TikTok Says You Can "Train" Your Hair to Clean Itself — but Does It Really Work?

TIKTOK STRIKES AGAINTikTok Says You Can "Train" Your Hair to Clean Itself — but Does It Really Work?Is this so-called life hack fact or fiction? We asked the experts who know best.

By Lottie Winter

January 24, 2022

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If you're among the 60 percent of people who wash their hair daily, you'll know that it can feel more like a chore than an act of self-care. Not only is it time consuming, it's also expensive with shampoo and conditioner constantly needing to be topped up. 

But what's the alternative? Aside from the occasional day-two dry shampoo, which has its own downfalls (hello, itchy scalp), there's not much to be done to avoid the daily wash cycle. Or is there?

According to TikTok, it's possible to "train" your hair to clean itself in order to reduce the frequency of washes. But does it work? And is it actually good for your scalp? We've called upon trichologists to explain the theory behind hair training and clear up any misunderstandings. 

What is "hair training?"

Hair training is the process of gradually prolonging the time in between wash days, working up to a 30-day gap. The theory is that your scalp will adjust to fewer washes and produce less oil, meaning your hair won't get greasy so quickly. 

It went viral on TikTok when creator @HayleeJ revealed she hadn't washed her hair for 25 days, yet it still looked salon fresh. Followers were quick to demand to know how they, too, could start hair training.

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Halyee explained that over the course of a year, she worked from washing her hair every four days down to just once per month. "It took me a full year to get to where I am now, which is, I only wash my hair once a month," she says in her video. "My scalp is now used to that."

Does "hair training" work? 

Ultimately, opinions are split. According to some hair experts, there is a certain element of truth to the hair training theory, namely that if you wash your hair less often, your scalp will produce less oil and your hair won't look greasy as quickly. 

"You can train your scalp to produce less oil by cutting out all harsh, drying ingredients like sulphates and alcohols, which include aerosol hairsprays, dry shampoos, and texturizers as well as using only gentle, sulfate-free shampoos," explains trichologist Hannah Gaboardi. It's the same with an overzealous cleansing routine, which will strip the skin of natural oils and trigger an over-production of oil to compensate for the dryness. 

"By using less harsh shampoos and reducing the frequency of washing you will find the scalp produces less oil and will not need to compensate for the natural oils being washed away," agrees trichologist Stephanie Sey. 

However, oil is not the only thing that we are washing away when we take a shower. There's also daily grime, pollution, and cell debris that need to be taken into account. "You will need to wash your hair at some point, as the natural oils and environmental pollutants will eventually build up. If you don't wash your hair, your scalp will itch and your hair will become dull and lackluster," adds Sey. 

According to trichologist Anabel Kingsley, washing your hair is the only way to prevent bad smells from building up. "Your scalp is skin — it is a living tissue that produces oil, sweats, and sheds skin cells, and it starts to smell when it's not washed because bacteria begins to break down oils and sweat when they're left on your skin, and this produces a distinctive musky smell."

"What's more, your scalp contains apocrine sweat glands, which produce a protein-rich sweat that is prone to developing a particularly pungent odor," Kingsley continues. "Apocrine glands are the same glands found in your underarms and pubic region."

While you can mask these odors to an extent with dry shampoos or scented styling products, the only way to eliminate them is by shampooing the scalp. Kingsley warns that not cleansing your scalp often enough can trigger flaking, itching, irritation, and inflammation — which, in turn, can lead to hair loss. It's for this reason Kingsley is anti-hair-training.

"This idea that you can train your hair to require less frequent washing is the most non-sensical myth out there. Perhaps it's because once your scalp and hair get past a certain point of greasiness, you can't really notice it as much. Much like you don't really see stains forming on an already filthy carpet."

So, how often should you wash your hair?

Again, opinions are split but the general consensus is that a month is far, far too long. "It really depends on your hair type how your hair responds," says hairstylist Bernardo Vasconcelos. "Those with naturally oilier scalps and fine hair may find this a tricky process and find they only want to wait a couple of days in between washes, maximum." You'll also need to wash your hair frequently if you smoke or live in a polluted environment. 

"It really is a case of balance," adds Kingsley. "People with coarser and curlier hair often find they prefer how their hair looks and feels a few days after shampooing, and for those with very hard-to-manage hair, daily shampooing simply isn't realistic. In all instances, I'd say don't leave more than three days between shampoos."

For those wanting to leave a little longer between washes, Vasconcelos suggests certain color techniques might help. "Having some subtle babylights or balayage will mean you can go a little longer without washing as the roots will not look so greasy," he says. 

A version of this story originally appeared on glamour.co.uk.

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• 4 Hair-Care Trends Poised to Take Over 2022

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Mental health advocate, professional oversharer, tree hugger and makeup obsessive. Will try anything weird and wonderful in the name of wellness and beauty.

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