The big question: how often should men wash their hair?

How often should men wash their hair -  it's up there with some of life's biggest questions such as 'Do aliens exist?' and 'What happens after we die?'. But it's a question you might get asked more regularly than the other ones, so it pays to find out the truth. We spoke to Ollie Foster, ambassador at The Bluebeards Revenge and owner of Number 47 Barbers to find out the answers to all things related to hair washing.

How often do you advise men should wash their hair?

Every man is different when it comes to washing their hair. Ultimately, it completely depends on the amount of sebum oil you produce. This natural oil coats the hair and scalp to keep it healthy and give it shine, but if too much is produced it can cause greasiness. Personally, I produce sebum oil pretty quickly, which means I need to wash my hair more often. But some of my clients can go days before needing to wash their hair.

Does this depend on hair type?

Your hair type can make a difference, but for guys it’s just as important to consider other factors: such as the quality of the styling products they use and the lifestyle choices they make. If you’re regularly working out at the gym, you’re going to create more sweat, sebum and dirt that will need to be cleansed away. Similarly, if you’re scoffing down fatty foods and chinning pints, this will have an effect. Men will be amazed at what a healthy diet and plenty of water consumption will do for their hair and skin.

Can daily hair washing cause any problems?

Daily hair washing is unlikely to cause any real problems when your hair is shorter. But it should be remembered that shampoo cleanses both the good and bad from hair – while it removes dirt, it also removes natural oils from the scalp. If these natural oils aren’t replaced frequently enough, this could lead to dryness. For men that have applied colours to their hair, it should also be remembered that washing the hair too often (especially without the right shampoo) could cause those colours to dull.

What ingredients, buzz words should men look for / avoid in their shampoo?

Sulphates should be avoided if possible, as these chemicals can be too aggressive when it comes to stripping away natural oils and nutrients, especially if you already suffer with a dry scalp. Instead, look for products that include sulfoacetate – this is a safer alternative that offers the same rich lathering and cleansing, without the potential irritation. It’s usually derived from coconut and palm oils.

Why is professional shampoo going to do a better job of cleansing?

Cheap products aren’t good, and good products aren’t cheap. Most of the time, you get what you pay for and I really believe this is the case when it comes to professional shampoos. They tend to use fewer chemicals and be enriched with more essential oils too. I think a lot of the time, they work better because they’re designed with the help of professional hair stylists who know exactly what they want and need from the product – they’re not just about big margins and great scents. Featured image courtesy of The Bluebeards Revenge.