How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

The "best" system for hair washing completely depends on your hair type and the condition of your scalp. Although many dermatologists recommend washing your hair two to three times a week to avoid product buildup and scalp irritation, it can vary. 

Hair Type

According to dermatologist Iris Rubin, MD, finer and straighter hair types (types 1-3) typically need more frequent washing than coarser and curlier textures (type 4). Sophia Emmanuel, Trichologist and Cosmetologist, explains that "with type 4 hair, natural oils don’t easily travel down the strand due to tighter curl patterns, so shampooing once a week is sufficient, but on the other hand, for straighter and finer hair types, oils accumulate and spread more easily along the hair strands, which means they often require cleansing up to three times a week or every other day."

And if you have a protective style in, wash day is also important. "Cleansing your scalp is the only way to ensure your protective style is supporting healthy hair," says Jeanne. "This wash routine is usually spaced out a little longer than traditional wash day." The type of shampoo or cleanser you use may vary depending on your style. "Hair extensions, box braids, twists with hair added in are some styles that can be washed with the style in because you have access to your scalp," explains Emmanuel. "Other protective styles, such as crochet braids, can be more challenging to wash depending on the type of hair that is used and limited scalp access." But the frequency at which you cleanse should also be based on what your scalp and hair strands are telling you. 

Scalp Conditions

If you’re experiencing any itching, flaking, product buildup, greasy strands, or unpleasant smells, you may want to consider cleansing more often. "Regular shampooing up to three times a week helps manage dandruff, itching, and helps control sebum production," says Emmanuel. "If you do not have a scalp condition or an active lifestyle, you can shampoo your hair once a week."

Is it okay if I wash my hair every day?

It's okay to wash your hair every day, as long as you're not stripping your hair and causing dryness. Think about it: You wash your face every day (or twice a day) without fail to wash away the dirt, grime, and gunk. The same could go for your scalp. Especially if you have straight, fine hair.

Keep in mind, though: If you do shampoo daily, you’ll want to make sure to use a mix of gentle cleansers to prevent scalp dryness, irritation, and itch. For example: If you can’t stretch your washings to every other day, you can cleanse up daily with a gentle shampoo that’s filled with nourishing ingredients (like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera), then, once a week (for one wash only!), swap in a clarifying shampoo to break down oils and hard water buildup. We have all our favorites below.

And if you are washing every day, make sure you’re replenishing your hair’s moisture each time with deep conditioners, hair masks, and/or leave-in conditioners to keep your hair from drying out from the water (yes, water itself can actually be drying!). You’ll also want to avoid heat-styling as much as possible—so no blow-drying after your daily showers—or you’ll strip and damage your strands, leading to dull, brittle hair over time.

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6 Things To Know Before Getting A Bob Haircut

Among all the haircuts that come in and out of fashion, the bob never fails to remain its own salon icon, thanks to a unique appeal that seems to call to everyone at one point or another, whether you’re simply suffering from boredom of your usual style or craving the instant satisfaction of chopping off a few inches. Now, this is where short cuts get tricky. You might think you want one, and then live to love it—or regret it.  Bobs can have anyone tempted to make the big chop, and I asked every bob-wearing person I know for their best pieces of advice accrued from rocking the popular length. Here’s what to know before getting a bob. 

1.) “It’s Not Always Going To Look Like It Does In The Salon”

As in, manage your expectations on what a bob will look like on a day-to-day basis, especially when you don’t have the time or care to painstakingly style it as a professional hair expert would. However, this isn’t to discourage, but rather reinforce that the bob can still be a good idea even if it doesn’t look the same way as when your stylist did it. 

2.) “Give It a Few Days Before Panicking”

It’s very common to have instant regret after you head home with a newly shorn short cut, especially if you had longer hair to start. Don’t let the initial panic take over, and trust in your decision and the process. My friend, a committed long-bob wearer, warns me, “You’re probably going to hate it for a couple days, but then you’ll love it.”  

3.) “Find Someone You Trust with Short Hair”

Short haircuts can be even more particular and precise, and some stylists specialize more in short hair than others. Some stylists grow to be highly sought-after for highlights, and others for perfectly coiffed bobs and the like. Call ahead to ask the salon, ask your friends for recommendations, or simply peruse local salons on social media.

