Why does my hair get greasy?

How often to shampoo hair has been a debate for a long, long time. When modern shampoo as we know it first became widely used in the early 20th century, beauty experts at the time recommended that women wash their hair every two weeks. However, by the 1970’s, daily hair washing became the norm. Now the question has become a vexing one and is one of the most popular questions on Google !

So why does my hair get greasy and how often should I wash it?
Your hair gets greasy for the same reason your face gets oily: glands in the skin produce an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is what moistens hair and keeps it from drying out. The glands that produce sebum (called sebaceous glands) are located next to hair roots in the layer of skin called the dermis. Channels from the sebaceous glands lead to the hair follicle — that's how sebum gets out of the skin and onto your scalp. The key thing is that everyone produces a different amount of sebum ! Everything from genetics to hormones affects how much sebum is produced.

How Often Should I Wash My Hair?
In general, you should wash your hair every two to three days. However, this can vary by hair type.
Everyone’s hair is different, and you may find that you need to wash your hair more or less depending on a number of factors:
• Fine, straight hair needs to be washed more often because it’s easier for sebum, or natural oils, to travel down the shaft.
• People with curly or textured hair can go longer between hair washes, since sebum can’t as easily work its way down the hair shaft.
• Lifestyle should also be taken into account. The more often you exercise, the more often you’ll need to wash your hair. Sweat can clog your pores, and make your hair look greasy and dirty.
• Those who live in a very humid climate may find it necessary to wash their hair more often.

Another thing to consider is styling your hair and treating it. If your hair is processed or damaged by styling, you should wash it less frequently.

Is Shampoo Bad for Hair?
No, shampoo is not bad for hair. Shampoo is an emulsifier, a fancy way to say that it captures sebum and dirt and washes it away. Washing your hair regularly is critical for healthy hair. In fact, if you don’t wash your hair enough, scalp oils can build up and cause dandruff.
However, not all shampoos are created equal. Some shampoos are too harsh, stripping the hair of its healthy, natural oils. To keep hair healthy, choose a sulfate-free formula. Sulfate-free shampoos cleanse hair of excess oil and dirt without excessively drying the hair.