“There’s this new philosophy on the market that shampooing much less is best, and there’s not a lot reality to that,” says Dr. Wendel, a Massachusetts-based internist who based a medical follow devoted to treating feminine hair loss, Medi Tresse. “The buildup of oil, filth, and sweat over a number of days clogs up the pores and could be very pro-inflammatory to the scalp,” she explains, noting that you could be even begin to expertise dry, flaky pores and skin, and itching or irritation.

Precisely how usually it’s essential wash your hair will differ relying on how a lot you sweat (suppose restorative yoga vs. HIIT class) and your pure hair texture (fellow fine-haired mates, you most likely already know you gotta shampoo extra). “Not all people must shampoo day by day, however ready two weeks to shampoo, for most individuals, just isn’t wholesome for the scalp,” she says, including, “In case your scalp isn’t wholesome, you’re not going to develop your hair as effectively.” Forward, Dr. Wendel breaks down the fundamentals on a couple of extra myths which may simply make you’re feeling higher about your exercise hair-care routine.

Associated Tales

Fantasy #1: Washing your hair post-workout is all it’s essential get your scalp again on observe

Sure, washing your hair usually is non-negotiable, however Dr. Wendel shares that your scalp can be most likely in want of a extra intense cleanse. “It doesn’t must be after each exercise or something, however I like to recommend a scalp scrub or scalp cleanse even simply as soon as per week or each two weeks,” shel says. At her workplace, she makes use of the Medi Tresse Root Cleanse Shampoo ($40) together with a silicone scalp therapeutic massage brush to softly take away any particles. “The scalp can get irritated simply from the pure components of the pores and skin and oil, so cleansing that space off with a scalp root cleanse and a great moisturizing conditioner afterward is a good suggestion.”

Fantasy #2: Dry shampoo will clear your hair

Regardless of its identify, dry shampoo isn’t doing something to take away scalp buildup—in reality, it’s actually solely including to it. “What it does is it hides the oils in order that the hair doesn’t look soiled or greasy, however it actually doesn’t do something to scrub both the hair shaft or the scalp,” Dr. Wendel explains.

Even so, she assures that it’s secure to make use of dry shampoo sparsely. “If you wish to spray on some dry shampoo, fashion your hair, and go, that’s fantastic. However I might suggest you wash it out later that day or the following day as a result of it’s simply going to construct up on the scalp and on the hair, and over time, it’s not wholesome to try this,” Dr. Wendel says. You’ll additionally wish to observe up with a moisturizing conditioner since dry shampoo could be, effectively, drying on the hair.

In case your hair nonetheless feels dry after shampooing and conditioning, Dr. Wendel recommends making use of an argan oil just like the Sample Argan Hair & Scalp Oil Mix ($25) to assist restore moisture. “Because the hair grows, because it leaves the hair follicle, there’s no blood provide in it anymore, so no matter moisture you wish to put in your hair has to return externally,” she says.

Fantasy #3: Pulling your hair again throughout exercises may cause hair loss

Brushing your hair again into the sleekest ponytail attainable is usually crucial in an effort to preserve strands out of your face throughout a excessive depth exercise. However can it actually result in hair loss? It definitely can, however Dr. Wendel shares that it solely turns into an issue for individuals who put on their hair slicked again for a number of hours each single day. “There’s one thing known as traction alopecia, which is definitely hair loss resulting from actually tight hair pulling,” she explains, noting that it sometimes happens in athletes like dancers and gymnasts. “Should you do it day after day, it does put a pressure on the hair follicle and it might trigger hair loss and we see the hair traces shifting again. However if you happen to’re simply doing it for an hour—even when it’s day by day—and then you definitely’re letting your hair go, it’s not going to have that very same type of impact.”

Should you’re nonetheless involved, Dr. Wendel suggests styling your hair extra loosely with a softer tie like Slip’s Silk Scrunchies ($39 for a pack of 6), and taking your hair down instantly after understanding.

Fantasy #4: It’s best to by no means put on a hat when you work out

If a baseball cap (or a beanie within the winter months) is a part of your operating uniform, Dr. Wendel says that there’s no want to fret about this resulting in hair loss or thinning. “Sporting a cap when you’re understanding or operating is completely fantastic so long as you’re not carrying all of it day, day by day,” she shares. It solely turns into an issue if you put on a hat for particularly lengthy durations and don’t enable the scalp to air out. Should you put on your hat a number of instances every week, attempt to go for one thing that’s washable so that you’re in a position to clear out the oil and sweat frequently.