How often should you apply hair products to your hair? #54

How often?

I get asked this all the time, especially in regards to hair growth oils for your scalp. There are no set rules for most products and applications may vary according to your hair needs, but if you want to have a guideline that will help you understand it better, then continue reading.

Styling products

Styling products can build up on your hair and scalp and lead to irritation and damage. Frequent or heavy product use may mean that you need to wash your hair more frequently than if you skip the gels, mousses, and sprays.

The main villains are products with silicones and mineral oil which are famous for build-up when used frequently.

A clean scalp is a healthy scalp so make sure to use a clarifying shampoo at least once a month and more frequently if you are a heavy user of styling products. Make sure to focus on your scalp when shampooing as clarifying shampoos tend to be extremely drying for the length of your hair.

woman in white tank top holding a bottle

How often should I put oil on my scalp?

People with healthy hair can oil their scalp once or twice a week. If you have not oiled your scalp for a long time, you may want to do it daily or alternate days for the first week and then return to oiling once or twice a week after that.

Oiling your scalp is a great way to add useful vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to your hair. These ingredients contribute to nourishing your scalp, encouraging growth, and maintaining moisture.

Massaging oil on your scalp helps to stimulate blood circulation which in turn stimulates hair growth.

Oiling your scalp also aids dry scalp and dandruff as long as you don’t overdo it! You can oil your scalp to prevent dandruff and build-up but too much oil will encourage it!

What about shampoos?

First of all, make sure to choose a sulfate-free shampoo as they are less drying to kinks and coils. Most naturals wash their hair once a week but if you’re extremely physically active and/or work out a lot you can either wash your hair more often or combine co-washing with shampooing to curb dryness.

Use a clarifying shampoo at least once a month or exfoliate your scalp to get rid of any build-up.

And conditioners?

Opt for silicone-free conditioners to avoid build-up and always use a conditioner right after you shampoo. This means you will use this as often as you shampoo.

Co-wash conditioners are specially formulated to be used on their own when your hair needs refreshing but has little to no build-up. If you work out often then co-washing is the best alternative for those days you don’t need to shampoo.

Leave-ins, moisturisers, and spritzes

Leave-ins, moisturisers, and spritzes are usually used daily or whenever your hair needs a pick-up. These kinds of products are intended to refresh, add temporary moisture, or shine to your hair throughout the day. They tend to be lightweight and can be easily layered with other heavier products.