top | jeans | gray towel
You guys!! If you follow along over on Instagram, a few months ago you saw me talk on stories about washing my hair. I may have mentioned I was on day 7….or 9 hair and it caused a riot! Haha! I had so many direct messages asking how in the world I could go that long! A few were funny about it (to each their own), but the majority wanted to know my trick to making it possible! So I thought it would be easiest to put my top tips to training your hair all together in one blog post for you!
Before we get to the tips, let me give you a little background. I’ve been doing hair for the past 19 years. I worked many years in a salon, and still do hair for family in my home salon. So you could say I know a thing or two about hair, how things work, and have FOR SURE tried my fair share of products to figure out what works BEST. I just want you to know this is strictly my opinion and advice, but also that I do have a background in this as well!
:: GIVE IT TIME
First off, training your hair is not something that happens overnight or even within a week or so. When I was doing hair regularly, I would always make my clients commit to sticking with it for at least 1-2 months. You have to “train” your hair to get used to not producing so much oil. Every time you wash your hair you are stripping your scalp of all it’s natural oils — so it then naturally wants to make more.
If you’re an everyday washer start out by skipping 1-2 days of washing. Stick with that until you notice your hair getting used to it and seeming cleaner. This usually take about a week or two. Then add on another day of skipping a wash. Do this for another week or so and continue on. Make sense? I promise your hair will start to get use to less washing and will STOP making so much oil. PATIENCE is key!!
Your hair + scalp will start to recognize that you’re not stripping it or washing it all of the time and will gradually stop producing that extra oil. Every single one of my clients would come back saying this was life changing!!
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:: HANDS OFF YOUR HAIR
This is the BIGGEST tip I can give when it comes to prolonging your wash. Stop touching your hair. I think a lot of women don’t even realize how often they touch their hair. It is such a habit we all do, and a big contributor to the greasy oily hair. Every time you touch your hair, you transfer oil from your fingertips onto your hair. Do your best to keep your hands out of it during the day. If you have bangs or pieces that fall in your face often, clip back that front section of your hair while you are working so it isn’t constantly being touched and moved out of the way. I love using these long alligator clips or these hair ties because neither leave a crease in your hair. You will honestly notice a difference in how clean your hair seems right away with this tip!
BEDTIME TIP:
I also pull my hair up on top of my head when I sleep. Then all the oils from your face and pillow will not get on your hair + you’ll save your curls!! Which again is less touching and less heat on your hair for the next day and LESS DAMAGE!
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:: LIMIT HOW MUCH PRODUCT YOU USE
Another big contributor for your hair not lasting as long in between washes is using too much product. I shared a hair routine about a year ago, and while some of the brands have been switched out or are not used as much now that my hair is shorter, the process is still the same. You can also check out more how to’s in my Instagram Highlight Bubbles. I would say 75% of the product I use on my hair is while it is still WET. And the majority of them are used for protection from heat + to strengthen my hair. I rarely use hair spray, because it will instantly take days off your wash. Like I said before, it takes time to figure out what works best for your hair personally, but the less product the cleaner the hair!
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:: MAKE DRY SHAMPOO YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND
Dry Shampoo makes ALLLLL the difference. I usually won’t use any until day 3-4, but for some of you just starting out you might have to use this on day 2. Finding the dry shampoo that works best for your hair is again trial and error. A lot of people go straight for the most expensive salon brand thinking it is going to be a guaranteed winner, and depending on your hair that is not always the case! Hair color, texture, and length can all play a big part in which one you choose.
For years and years I have used this one that is under $6 for TWO. I swear by it and think it is a great one to try. But another one I am IN LOVE WITH is the new version of Dry Shampoo from Navy Hair Care. It is a GAME CHANGER. Never have I met a dry shampoo that works like it does. My hair instantly feels cleaner after using the tiniest bit, and it gives you body and volume to liven up that day 4 or 5 hair too, giving it great body. It is a great price point as well and you can use code KAILEE for 30% off the site.
Dry shampoos not only extend your look and washes but act as multi-taskers that add volume + texture to your hair too! So find one you love!! But you also don’t want to use SO much dry shampoo that you are starting to see flakes etc.
BONUS TIP:
Spray dry shampoo in your hair before you go to bed at night and let it work its magic while you sleep!
. . . SHOP SOME OF MY FAVORITE DRY SHAMPOO . . .
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my tank | shorts | jacket | hat | shoes
:: WEAR A HAT
It should come as no surprise to any of you my love for hats. They are by far my favorite accessory and I love how they can change up an outfit so much. But another thing I love about them is how well they can help you pull out another day or 2 between washes. Who doesn’t love a reason to not touch your hair AT ALL. It saves your hair and saves your time! Double win!
I love this style for just covering up the top but still looking great with your hair down. Baseball style hats are a great option for longer hair and pulling it up. I’ll put a little dry shampoo underneath on the base of my scalp when I do the pony or messy bun to give it a little volume and ditch some of that oil. It is such a simple solution and such a great option for when you are training your hair to go longer too!
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I hope these tips are helpful!! The biggest thing is to give it time + be consistent!! If you have any other questions on all things hair, leave them here or over on my last Instagram Post and I’ll answer them!
