If you’re tired of constantly washing your hair only to have it look greasy the next day, you may want to consider hair training. This method claims to rebalance your scalp's oil production by gradually reducing how often you wash your hair. But is it worth the effort, or just another beauty myth? Here’s what you need to know.
Hair training is the process of adjusting your hair care routine—primarily how often you wash your hair—with the goal of reducing oil production over time. The idea is that by washing your hair less frequently, your scalp will eventually produce less oil, leading to hair that doesn't get greasy as quickly.
How Hair Training Works
When you wash your hair, shampoo cleanses the scalp by removing dirt, oil, and product buildup. While this sounds like a good thing, daily washing can actually have the opposite effect—stripping your scalp of its natural oils too frequently. This leads to overproduction of oil, and before you know it, you're stuck in a cycle of washing and re-greasing.
The idea behind hair training is to break this cycle by gradually spacing out your washes. The key is not to quit cold turkey but to increase the time between washes over weeks or even months. Here’s how it typically works:
Start Slow
If you’re used to washing your hair every day, try going every other day first. Slowly increase the gap until you’re washing every 3-4 days, or even once a week.
Transition Period
Expect an adjustment phase. Your scalp will likely still produce oil at the same rate in the beginning, so your hair may look greasier than usual for a while.
The Results
With time, your scalp should adapt and produce less oil, meaning your hair stays fresher for longer.
Does Hair Training Actually Work?
The effectiveness of hair training largely depends on your hair type, scalp condition, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of factors that can influence whether it works for you:
Hair Type
People with thicker, coarser hair tend to have better success with hair training. This is because their natural oils take longer to travel down the hair shaft, meaning their hair looks clean for longer. On the flip side, those with fine or thin hair may find that it gets oily much faster, making hair training more challenging.
Lifestyle
If you exercise frequently, live in a humid climate, or use a lot of styling products, hair training may take longer, as these factors can lead to a quicker buildup of oil and sweat.
Patience is Key
For many, hair training is not a quick fix. It can take weeks, or even months, for the scalp to fully adjust to a new washing schedule. Be prepared for some oily days, especially during the transition period.
Is Hair Training for Everyone?
Hair training may not be the best solution for everyone. If you have a sensitive scalp, dandruff, or other scalp conditions, washing less frequently might aggravate those issues. It’s also important to keep in mind that while many people find success with hair training, others may find it doesn’t significantly change how quickly their hair becomes oily.
The Verdict
Does hair training work? For many, yes—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a bit of patience and some oily hair days, but if you’re committed to the process, the rewards could be worth it: longer-lasting freshness, fewer washes, and a healthier balance for your scalp.
