Daily Washing and Long Hair?

[Tenacious]

I just thought about this. I've just flashed back to all the ladies I've ever known with exceptionally long, gorgeous hair. These friends of mine have WSL length hair, and so I've always asked how they care for it. About 6-7 of these people have the same hair care habits, one in particular being washing the hair OFTEN... one girl washed her hair twice a day and went from shoulder-length to MBL in 8 months. Anywho, these girls are from a wide array of racial backgrounds such as white, black, biracial, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic with hair-types ranging from 1a-4b. This is what these girls had in common:

1. 6 out of 7 washed their hair daily (I kid you not)
2. 4 out of 7 exercised 4-5 days/week
3. 7 out of 7 wore their hair down or clipped up, no fancy styles
4. 5 out of 7 barely used hair products (one girl used BB Castor Oil only)
5. 6 out of 7 used NO CHEMICALS
6. 6 out of 7 used NO HEAT
7. 6 out of 7 did not go to salons
8. 6 out of 7 had NO TRIMS

And what I found interesting; the two girls that were biracial and black were natural and had the longest hair out of the group.

So, now I'm wondering if I co-wash/wash my hair more often, will I produce these same results? Has anyone else benefitted from washing more often? If so, let me know what you do and how you replenish the moisture in your hair afterwards. Thanks.

 

[Lovelylocs]

c/o washing definately is good for your hair. You can conditioner only wash either everyday or every other day depending on your hair.

I believe that no/low heat, c/o washes, and staying away from stylists has probably helped them ALOT. Everyone that I've met w/midback length to waist length hair did/does their own hair. Stylists set everyone back regardless of race IMHO. They always want to hack off your hair.

 

[JustKiya]

I found that with daily cowashing, I only needed a TINY bit of leave-in/sealer, and my hair STAYED gorgeously moisturized - are they using shampoo daily?

I'm glad to see that I'm keeping up with them though

1. 6 out of 7 washed their hair daily (I kid you not)
2. 4 out of 7 exercised 4-5 days/week (I so need to get on this again!)
3. 7 out of 7 wore their hair down or clipped up, no fancy styles
4. 5 out of 7 barely used hair products (one girl used BB Castor Oil only)
5. 6 out of 7 used NO CHEMICALS
6. 6 out of 7 used NO HEAT
7. 6 out of 7 did not go to salons
8. 6 out of 7 had NO TRIMS

 

[Tenacious]

I found that with daily cowashing, I only needed a TINY bit of leave-in/sealer, and my hair STAYED gorgeously moisturized - are they using shampoo daily?

>>Yes, these girls use shampoo daily, especially the girls of black racial backgrounds, which at first shocked me.

One of the girls is a close friend of mine, who is biracial, and she washes her hair nightly, conditions, and puts BB Castor Oil on her hair... she puts styling gel on her curls in the morning and walks out the door. I was saying to myself "If I were only so simple with my hair, I'd rock the same locks..." She's a hair type above mine (3a-3b).

I just want to see how this works for many of us who want longer hair. If these girls from a wide array of races are doing this, why aren't we? Just a thought....

 

[TowsonGirl]

Hmm, this is very interesting. But I'm curious to know, is there any particular reason why some of them wash their hair twice per day? Did someone tell them it would be beneficial, does their hair get extra dirty during the day or what? What is their personal reason for washing so often?

 

[anon123]

Choconillaprincess was saying the same thing in a thread called "where my frequent washers at" or something like that. i wouldn't be surprised if it did help, though

 

[Tenacious]

Hmm, this is very interesting. But I'm curious to know, is there any particular reason why some of them wash their hair twice per day? Did someone tell them it would be beneficial, does their hair get extra dirty during the day or what? What is their personal reason for washing so often?

The girl that washed her hair twice per day has a oily hair type and she works out very often. She washed her hair morning and evening after workouts. This was the one girl that grew her hair from SL to MBL in less than 8 months.

The one that's my friend just didn't like product build-up. She washed then rinsed her hair later in the day. Her hair is currently WSL.

 

[JustKiya]

The thought of using shampoo daily makes my hair and scalp go - but more power to those it DOES work for....

Are you considering starting to do this, Tenacious?

 

[Tenacious]

The thought of using shampoo daily makes my hair and scalp go - but more power to those it DOES work for....

Are you considering starting to do this, Tenacious?

Well, I already co-wash daily to clean my scalp, and It would be a good attempt. I just got to make sure that I use a natural shampoo or conditioner to wash my hair so that i can protect my ends.

As long as I practice keeping my ends from drying out while washing, I can probably do this. I dont think it could be too bad to shampoo daily, as long as the ends are protected and the hair doesn't get stripped in the process.

Right now, I daily co-wash. I know that conditioner does work to cleanse the scalp. I will just stick to this and clarify with BS every so often.

