Myth or Fact: Does Dirty Hair Grow Faster?

Many hacks claim to speed up hair growth, from rice water rinses to overnight onion juice masks. Recently, TikTok has come up with a new trend called “hair training” where people go a full month between washes to rebalance the scalp. While its goal is to curb oil, many claim it’s the secret behind growing a long and voluminous mane. But does dirty hair grow faster? Is it better to wash your hair once a month? Find all the answers below.

Hair training involves cutting back on shampoo to “train” the hair so it produces less oil over time. Another reason this trend gains many supporters is the pervasive myth that frequent hair washing leads to excessive shedding. Of course, these claims are far from true.

Dermatologists have even expressed concerns about hair training on TikTok, citing its lack of scientific evidence. Moreover, going without shampoo for extended periods has detrimental effects on your hair.

Oil, dirt, sweat, and product residue can accumulate on the scalp, which predisposes the skin to several scalp problems, such as dandruff and infections. If left untreated, these conditions can disrupt the hair growth cycle and directly contribute to hair loss.

So, does dirty hair grow faster? No, it does not. It does the opposite.

Hair hygiene is something personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule since it largely depends on your hair type and texture.

It’s okay to suds up daily if your hair tends to get greasy. According to a 2021 study, higher wash frequency greatly reduces oiliness, frizz, dryness, and breakage, particularly for individuals with fine and straight hair.

It’s important to make sure the shampoo you use doesn’t strip your strands of natural oils or damage them. Add Dove Botanical Silicone Free Shampoo for Fresh Hair Clarify to your shower routine. Made with botanical oil and white tea blossom extract, it gently lifts impurities and sebum from your scalp. After rinsing the shampoo, treat your hair to Dove Botanical Selection Hair Conditioner for Fresh Hair Clarify. It helps replenish hydration, leaving your locks soft and shiny.

If your hair is curly and has a moderate thickness, you can delay your next wash day even further. Every two to three days a week is the sweet spot. However, it’s best to reduce your wash frequency slowly and see how your hair adapts. Signs to bust out the shampoo are itching, oily roots, or flakes. You also need to wash your hair after working out to prevent buildup.

Due to the rough hair structure that makes it tricky for oils to travel down your strands, you might want to shampoo once or twice a week only – depending on how active you are. Any more than that can potentially dry out your strands. Your curls need natural oils from the scalp to protect them from environmental damage and keep them moisturized.

Now that the “Does dirty hair grow faster?” debate is out of the way, do the following to promote (healthier) hair growth.

Massage your scalp. Stimulate blood circulation by rubbing the scalp with your fingertips in circular motions for three minutes. You can do this while shampooing your hair or applying hot oil treatment.

Leave your hair alone as much as possible. Take breaks from heat-styling tools and dyes to give your hair a breather. The less you mess with it, the more it can grow.

Take a chill pill. Stress can send your hair into the resting phase sooner than it should. Practice self-care practices like meditation and yoga to calm your nerves. Regular exercise can help, too!

Trim the ends. Split ends can travel up the strands, which will stunt hair growth. Keep an eye on your ends and schedule a trim every eight weeks or so.

Eat healthily. A well-balanced diet is good for your health and hair. Consuming food with plenty of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids helps nourish your locks from the inside out.

TLDR: Does dirty hair grow faster? No – research doesn’t back this myth. In fact, studies suggest skipping shampoo too often can bring more harm than good. So, don’t hesitate to wash your hair as often as needed.