was a dimed sized amount or a quarter sized amount. It also stated that the hair should only be washed once, not twice. I would ammend this statement by saying it doesn't apply when doing a chemical process.

 

[Poohbear]

This is an interesting thread. This subject has sparked several questions in my mind...

Would it be ok to shampoo the SCALP daily, even though the shampoo will touch your hair in the process???
The reason I ask this question is because we wash our skin everyday and was wondering if washing the scalp daily would reap the same benefits.

Would it be okay to shampoo the HAIR daily if you moisture your hair with oil or a moisturizing leave-in product afterwards? And what if you use a shampoo with non-harsh ingredients?
I ask this because it's always said the shampoo strips our hair of natural oils, which may in turn stunt growth. Would applying oil or a leave-in help with that?

If one were to rinse with water or co-wash daily, wouldn't it be best to rinse or co-wash hair that is free of products?
I ask this because I would think rinsing or co-washing the hair with products would cause major build-up. You would need to shampoo your hair if you use products. I feel rinsing and cowashing is best for hair that has no products to begin with.

What do you ladies think about that?

 

[sweetascocoa]

i would not advise to shampoo scalp or hair daily. remember that we shower everyday but we have to replace lost moisture with oils or a body lotion.


thats why you have to use a conditioner that isnt heavy to do CO washes. like when one used humectress or kenra MC for CO washing, that will definitely cause build up on your scalp. i always advise people to CO wash with light conditioners like V05. even suave conditioners are too heavy for me. rinsing did not help because it doesnt make sense to rinse out all the moisture and then replace it with maybe a leave in then rinse out the next day. that will definitely cause buildup because water cannot wash out build up. trying a clarifying conditioner like V05 kiwi and lime will help. because it prevents and removes minimal build up but doesnt dry out the hair.


i have been CO washing for 2 years

 

[mkh_77]

I've been washing daily for about a year and haven't had any problems. Lately I've been rinsing daily in addition to washing because I work out as well. Again, no problems. I think daily washing is a trial and error type thing and it may not work for a lot of people.

I do the following:

Wash with Burt's Bees
Condition with Pantene Smooth and Sleek
Spray Pantene leave in
Put Castor oil on the end of my braid

When I rinse I just let the water rinse through my hair, towel dry and then put a scarf on to keep in smooth. I don't add anything after the rinse except maybe a little more castor oil on my ends.

 

[SparklingFlame]

For me CW everyday wouldnt work. I use homemade MTG on my scalp and it seems like a waste to apply it, then wash it out the same day. I ususally wash with shampoo (non-sulphate) once a week then CW with Vo5 twice a week. This is working for me so far. But I do understand the logic of the OP.

 

[sweetascocoa]

let me add that i shampoo every 2 weeks or whenever i feel like smeling my burts bees baby bees shampoo bar again. lol

 

[mermaid]

I wash everyday and I've had no problems, just benefits. the only time I don't wash is if my hair is pressed because it's too much work to press it to wash it out too soon!
If I don't shampoo, my scalp itches like crazy and will flake horribly in about a day, so no one can convince me it's wrong.
CO washing doesn't help for me, it just feels like I'm cheating- not doing a thorough job and it doesn't help with lifting the flakes out of my hair.
Plus, shampoo is seriously sensual, lol!! The image of the suds slowly sliding down wet skin is seductive... Heh heh, I've been sneaking looks at my man while he's watching the Appentice and getting kinda, you know, silly. I have thoughts on my mind, ha ha!!