:: CHECK OUT THESE POSTS FOR MORE HAIR TIPS + TRICKS ::
5 Five Minute Hairstyles for Girls
Short Hair Style Tips + Tricks
Just a question…why do you use so many different kinds of dry shampoo? I only use one dry shampoo spray right now and I am going to look into the powder option to extend my in between washes but, can’t figure out why you would need more than 1 dry shampoo spray. If there is a reason behind it, are there ones you would use day #3 and a different one day #4 etc.?
Do you have any recommendations for a dry shampoo for dark hair? I’m currently using the Living Proof one and I like it, but it leaves a white residue. I shake it well and spray far away, but I still have to rub it a lot to get the white out. Maybe you’ve heard of others better for us brunettes. Thanks!
Okay!! I’m still working on this one…because I’ve had a ton a dark hair friends ask. The one thing I have found is powder….like face powder. Get the darkest one (dry shampoo is really powder that sucks up the grease) so far my friends have said it has worked. Just use a face brush like a powder brush and just brush it along your hair line.
I’m still shocked that no company has come out with colored dry shampoo for all hair types. Let me know your thoughts and how it works for you.
Thanks for your question!!
xx
Not to barge in here but, I have very dark brunette hair and I use Arrojo dry shampoo and have never had any issues! Doesn’t leave any white streaks or anything in my hair and is very reasonably priced as well (~$25 for a large bottle). Might be worth checking out.
Vicki!!
Thank you so so much for your comment! That is such great information!! Thanks again!!
xx
Hi Kailee! I love this post, as I’m currently trying to train my hair to go longer in between washings, so thank you for all the helpful tips! I do have a couple questions – on the day that you do wash/dry your hair, do you use any styling products, or do you just blow dry it without anything added? I typically use a leave-in conditioner (It’s A 10) and Redken Pillow Proof blow out extender, but I’m wondering if those products will cause my hair to feel greasy faster!
Also – I know you’re a stylist and I love your color! Do you mind sharing what color line you use?
Thanks so much!
Meg!!!
So sorry for the huge delay!! So yes I use it’s a 10 also and a smoothing balm and serum. BUT I don’t put anything near or on my roots and that makes the biggest difference!! So yes continue to use product the first day, especially if it’s product that will help protect your hair. Also, to color my hair – I use Scruples Blazing in 12v. It is by far my favorite lightener because it doesn’t kill or fry your hair!!! Let me know if you have any other questions!! And thanks for all your support here!
xx
Thanks for the response! And no worries – I know you’ve been kinda busy! 🙂
Awesome on the Scruples – I just had my hair highlighted with Scruples Blazing for the first time and I’m definitely a believer now!! Take care!
Great tips! I’m a 1-2x a week hair washer and my biggest question is how do you do it when you work out? The only way I can is if I don’t work out. But any days I do work out I have to wash my hair.
Sharna,
I don’t work out a ton right now…but when I do I just pull my hair all out of my face (sometimes wear a headband that will soak up the sweat) and then I use a lot of dry shampoo that day. haha.
Hope that helps any.
xx
So do you still shower and just wear a shower cap or you only wash your body once a week too? I feel gross if I don’t shower after a couple days, especially in the summer with sweat and stuff.
Haha. I guess I should have included that. I shower or have a bath every single day. (usually baths, because I love them) but yeah I refuse to wash my hair. A good shower cap makes all the difference – or that’s why baths are so nice.
xx
Hi Kailee!!
Thanks for all the tips! I have been trying to wash my hair less and have notice that it does take some time.
I love your hair color. I am naturally a light blond well.. I was until I had my daughter about two years ago. My hair has changed so so much. At first wouldn’t take color or anything. I read on your blog that you do your own hair. Do you do a all over color? Highlights? Do you use a purple shampoo? Sorry for all the questions!! Thank you!
Yes, it takes awhile, but stick with it – because I promise it will start to change. Yep, I color my own hair, and I highlight it with a form of bleach. I don’t use purple shampoo because I don’t really need it. And don’t ever feel bad for asking questions. Let me know if you have any more questions!! I’d be happy to help.
xx
What time of extensions do you wear? Love all your posts! <3
It’s been over a year since I have wore any but I love the Laced Hair and the Bellami Hair. They are both wonderful and hold up so nice!!
xx
I am wondering if you can get another NuMe deal. I am new to your site and loved this tutorial and would like to try with the right products. I am excited to try some of the hair products you use. Thanks for the great tutorial!
Heather,
So glad you loved it! I’ll see what I can do and once I find out I’ll share on social media!!
xx
I’ve been doing Everything You suggest here for the past 10 years and can testify that it works! My max is 7 days….BEcause by about day 5, my scalp gets extremely tender. No matter if My hairs been pulled up or left down. The only relief i get is by washing it. Any insights or suGgestions as to why this happens? I have very long, thick, and natura curly hair. Id love to go longer but cant bare the “hair headache” as i refer to it.
Will this work with teen hair?
Love, love, love this post! Thank you for all the tips. A few questions… Do you not recurl your hair at all in the 7 days?
I am darker hair And Any cHance you have tried BATISTE dry shAmpoo? They have a colored one for brunettes.
What about after a Sweaty workout? I feel so gross not washing my hair!