4.) “Consider Your Hair Type Before The Chop”

Bobs come in all shapes and lengths, from cheekbones to collarbones, from layered to blunt. Don’t choose an inspiration photo that does not work as well with your hair type, or risk leaving disappointed and unable to style it to your desired look. 

Editor Ivy Odom adds her stylist’s tips: “If you have stick-straight hair, better to not get layers and do a blunt cut, otherwise choppy layers might show. Also, she recommends a length slightly longer in the front than the back to create movement, so when you put hair behind your ears, it's even.”

5.) “Ask for Stylist Recommendations Before You Leave”

If you merely make the chop, love how it looks when a professional styles it, and leave the salon without any preparations—you can expect to be surprised when you can’t quite style bob-length hair to your desired look. Make sure to ask for any tips, products, or tools that your stylist would recommend to live your best bob life, "so you can at least give it a good shake," says Editor Betsy Cribb Watson. Before you even step out of the salon!

6.) “It’s High Maintenance to Be Low Maintenance"

Another friend, who I’ve witnessed go from long locks to short bobs multiple times over the years, dubs the bob as something that you have to upkeep with regular trims, but which pays off in much shorter styling time than when she had long hair. It might seem like you have to style bobs more than long hair, but “blow-drying and styling take so much less time and effort,” she says.  Source

Calico Hair Is the Y2K-Inspired Color Trending for Fall

Calico hair is the latest hair color trend taking over our feeds—and the look is taking major inspo from the early 2000s. After a summer of low-maintenance hair colors, the fall season brings moodier shades like red hair colors, brunette hair color, and cozy blonde. But why choose just one color when you can have all three? Calico hair achieves just that.

As the name implies, calico hair mimics the multicolor coat of calico cats, featuring hues of red, blonde, and brown. Instead of blending together, these colors stay bold and vibrant to create a unique and dimensional look. “Think of calico hair color like custom color blocking,” says Coree Coley Scrittoale, a professional hair artist. “It’s not about blending everything. It’s about letting different shades live side by side in a way that feels cool and intentional. I choose red, brunette, and blonde tones and place them where they’ll pop without it feeling too ‘done.’ It can be bold and high contrast or super subtle, depending on your style.” That’s right—chunky Y2K streaks are back and better than ever. A popular look for pop stars in the early ’00s, calico hair is tapping into millennial nostalgia. “I think people are loving this technique right now because that chunky, high-contrast color is totally back,” says Coley Scrittoale. “It’s nostalgic, it’s fun, and it’s expressive without going full neon or pastel. You can walk into a meeting and then straight into a night out, no problem.”

What techniques are used to create calico hair color?

Calico hair is a bit more involved than just your regular highlights. “It’s a whole pattern’ says Coley Scrittoale. “With placement, the bolder, the better. If the sections are too soft or spaced out, the whole look kind of disappears. I usually go for four to seven back-to-back slices in each section.”

If you’re brunette, expect to lift your hair for the most vibrant color. “And if your hair is fragile or curly, I always reach for Danger Jones Lightener since it has a built-in bonder, which means I can lift the color with no compromise,” says Coley Scrittoale.

What colors are best for calico hair?

Traditionally, calico hair uses red, brunette, and blonde colors. You can switch out these colors for other options like green or orange, but use the same technique.

First, you’ll want to decide which color you want to lead with. “Blonde feels light and bright, brunette gives depth and richness, and red adds character and interest,” says Coley Scrittoale. “I’ll mix Danger Jones Gloss Toners in warm tones like copper, caramel, and a creamy blonde because they are high-pigment, high-gloss, and low-commitment. From there, it’s all about how bold you want to go.”

How long does calico hair color last?

Like most hair colors, longevity all depends on upkeep and the quality of your dye job. “The type of color used, products you are using at home, and also your environment are all factors,” says Coley Scrittoale. You’ll definitely want to pick up color-safe shampoo and conditioner and avoid hot water, which can make the colors bleed.

What is calico hair color maintenance?

