Hair Washing Frequency

by Monique
(Texas)

Hi Nina,

Thank you so much for hosting such a great site!
In starting my own Hair Challenge toward longer healthier hair this year, I have read that the key to achieving optimal health of the hair is frequent washing/condition washing,conditioning with heat, pre-shampoo treatments and protective styling.

I have been experimenting with this for a few weeks and I believe that I can see a difference. I have been washing or co-washing my hair and conditioning w/heat every 3 days as well as using great natural oil products from the health food store and wearing protective styles w/no direct heat.

I have always been taught not to wash the hair too much but all of the reading that I have done lately recommends just the opposite. I had no idea-I'm starting to believe that water can be one of our hairs best friends when used properly.

I'd like to get your take on this-also, in your deep conditioning detail you mention that over doing it can make you hair like "mush" and have a negative effect. Do you recommend that I not condition with heat as often? Can we wash & condition too much even when putting back emolliant oils and moisturizers? (i.e., coconut oil, EVOO etc.)

I'd like to know if I'm on track with what I'm currently doing-

Many Thanks,
Monique

---------------------------------
Nina's Response

Hi Monique,

I am glad my website has been helpful to you.

Well, I think you have come upon one of the biggest secrets about black hair - that is, wetting/conditioning frequently!

I think what you're doing looks really good.

I would say that you don't need to condition with heat twice a week but it is ok as long as you feel that your hair needs it. Also, you'll want to use a light protein treatment at least once a month to keep your hair strong - that will keep it from getting mushy.

Generally speaking, you probably don't need to condition with heat twice a week unless you are dealing with some major damage and dryness to your hair. If your hair is pretty healthy, you can condition with heat once a week or once every two weeks.

Keep up the good work!
Nina Dyoran, Editor, Long-Healthy-Hair-Advisor.com