One thing’s for sure when it comes to hair – no-one likes oily hair. We’re hard-wired to associate clean hair with our health, confidence, and self-esteem. And excess oil can lead to a host of hair health problems. From an itchy scalp and dandruff, to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and scalp acne. And not only can these issues be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but excessively oily hair and scalp have been linked to hair fall too. Avoiding oily hair is one of the reasons we wash our hair so often. But let’s face it, that can be a chore! So, it’s no it’s no surprise that hair training, which offers the possibility of making our hair less oily while reducing the frequency we wash our hair, is gaining so much traction on TikTok and other social media channels. But what is hair training? And does it work? Here’s what you need to know!
What Is Hair Training?
The concept behind hair training is simple. You gradually wash your hair less often, which encourages your scalp to produce less oil over time. This then makes your hair less oily, which allows you to then reduce washing even further. The theory rests on two arguments. Firstly, that washing your hair frequently strips oil from the hair which encourages the scalp to produce more oil. And secondly, you can train your scalp to produce less oil. It's claimed hair training can stop your scalp overcompensating, breaking the cycle of excessive oil production and frequent washing, helping to maintain naturally healthier hair.
Hair Training: Potential Benefits
@aviesjournal My hair produces zero oil as you can tell… #hair #hairwash #hairtraining #haircare ♬ trees and flowers by strawberry switchblade - Eissej
When you wash your hair less, hair training aficionados reckon you’re allowing your scalp to produce natural levels of oil. They say this maintains naturally healthier hair. You’re certainly using a lot less products, which not only saves you time, but money too. It’s also undoubtedly an eco-friendly approach. Less water usage, less product making its way down the plughole and less plastic bottles!
How Hair Training Works
You start by slowly extending the time between washes. If you wash your hair daily, switch to every other day to begin with. If you wash your hair two or three times a week, stretch the gaps out by an extra day. Then, gradually increase the days between washes, allowing your scalp to adjust. It is not a quick process. Hair training can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Does Hair Training Actually Work?
Frankly, the jury is definitely out on hair training, and there’s not a lot of conclusive science around the subject either. Even the key arguments behind it are the subject of debate. Some experts are adamant that washing your hair too often forces the scalp to produce oil unnaturally. Meanwhile, others believe oil production is all down to hormones and nothing to do with washing. And opinion is just as divided over the idea you can train your scalp to be less oily. However, you view it, there is no doubt that some people swear by hair training, while it doesn’t work at all for others. On social media, the arguments continue! It’s likely that the success (or failure) of the process depends on a lot of factors – hair type, the condition of the scalp, diet, and individual habits for example.
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Hair Training Tips
We recommend you exercise caution when it comes to hair training, especially if you are fighting hair thinning or fall. Should you decide to take the plunge, then here are some tips to help make the process less difficult.
Brush Regularly
Brushing or combing your hair is an important part of hair training. It helps to distribute the natural oils from your scalp down the strands of your hair. Start at the roots, and gently work down the strands to the tips. Avoid excessive or forceful brushing as that will irritate the scalp and place pressure on your follicles. Our wide-tooth Hair Gain Comb is the perfect tool for the job, effortlessly detangling your locks while minimising snagging and breakage.
Managing Greasiness
Initially, hair training will create a lot of oiliness initially as your scalp adapts to your new regime. If an itchy scalp results, then you should certainly consider washing. A gentle, sulphate-free shampoo designed to help itchy scalps is a must. Hair Gain Hair Mask should also be used after washing to help moisturise and nourish the scalp and hair too.
Dry Shampoo
A great dry shampoo is going to be your best friend through the process, especially if you have concerns (and you will!) about your hair’s appearance in social situations, or in a work setting. Dry shampoo will absorb excess oil and will keep your hair looking fresh and clean between washes. Our amazing new Peptide Puff™ Dry Shampoo absorbs oil, sweat and odour in an instant. And it adds volume, body and texture to hair too! It will make the hair training process more bearable and help keep your hair looking its best. It’s small enough to fit in a handbag too, perfect for use anytime and anywhere.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
We’re all different, and much like hair training, how often you should wash your hair depends on the hair and scalp that you have. And your own preferences and the lifestyle you lead will come into it too of course! Certainly, washing too frequently can strip your locks of oil, drying them out and leading to potential damage and fall. But washing too infrequently can cause oil and product build-up, dandruff, and scalp issues. It’s all about finding your balance, and listening to your hair and scalp, adjusting your routine accordingly.
Look After Your Locks Inside And Out
If you give hair training a go, or give it a swerve, incorporating Hair Gain Hair Capsules and Hair Gummies into your hair care regimen will promote healthy hair growth and fight hair loss. They're backed by trichologists and are scientifically formulated with an amazing blend of key hair vitamins, minerals and the signature ingredient AnaGain™. And Hair Gain’s superb range of topicals – Hair Gain Hair Mask, Scalp Foam and the game-changing Peptide Puff™ dry shampoo will look after your locks on the outside.
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