“Gloss appointments every four to eight weeks are key to keeping your color fresh, shiny, and healthy,” says Coley Scrittoale. “I use Danger Jones Gloss Toners because they work quickly (in under 10 minutes) to refresh pigments and seal the cuticle for long-lasting vibrancy.”

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How to Diffuse Curly Hair for Perfectly Defined Coils

Learning how to diffuse curly hair is a part of any curly girl’s beauty journey. After all, making sure you’re properly drying your waves and coils while minimizing heat damage is key to healthy, happy hair, and using a diffuser alongside your favorite curly-hair products seriously helps. If you aren’t familiar with hair diffusers yet, let us be the first to introduce you to the tool that will revolutionize your curly-hair drying routine.

A hair diffuser is a round, bowl-like tool that you attach to the end of your hair dryer to disperse the heat all over your hair. Many diffusers also have spikes to help keep your curls separated while drying. Most are round and plastic, but you can also buy sock diffusers (aptly named; they look like socks for the end of your dryer), which are small, soft, and super convenient for travel. After attaching your diffuser to your dryer, you’re ready to get drying. Ahead, we chatted with a professional hairstylist to get the lowdown on everything you need to know about how to diffuse curly hair, from the best techniques to how to prep your hair beforehand.

What is diffusing?

Diffusing your hair is, at its simplest, “drying the hair with heat in an indirect way,” says hairstylist Koni Bennett. “When the blow-dryer has a directional heat setting, it comes out forcefully, but diffusing will allow the blow-dryer to blow air out in a controlled way.” Essentially, this means that the air “is not forceful enough to damage your curl. However, it’s just enough concentration to dry a section of hair without manipulating it,” Bennett says.

What is the proper way to diffuse curly hair?

To maximize results and enhance your curl pattern, “always diffuse in sections,” says Bennett. “Some style their entire head and then diffuse after. I personally believe that when you do that, you don’t give all of the hair a chance to dry along with the diffuser.”

Instead, this causes your hair to dry “in the natural elements of the environment, which is not a controlled way to dry your hair, because the environment can have excess moisture,” she says. “If you go section by section, you’re ensuring that every bit of hair gets the same exact method, so that your result looks more uniform in the end.” Bennett says even slight variations can change your hair’s finish.

Should you diffuse curly hair with hot or cold air?

It’s up to you. “It is okay to use warm and hot air,” says Bennett. “But for curly girls, to be safe, I personally suggest using warm to cool air, because heat sometimes can manipulate the hair or stretch the curl.”

What should you put in your hair before diffusing it?

Prior to applying any products, make sure your hair is wet or damp. You can mist your strands with water using a spray bottle if needed. Then, to add definition, “depending on your hair type and texture, you could use a mousse or setting foam, which are similar products for different densities of hair, or you could use a gel or a cream,” says Bennett.

And although your diffuser will provide less intense heat on your strands, you still want to use a heat protectant to make sure your hair stays healthy and free of damage from any hot tools.

If you want to reduce frizz, the key is water, says Bennett. “Usually, when your hair is frizzy, it’s searching for water in the environment, because for some reason or another, the moisture has not penetrated the shaft of the hair,” she says. “Because the cortex of the hair is looking for moisture, it’s sending a signal to the outer shaft of the hair to go out into the environment and find moisture.” And when the hair does that, it causes the frizzy look. The solution is simple: “You need more water or water-retention products,” says Bennett. Think leave-in conditioners, hydrating curl creams, and more. Pro tip: “A quick way to blast frizz is to add water to your styling product and diffuse right away,” says Bennett.

She also recommends extra-hold gel to define kinky curly hair and cream- and gel-based products, as “you can pretty much use them from start to finish, either to dry your curls or to style your curls wet or dry,” she says.

How to diffuse curly hair, according to a hairstylist

Good news: Diffusing hair at home is super straightforward. First, section your hair in six to eight pieces with clips, says Bennett.

“You start primarily in the back of the hair, and you use your product and water to achieve your desired wet curly style,” she says. “And once you have your style set and your curls to your liking, you then go in with your diffuser and blast that section of hair with diffused air until it fully dries before moving on to the next.” Simply repeat that process with each section of hair until your whole head is dry.

