How I Trained My Hair to go 4 Days Between Washes

A huge thanks to Pantene for sponsoring today’s post. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Have you ever seen that meme of Jennifer Aniston where she looks slightly perplexed and it says, “Need to wash my hair… not prepared to dry it.”  That’s me on any given day.

Not to give you TMI, but I’m one of those people who LOATHES washing and drying my hair, and I’ll do just about anything I can to drag out the inevitable hour-long chore.  I have a few tricks up my sleeve that can help me stretch to washing my hair just two days a week, even with workouts.  It’s all about training your hair and I’m sharing all of my best tips below!  The only downside to less washes is that all that build up can really do a number on your hair, and when you do end up washing it, you REALLY need to get it CLEAN.  I’ve been incorporating the new Pantene Charcoal Collection Shampoo & Conditioner into my routine every few washes — the activated charcoal detoxes hair by attracting impurities like a magnet, while releasing antioxidants helping it look refreshed and clean with renewed body and shine. If it seems like activated charcoal is having a REAL moment in the beauty world — you’d be right.  It seems like everything from teeth whiteners, to face and body masks use it as a way to purify… so, why shouldn’t hair get in on the fun?!  Unlike skin, your hair does not have a built-in purification system.  And if you’re like me, going multiple days without washing — scalp oils, styling products, dry shampoo and dirt really starts to build up.  A gross fact I learned is that sometimes this build up can result in hair gaining 4 percent of its own weight.  FOUR PERCENT.  The good news is that you can begin shopping for the Pantene Charcoal Collection Shampoo & Conditioner at Target in mid-July, so keep your eyes peeled, and follow some of my tips below for the best hair ever!

Here are my tips to help you wash your hair less:

1. As I mentioned above, how you initially wash your hair is SO important.  You need to get it SUPER clean in order for the clean feeling to last.  Using a purifying shampoo and conditioner every few washes works wonders, like the Pantene Charcoal Collection Shampoo & Conditioner.  If you wash your hair and it doesn’t feel squeaky clean, don’t feel bad washing it again.  Sometimes, I’ll literally wash my hair 3 times in one shower if I need to!
2. Make sure you are only using shampoo on the roots of your hair (unless you added other styling products).  And more importantly, make sure you are only applying conditioner from your EARS down.  You do not need to condition the roots of your hair.  It shouldn’t even come close.  If you have bangs or feel like your hair is a little dry and needs conditioning, use sparingly at the ends, but don’t rub the conditioner into your scalp.
3. Once out of the shower, try to use as little product as possible after your wash and dry your hair.  If you use a ton of product from the beginning, it will make your hair feel dirty almost immediately.  I typically only use a very lightweight hair oil and apply on the ends of my hair.  If I do need to use other styling products, I try to go lightly and apply away from my roots.
4. My number one rule is to sleep with your hair UP.  Your hair should be OFF your body for the entire night.  It will help you sweat less overall, and keep your hair off any oil your body is producing overnight.  I usually gather my hair at the nape of my neck (like I’m going to put it in a low pony tail), and instead, twist the pony tail and then secure it up on top of my head with a blow dry clip.  When my hair was shorter, I used one of these spiral twist hair ties and made a bun in the center of my head (or at the top of my head if my bottom hair could reach up).  If you sweat a lot during the night, invest in a silk pillow case.
5. I also love using these spiral twist hair ties for working out.  They help prevent a crease in your ponytail that regular holders usually make.
6. When my hair starts feeling a little dirty, I will take a mist bottle filled with water and spray it around my head to get my hair slightly damp.  I’ll usually flip my head over and use the hair dryer to re-dry my roots.  I’ll then use a round brush and blow out my bangs and the section of my hair around my ears — anywhere that typically gets a little cowlick-y.
7. I actually don’t use dry shampoo until day three.  If I use it on day two, my hair feels like a gritty and grimy and I won’t be able to stretch it four days.  When I’m applying dry shampoo, I don’t apply all over.  I typically stick to the front of my hair, spraying at least 8-10 inches away.  I’ll then let it sit on my hair for a minute or two, and then will rub into my scalp with my fingertips.  I’ll then take a brush and brush from the roots to the ends — it helps distribute the dry shampoo (and nice fragrance) throughout the rest of my hair.  I’ll then re-curl any pieces I need to.

And don’t forget — it takes training.  Both for your hair and your mental state.  If you wash your hair every single day, try stretching it by one day for now.  You need to get slightly used to feeling like your hair isn’t freshly clean.  I know that might sound weird, but it takes time.   Do you have any tips to share for shampooing less?!  Let me know in a comment below!  And, if you try the Pantene Charcoal Collection Shampoo & Conditioner, let me know how you like it!