 

[gmw]

That was one of the tips given over at growafrohairlong.com. Also I remember when I was high school, there was this girl that was on the swim team and she cut her and hair and everyone was all upset. I remember her saying "everyone knows water makes your hair grow, and I am in the pool everyday".
She had long hair, before she cut it, and it did grow back fairly fast. H2O.............

 

[Tenacious]

That was one of the tips given over at growafrohairlong.com. Also I remember when I was high school, there was this girl that was on the swim team and she cut her and hair and everyone was all upset. I remember her saying "everyone knows water makes your hair grow, and I am in the pool everyday".
She had long hair, before she cut it, and it did grow back fairly fast. H2O.............

You know what... thats soo true. And also, didn't Cichelle say she co-washed daily when she went natural? IDK.... but her hair did grow fairly fast....in my opinion.

 

[JustKiya]

Well, I already co-wash daily to clean my scalp, and It would be a good attempt. I just got to make sure that I use a natural shampoo or conditioner to wash my hair so that i can protect my ends.

As long as I practice keeping my ends from drying out while washing, I can probably do this. I dont think it could be too bad to shampoo daily, as long as the ends are protected and the hair doesn't get stripped in the process.

Right now, I daily co-wash. I know that conditioner does work to cleanse the scalp. I will just stick to this and clarify with BS every so often.

Hrrm, yeah... I wonder if they washed their length everytime, or if they were just cleaning the scalp - as my hair gets longer, I'm going to shift my washes to focus mainly on the scalp, and use mostly rinses on the hair itself.....

 

[Tenacious]

Hrrm, yeah... I wonder if they washed their length everytime, or if they were just cleaning the scalp - as my hair gets longer, I'm going to shift my washes to focus mainly on the scalp, and use mostly rinses on the hair itself.....

I'm not sure... But i'm sure that they cleansed the scalp. I know the one girl with 3a hair was really careful about her curls. I've been washing my scalp only for a good minute and it's kept my hair from drying out.... Maybe that's what they're doing....

 

[krissynick]

>>Yes, these girls use shampoo daily, especially the girls of black racial backgrounds, which at first shocked me.

One of the girls is a close friend of mine, who is biracial, and she washes her hair nightly, conditions, and puts BB Castor Oil on her hair... she puts styling gel on her curls in the morning and walks out the door. I was saying to myself "If I were only so simple with my hair, I'd rock the same locks..." She's a hair type above mine (3a-3b).

I just want to see how this works for many of us who want longer hair. If these girls from a wide array of races are doing this, why aren't we? Just a thought....

hmm personally the only reason i dont wash often is because i like certain styles and i wouldnt be able to do them everyday it would take too much time... and since im relaxed it becomes more difficult to deal with when u have alot of new growth.. not something i want to be bothered with everyday. i dunno i refuse to wear a bun everyday but thats just me.. thats they only way i could probably wash everyday.

 

[discodumpling]

Water is my ultimate moisturizer. My hair NEEDS it EVERYDAY,whether it's just a rinse or a cowash; lately i've even been using EXTREMELY diluted shampoo, because my scalp feels icky after daily workouts and power yoga sessions. I liken it to plants...some need water everyday and some don't.

Also as my hair gets longer I find myself simplifying my regi even further...i'm almost down to water & oil. I could really claim SL right this minute but i'll wait till more than one hair is touching my shoulder

 

[LunadeMiel]

I'm newly natural and have been washing everyday (sometimes twice). I plan on doing this for as long as I can. Hopefully I can get great growth like Cichelle...

 

[anon123]

oh, and i wanted to add that i read something that is probably related to this on another hair care site. someone said she went to a somethingorother-ologist (starts with "trich". maybe???) and they talked about her hair and looked at her scalp and hair under a microscope. one thing about it that really stood out to me is that they saw she had buildup and it was clogging her pores and blocking hair from coming out. she said for the emerging hairs that you could actually see that they were poking trying to get out by were blocked by gunk. i don't know how this affects the hair in the long run, but i just thought that was really interesting.

 

[Tenacious]

oh, and i wanted to add that i read something that is probably related to this on another hair care site. someone said she went to a somethingorother-ologist (starts with "trich". maybe???) and they talked about her hair and looked at her scalp and hair under a microscope. one thing about it that really stood out to me is that they saw she had buildup and it was clogging her pores and blocking hair from coming out. she said for the emerging hairs that you could actually see that they were poking trying to get out by were blocked by gunk. i don't know how this affects the hair in the long run, but i just thought that was really interesting.

Yeah.... just more of a reason why i need to wash my scalp more often....mmm?

 

[FlawedBeauty]

i think my hair has benefited greatly from daily washing. have been doing it almost since i joined the forum and i can't say it has hurt at all. prior to this i was only washing like 2-3 times a month, if that

 

[Tenacious]

I'm newly natural and have been washing everyday (sometimes twice). I plan on doing this for as long as I can. Hopefully I can get great growth like Cichelle...

