Photo by Brock Siegel Some aspects of our morning routine become so established that we hardly put much thought into them -- it just becomes second nature. Maybe you grab the cheapest, most convenient-looking shampoo bottle on the shelf without even bothering to glance at the unpronounceable ingredients on the label. So, as we’re still washing the remnants of 2018 out of our hair, let’s get reacquainted with this relaxing shower-time ritual. To help in that endeavor, we’ve turned to Grooming Lounge’s Director of Education, our very own Ann Shim.
So, should you wash your hair every day?
You may have heard that washing every day dries out your scalp. Or, perhaps you avoid daily washing because you like how the natural oils style your hair after a couple days. But, with that devil-may-care look comes grit, grime and odor -- and -- just like the rest of the body, the only way to deal with all that funky stuff is to wash. Ann suggests washing your hair everyday. You heard Ann, the answer is YES!
In addition to frequency, the type of shampoo you use is also very important. To ensure your hair and scalp aren’t just clean, but healthy as well, you’ll have to look beyond mass-produced drugstore options. Professional-grade products are pricier, but contain better, gentler ingredients that won’t dry out scalps. Ann also recommends Grooming Lounge’s The Best Shampoo, a daily-use, mint-scented shampoo that's great for any hair type.
Taking care of your hair doesn't stop at using a daily shampoo though. Ann strongly recommends complementing your shampoo with a daily conditioner -- but that doesn't mean grabbing a 2-in-1 solution that can cause more harm than good. Shampoos function to open up cuticles so dirt can be washed out. Conditioners, on the other hand, seal cuticles and lock up moisture to moisturize the scalp. So, it’s unreasonable to expect a 2-in-1 to effectively accomplish both tasks. Hair type is also worth considering when selecting shampoo. For those with straight hair, the world is basically your oyster as a wide variety of professional products are safe bets. Those with curly hair should lean toward a shampoo that emphasizes moisture, because curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair. Those with thinning hair can look for thickening shampoos or products that contain Biotin to stimulate healthy growth. Lastly, since Winter brings with it dry air and irritation, here is some thoughts on dry scalp and flakes. Ann points out that a dry scalps often coincide with dramatic weather changes and temperature shifts that occur from season to season. In this way, you can at least anticipate scalp irritation. If you do experience dandruff or a dry scalp, make sure to use conditioner as it will moisturize and soothe that dome. If difficulties continue, Ann recommends using a dandruff shampoo 2 to 3 times a week until there’s improvement, at which point usage can drop to once a week. This process can be repeated if dry scalp returns. Got any questions about shampoo or men's hair maintenance? We're always around at info@groominglounge.com
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