Dermatologist shuts down ‘hair training’ myth after warning issued against washing it daily
Kya Buller
Featured Image Credit: Peter Cade/PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou/Getty Images
I'm sure by now we've all heard whispers of the unbeatable benefits of not washing our hair for a few days and letting our natural oils do their thing - but it appears we've been duped.
It can be hard to know who to listen to, but I think it's wise to say that when taking hygiene advice, experts should be at the top of the list.
A dermatologist has issued a warning to those who are dodging the deep clean in favour of 'hair training'.
Dr Jenny Liu has stepped forward to share her board-certified dermatology findings with the rest of us and is on a mission to save our scalps.
Advert
She took to TikTok to share her expertise and has educated thousands in the process, stressing that 'scalp care is skincare'.
She shared: "We know that sebum, dead skin build-up, all of that basically contributes to Malassezia yeast overgrowth [a fungal skin condition], that can lead to dandruff, as well as inflammation."
When educating the masses on how to properly wash your hair, she offered the 'life changing' habits.
Dr Liu began: "Number one is letting my scalp dictate how often I should be washing my hair instead of being constrained by a certain number.
"What I mean is I will wash my hair if my scalp feels greasy, instead of saying 'Oh, I have to wash my hair every other day or twice a week'.
"Hair growth starts at the scalp so it's really important to keep it healthy and avoid excessive sebum and dandruff that can lead to oxidative stress".
She continued: "Number two is pre-shampoo oiling to reduce water damage from hair washing.
"My hair is naturally coarse and is pretty damaged from colouring as well as heat styling.
"So applying the oil to the ends before I wash my hair or even using it as an overnight treatment has been really helpful."
She then added: "Sleeping on a satin pillow. I've noticed a significant difference in how my hair feels and looks after switching to a satin pillowcase.
"Satin and silk helps to reduce friction on hair while you're sleeping.
"It also does not absorb moisture as regularly as cotton.
"Overall your hair is going to feel less frizzy, softer and more manageable."
In other seriously informative videos on her account, Dr Liu has shared that we should always detangle our hair before shampooing, and that using anti-dandruff products regularly when hair washing can lead to a dry scalp and increased frizz.