Hair washing might feel like a hassle, but Dr. Jenny Liu, a board-certified dermatologist, cautions against going more than a few days without it due to possible serious consequences. On TikTok, Dr. Liu explained that neglecting hair care can negatively impact your hair’s health. She emphasized in her video’s caption that “scalp care is skincare,” highlighting the importance of proper scalp maintenance for overall hair health.
Dr. Liu explained that the belief in hair’s self-cleansing ability is a myth. She pointed out that not washing hair for more than a few days can lead to sebum and dead skin accumulation, which may cause Malassezia yeast overgrowth—a fungal condition that can result in dandruff and inflammation.
Dr. Liu pointed out that sebum buildup on the scalp can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, negatively affecting hair growth. She stressed the importance of scalp health for those experiencing hair loss to encourage hair growth. Hair washing frequency should be customized to individual needs, depending on scalp type and lifestyle. People with oily scalps or who sweat a lot may need to wash their hair daily or every other day, whereas those with dry scalps might need less frequent washing.
Dr. Liu recommends not using anti-dandruff shampoo daily, as it can dry out the scalp and hair, causing dryness and frizziness. Overuse can also disrupt the scalp’s moisture barrier, undermining dandruff treatment. She advises using anti-dandruff shampoo two to three times a week if washing daily, letting it sit for five minutes before rinsing. Additionally, she warns that olive oil does not benefit scalp health and suggests using coconut oil instead, as it can condition the hair and reduce damage by penetrating the hair shaft.