Some people think that washing their hair every day is the key to hair care, but that is not the case. Washing your hair every day not only does not protect your hair, but it can also cause damage because excessive washing can completely remove the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands, leaving the scalp and hair without their natural protective film. Generally speaking, it is advisable to reduce the frequency of washing your hair in winter, especially for people with severe hair loss, as excessive washing can worsen hair loss.
For people with oily scalp, it is best to wash their hair 4 to 5 times a week. Washing your hair frequently not only helps remove dust, dirt, and oil from your hair, but it also helps reduce hair splitting and breakage, making your hair shiny.
People with dry skin should not wash their hair frequently because excessive cleansing can damage the sebaceous glands. It is advisable to wash your hair 1 to 3 times a week.
Before shampooing, brush your hair to remove dirt and then lift the layers of hair to brush the hair shaft, roots, and scalp in order. This can reduce hair loss during shampooing. While shampooing, it is important to massage the scalp while rubbing, as this can keep the scalp clean and promote blood circulation.
When shampooing, people with neutral skin should use regular shampoo or conditioner; those with excessive sebum secretion can intermittently use shampoo or conditioner containing ingredients such as sulfur to remove excess oil; those with dry skin should use weakly acidic shampoo or conditioner, such as natural shampoos like protein shampoo. Regardless of hair type, hot water should not be used for shampooing, instead warm water should be used.
After shampooing, dry your hair promptly or use a hairdryer. If a large amount of moisture remains on the scalp surface, it can cause stagnation of qi and blood stasis, blockage of meridians, and even chronic headaches.
In traditional Chinese medicine, hair growth relies on essence and blood, and is related to the functions of the kidneys, liver, and spleen. Premature aging, withered hair, early hair loss, and premature graying are related to insufficient essence and blood deficiency in the kidneys, as well as closely related to the lungs. Dry and brittle hair can be treated with Chinese medicine, such as oral administration, external application, and massage. Chinese herbal medicine for nourishing the liver and kidneys can be used, such as Polygonum multiflorum, Cistanche, Dodder Seed, Rehmannia, Eclipta, and Ligustrum lucidum. External application of Chinese herbal medicine decoctions that promote blood circulation, dispel dampness, clear heat, and detoxify can also be used for washing.
At the same time, regular massage is an important method for hair care. If combined with massage, it can effectively prevent and treat white hair, hair loss, dry hair, and dullness. The correct massage method is to gently knead the scalp with your fingers, following the natural flow of blood from the scalp towards the heart, in the order of the forehead, hairline, temples, neck, and back of the head. Massage can promote oil secretion, so for oily hair, massage with less force, while for dry hair, a slightly stronger massage can be applied.
