Hair must be washed whenever it is dirty; It’s okay to wash it daily if care products are used frequently and appropriate to the type of hair.
Haircare continues to generate doubts. The pharmacist Rocío Escalante, head of Arbosana Farmacia and an expert in dermo-cosmetics, answers the most frequently asked questions.
-How often should I wash my hair? Hair should be washed whenever it is dirty. It’s okay to wash it daily if care products are used frequently and appropriate to the type of hair. The frequency of washing depends, above all, on the type of hair and scalp. If the scalp is oily, it can be washed daily, because leaving the oil behind is more harmful. On the other hand, if the scalp is dry or sensitive, it is preferable to space out the washes. In addition, the frequency of washing also depends on the lifestyle: after sweating a lot, after bathing in the pool or in the sea, or if fixing products such as waxes, hair gels, and lacquers are used… hair must always be washed.
– Does it serve any type of shampoo? No, you have to choose the best shampoo for each person, taking into account both the scalp and the hair. The scalp can be oily, dry, or sensitive. The hair, on the other hand, can be dry or very dry, dyed, bleached, gray, fine and without volume, wavy, curly, normal… It is advisable to wash the scalp with a specific shampoo if you have any of the indicated problems, and then choose another one for the hair, according to its characteristics. The hair is not rubbed, gently washed by massaging with the fingers, and rinsed with warm or cold water.
The frequency of washing depends, above all, on the type of hair and scalp
-Is the conditioner or the mask better? They are different products. The conditioner helps detangle the hair. There are different types, some have to be removed with water; others, on the other hand, do not need rinsing, and are very practical for hair that gets very tangled, which is usually very fine and curly. The conditioner is applied after the shampoo and does not need rest time. The mask, on the other hand, is the product that provides hydration and nutrition and needs a resting time (at least between 2 and 5 minutes), for it to take effect. It is recommended 1 or 2 times a week.
-Is it true that dyed hair needs more hydration? That’s right, dyes and highlights dry out the hair a lot. The nature of the hair is altered by chemical oxidation, and that is why colored hair is drier, has a rough feel, and can lose its shine… To deal with this problem, it is important to take care of it with specific products for colored hair. The ideal is to choose sulfate-free shampoos, to prevent the color from fading and to prolong it for longer. And increase hydration and nutrition with masks, use a heat protector if we use a dryer and irons, and protect it from the sun.
-Brushing your hair often favors its fall? Quite the contrary. Brushing is a gesture that we have almost forgotten, and it is a mistake. Brushing our hair daily is good for removing residue that accumulates from the use of products, from pollution… and also to remove those dead hairs. Of course, you have to choose a good brush that does not damage the scalp. It is advisable to do it from the back of the neck with your head tilted forward, in the morning and every night.
