Should You Wash Your Hair Less When It Is Thinning?

If your hair is thinning, it is tempting to wash it less. Fewer washes, fewer hairs in the drain, right? Not quite.

Here is what dermatologists say about washing when you are worried about hair loss, and how to make each wash gentler.

Does washing less help?

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that some women scale back on how often they shampoo, and that the results of efforts like this are often modest at best and rarely get to the root of the problem. If you are losing hair, the better step is to find the cause, so see a GP or dermatologist.

Your scalp also needs cleaning. A Mayo Clinic dermatologist explains that if you do not shampoo regularly, it is difficult for the scalp to get clean, and buildup of dead skin and oil can lead to dermatitis or dandruff, which can be itchy and uncomfortable.

How often should you wash?

There is no single answer, because hair texture and scalp needs differ.

If you have dandruff or another scalp condition, you may need a different routine, so check with your doctor.

Wash gently

Thinning hair is fragile. The AAD suggests:

• Use a gentle shampoo. Some shampoos can strip moisture from hair.
• Apply a moisturising conditioner after every shampoo to reduce breakage and split ends.
• Wrap wet hair in a microfibre towel to help it dry faster and cut down on blow-drying.
• Use the lowest heat setting on your dryer, or let hair dry naturally when you can.
• Brush or comb gently, and only as much as you need to style. Tugging can lead to hair loss.

Where Stim fits

Our Ultimate Growth Kit is built around a simple three-step routine: Cleanse, Hydrate, Stimulate. A stimulating shampoo cleans the scalp, a strengthening conditioner follows every wash, and a growth tonic is applied to the scalp. It is made to support a healthy scalp environment and thicker-looking hair over time. It is not a medical treatment, so if shedding is sudden, patchy or lasting, get it checked.

The short version

Do not skip washes hoping to save your hair. Keep your scalp clean at a frequency that suits your hair type, be gentle, always condition, and see a professional if you are worried.

Sources: AAD, Hair loss: tips for managing, Mayo Clinic Minute.