You can hold the diffuser on the top of your head, going from the roots to the tips (the same positioning as if you were using a concentrator), or you can come at your hair from the tips, bringing the diffuser under the hair and collecting it in the bowl until it’s dry. Or, try a mixture of both!

To increase volume while you’re diffusing your curls, “flipping the hair upside down is the best trick,” says Bennett. Though curly hair tends to be fairly voluminous on its own, “some curly hair has a bit more density, especially as the water travels down toward the end of the hair to drip off,” says Bennett. “You may experience a flatter top and more density on the very bottom.” If this sounds like you, “flipping that hair over to go against gravity and diffusing there for a couple of seconds at your front and top pieces will add volume to the root of the hair,” says Bennett. Source

Cowboy Copper Hair Is the Fiercest Color Trend—Here's How to Get the Look

While we’ve seen plenty of hair trends come and go—and come right back again (looking at you, 90s bangs)—one thing seems certain: Cowboy copper hair isn't going anywhere for a while. This rich red color looks vibrant and works with various hair types and skin tones. We spoke with a hairstylist who breaks down the look, including how to get and maintain your cowboy copper look. What Is Cowboy Copper Hair? Cowboy copper hair (aka cowgirl copper) is a hue close in color to leather and rancher hats (hence its name) with earthy undertones. "Cowboy copper is the perfect warm blend of copper and brown," explains hairstylist Tina Malhotra. "It’s definitely in the brunette family, but embraces tones of gold and copper, giving the hair a beautiful rich color."

Why is it so popular? Well, it has everything to do with how flattering the color is to just about everyone, no matter your hair type or texture and skin tone. It gives your hair the perfect blend of gold warmth and strays from the more dramatic red and orange tones. "It’s much more versatile than traditional copper, and it fades much slower," Malhotra says. "A lot of my blonde clients are opting for this in-between tone instead of going fully brunette. It still keeps the warmth and gold, but also adds a bit of richness to their hair for fall & winter months."

How to Get the Cowboy Copper Hair Look

There is a complex process to achieve cowboy copper hair. If the color doesn’t have enough golden warmth to it, the copper tones can get swallowed up by the brown, resulting in brassy hair; this is why this job is probably best for professionals. Your preferred hairstylist will be able to find the right color combination that works with your skin tone and hair texture. Though seeing a professional stylist or hair colorist is best, it's possible to replicate the cowboy copper look at home. It will take some mixing to land on the right color shade—and the formula will depend on the base color you start with. However, in general, you'll want to combine a copper color with blond or brown (depending on how dark your hair is) to land on a vibrant copper and no orange.

Maintaining Cowboy Copper Hair

After you walk out of the salon feeling great about your new do, you’ll want to keep your hair looking its absolute best. While your stylist will have plenty of tips, here are a few considerations for maintaining your cowboy copper hair color...

• Use Color-Treated Hair Products

Using products that are not for color-treated hair can strip the color you worked so hard to achieve. Be sure to use color-treated hair products, such as daily shampoos and conditioners to help keep the color rich and avoid fading.

• Lock in Moisture

It’s important to keep your hair healthy by retaining moisture so the color lasts. You can easily do this by using a heat protectant before using your blow dryer. Leave-in conditioners and hair masks also help add moisture when needed, and a toner gloss can not only add shine but prevent your hair from fading. "Once you’ve transformed your hair to cowboy copper, you should visit your colorist for regular glosses every few months," Malhotra recommends. "But you can upkeep the rich tones at home using a color-depositing conditioner (no more than once a week). One of my favorites is by Wella, called their Color Fresh Mask."

• Limit Heat-Inducing Tools

We all have our go-to hairstyling tools, but they tend to produce a lot of heat on our strands. Whether it’s a hairdryer, curling wand, or straightener, hair can lose its luster after too much use. This is why it’s important to limit heat styling tools. That way, your hair will stay healthy with limited breakage and keep the color looking its best for longer.

• Wash Hair With Cold Water

To help your cowboy copper hair color last longer, wash your hair with cold water. Hot water can cause color to fade faster since it swells the cuticle, whereas cold water seals the cuticle (and color). At the very least, use lukewarm water when washing, then rinse the conditioner with cold water. Source

11 Tips & Products for our Thin &/or Fine Hair Friends

 

Here are 11 tips and product recommendations for friends with thin and fine hair.

