Chandigarh, Jan 22: The common habit of lathering up with shampoo every single morning may be doing more harm than good for the average person’s hair health.
Dermatologists and hair care experts are increasingly observing that daily chemical cleansing often strips away the essential sebum required to maintain a resilient scalp and lustrous strands.
While the sensation of “squeaky clean” hair is often the goal, this level of cleanliness frequently results in a paradox where the scalp becomes excessively dry or, in some cases, overproduces oil to compensate for what was lost. The natural oils produced by the scalp serve as a protective barrier and a natural conditioner for the hair shaft.
Dr. Carolyn Goh, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology, mentioned that many people do not need to wash their hair daily. She noted that for those with curly or thick hair, the natural oils take longer to travel down the hair shaft, making daily shampooing particularly drying.
Scientific studies on hair physiology support the idea that frequent exposure to surfactants found in shampoos can compromise the hair cuticle.
When the cuticle is raised or damaged through over-washing, moisture escapes more easily, leading to brittleness and breakage.
“Shampoo is designed to trap oil, so if you do it too often, you may dry your hair out, making it prone to breakage,” a leading trichologist directly said during a recent skin and hair health summit.
The expert mentioned that for most hair types, a schedule of two to three times a week is often sufficient to maintain hygiene without sacrificing the integrity of the scalp’s microbiome.
For those living in high-pollution areas or those who exercise daily, experts suggest using a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser or even a “co-wash” method, which utilizes conditioner to lift dirt without the harshness of traditional soap. This approach helps keep the scalp’s pH balanced and prevents the irritation often associated with chronic dryness and flaking.