What do you do after you wash to keep your hair moist? And how long have you done this? Any good results so far? (sry 4 all the questions...lol)

 

[Tenacious]

i think my hair has benefited greatly from daily washing. have been doing it almost since i joined the forum and i can't say it has hurt at all. prior to this i was only washing like 2-3 times a month, if that

What did you do after you washed to keep your hair moist and not dried out? I see in your pictures you have exceptional progress girl! I want growth like that! lol!

 

[Candycane044]

Hrrm, yeah... I wonder if they washed their length everytime, or if they were just cleaning the scalp - as my hair gets longer, I'm going to shift my washes to focus mainly on the scalp, and use mostly rinses on the hair itself.....

I think cleansing the scalp is what's important. I say this because it seems like if you washed your actual hair everyday it would be too much manipulation. Perhaps this would work if you braided your hair and focused on washing the scalp and then simply rinsing the braids. (that way you're not manipulating too much)

 

[FlawedBeauty]

thanks!

when i get outta the shower i just towel dry my hair as best i can and then coat it with dabur amla oil, put it in one loose damp braid, coat the braid with some oil and clip it up. then tie on a silk or satin scarf. i leave my hair the way it is when i take the scarf off in the morning and head to work. i work m-f 8-5 so i will wash again around 8 or before bed when i take my shower.

What did you do after you washed to keep your hair moist and not dried out? I see in your pictures you have exceptional progress girl! I want growth like that! lol!

 

[shtow]

Sounds nice but I am not natural and don't plan on BCing. If I was natural I would do this! I do wash my hair a lot in the summer when I dont wear my hiar straight though.

 

[Cichelle]

I wash my hair a few times a week (about 3 or 4) using a shampoo bar. This is something relatively new. Before that I cowashed daily or every other day from my big chop on...

I do not use many hair products and haven't since I decided to transition, excepting that I was a conditioner junkie...but I've finally also given that up. My products, besides shampoo, are oil and natural butters. Henna every six weeks. That's it.

 

[Tenacious]

I wash my hair a few times a week (about 3 or 4) using a shampoo bar. This is something relatively new. Before that I cowashed daily or every other day from my big chop on...

I do not use many hair products and haven't since I decided to transition, excepting that I was a conditioner junkie...but I've finally also given that up. My products, besides shampoo, are oil and natural butters. Henna every six weeks. That's it.

See. I knew you'd pop up sooner or later, lol! I think this is simple enough. I see why your hair is so long... I am so sticking with co-washes!!! Thanks for the info Cichelle!

 

[It~Can~Grow]

hmm personally the only reason i dont wash often is because i like certain styles and i wouldnt be able to do them everyday it would take too much time... and since im relaxed it becomes more difficult to deal with when u have alot of new growth.. not something i want to be bothered with everyday. i dunno i refuse to wear a bun everyday but thats just me.. thats they only way i could probably wash everyday.

Two reasons why I havent decided to co-wash daily.

1) Is the new growth issue. I co washed last night and I have this pile (is the only way to describe) of hair sitting at my roots of which I had to patiently wait for it to loosen up, while I detangled the relaxer portion.

This is not for the faint at heart, for sure...as more and more new growth appears it takes longer to deal with and just cringe at the thought of having to deal with if washed nightly.

2) Since my hair holds water like a jug, it's still damp in the morning, and I'm hesitant about leaving for work with damp hair in 10 degrees.

Quick hijack: How do you ladies deal with retained moisture in winter?

 

[Tenacious]

Two reasons why I havent decided to co-wash daily.

1) Is the new growth issue. I co washed last night and I have this pile (is the only way to describe) of hair sitting at my roots of which I had to patiently wait for it to loosen up, while I detangled the relaxer portion.

This is not for the faint at heart, for sure...as more and more new growth appears it takes longer to deal with and just cringe at the thought of having to deal with if washed nightly.

2) Since my hair holds water like a jug, it's still damp in the morning, and I'm hesitant about leaving for work with damp hair in 10 degrees.

Quick hijack: How do you ladies deal with retained moisture in winter?

Well, I wear a hat with a silk lining in it to cover my head from freezing temps. I just moisturize more than usual but I hardly ever leave the house with dripping wet hair. I always towel dry a tad, then put moisturizer on. In the summer, I just walk straight out the shower (moisturize) and out the door, lol.

 

[JustKiya]

Quick hijack: How do you ladies deal with retained moisture in winter?

I get DH to go out and turn on my car before I leave the house, drive to work in a warm car, and hustle myself into the building ASAP. If I was commuting on public transport, I don't know - maybe a hood?

 

[LunadeMiel]

What do you do after you wash to keep your hair moist? I apply some leave-in conditioner and Elasta QP hair moisturizer. I bought this texture cream at Regis salon and I apply about a dime size of that to my hair while it's still soaking wet. I like the texture cream because it doesn't weigh my hair down like. mango butter
And how long have you done this? about 5 days...
Any good results so far? yup, my coarse hair feels really soft and is very shiny.
(sry 4 all the questions...lol)

My answers are in bold...