Is Going to Sleep with Wet Hair Bad for My Health?

Have you skipped a late night shower because you were too tired to blow dry, hearing your mother’s voice in your head telling you that you’ll catch a cold if you sleep with wet hair? Turns out, your mother was wrong — at least about the cold. Sleeping with your hair wet can make you sick, but not the way you think.

We got the lowdown from two doctors on sleeping with wet hair. Here’s what could happen if you do hit the hay with a wet head and how to go about it the right way. There’s no need to lose sleep over what your mom told you about getting sick by sleeping with wet hair. The risks are pretty minimal, but there are a few you should be aware of before thinking you can hit the hay sopping wet every night.

Getting sick

Catching a cold appears to be the most common concern thanks to folklore and protective mothers and grandmothers. Though they’re usually right in general, they’re wrong about wet hair and colds, according to Dr. Chirag Shah, MD, a board-certified emergency physician and cofounder of Push Health, an online healthcare platform. “There is no evidence that one can catch a cold from going to bed with wet hair,” Shah said. “When one gets a cold, it is due to being infected with a virus.” The common cold doesn’t really have anything to do with being cold, but rather being infected with one of over 200 cold-causing viruses, usually a rhinovirus.

The virus enters your body through your nose, mouth, or eyes and is spread through droplets in the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or speaks. You can also catch it by touching a contaminated surface or hand-to-hand contact with an infected person. In the United States, colds are more likely during colder months because of the start of the school year and people spending more time indoors, in close quarters with others.

Fungal infections

Though sleeping with wet hair won’t give you a cold, Dr. Shah says that it does increase your risk of developing a fungal infection of the scalp. Fungi, such as Malassezia, can lead to conditions like dandruff or dermatitis, according to Shah, who recommends going to sleep with dry hair when possible.

Along with the fungus naturally present on your scalp, pillows are also a hotbed for fungus. It thrives in a warm environment and a wet pillowcase and pillow provide the ideal breeding ground. An older study on the fungal flora found on bedding discovered anywhere between 4 to 16 species per pillow tested. This included Aspergillus fumigatus, a common species of fungus responsible for causing severe infections in people with weakened immune systems. It can also worsen symptoms of asthma.

Hair breakage

Sleeping with wet hair does impact the hair itself. Along with the inevitability of waking up with some seriously kinked bedhead, you may also do damage to your hair. “Hair is at its weakest when it’s wet. The main risk (other than cosmetic ones) is breakage of hair when tossing and turning while sleeping,” said Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a New York City dermatologist who’s board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. Mudgil warns: “This is particularly an issue if hair is braided or in a tight updo, which adds more tension to the hair shaft. If you can’t avoid sleeping with wet hair, your best bet is leaving it down.”

If you must sleep with wet hair

If drying your hair fully before bed is just not an option, here are some things you can do to make going to sleep with wet hair as safe as possible:

1.) Apply coconut oil to your hair

There is evidence that coconut oil protects wet hair from breakage. The hair cuticle is made up of flaps similar to shingles on a roof. When wet, your hair soaks up water and swells, causing these flaps to stand up, making hair vulnerable to damage. The oil reduces the amount of water absorbed so it’s less prone to damage. This isn’t recommended if you have seborrheic eczema, however, since coconut oil could make it worse.

2.) Use conditioner

Conditioner helps seal the hair cuticle, reduce friction, and make hair easier to detangle. Bleached or chemically-treated hair can benefit even more from regular conditioning.

3.) Dry and detangle hair as much as possible

If you can get in a quick blow dry or are able to shower a few minutes earlier for some extra air-drying time, do it. The less water you have in your hair, the better to minimize damage. Be sure to (gently) detangle your hair before going to sleep to help avoid any extra stress on your hair.

4.) Use a silk pillow

There’s some evidence that sleeping on a silk pillowcase is better for the skin because it’s less drying and provides a frictionless surface. Though there isn’t any evidence of its benefits for hair, the milder surface may also help lessen damage if you go to sleep with your hair wet — or dry, for that matter.

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