Common Hair Questions & Answers

Ever feel like you forget to ask your stylist that random hair question that’s been bugging you? We’ve got you covered! (Hopefully!) This list is full of general questions I’ve heard throughout my years behind the chair. If you don’t see your question here feel free to leave a comment!

1.) How often should I wash my hair?

Ultimately, a clean scalp is a happy scalp! I feel like this is common knowledge but something we don’t really think about when it comes to our self-care routines…our scalp is skin and treating it wrong can cause major issues. Over cleansing can cause dryness, brittle hair, and can severely fade your hair color. Not cleansing enough could cause dandruff, odor, ingrown hairs, inflamed and painful follicles, and can even slow down your hair growth.

Let’s chat about dandruff. Dandruff is characterized by flakey scalp skin, an itchy scalp, and a scaly or crusty scalp like infants get with cradle cap. Dandruff can be caused by too much of a normal yeast-like fungus we all carry called malassezia. This fungus feeds off of the buildup of sebum and dead skin that accumulates when our scalp isn’t cleaned regularly.

So lets talk shampoo! The purpose of shampoo is to rid the hair of sebum, sweat, dead skin, styling products, and environmental dirt/pollen. The pollen part is important for those with allegries! Get that off your scalp and hair before bed so you don’t wake up feeling crummy. As a cosmetologist, I highly recommend using a shampoo that is sulfate free to preserve your color and avoid any shampoo containing silicones which could cause buildup. I’d also suggest shampooing your hair every other day to every four days depending on your curl pattern, how oily your scalp is, and how often you break sweat at the gym.

2.) How can I get rid of my split ends?

The only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off! If left unchecked the split ends can travel up the hair shaft and cause major breakage so its best to get a trim at least every three to four months if you have long hair. For shorter cuts you’ll need a trim every four to six weeks.

To keep your hair in optimal health between cuts use heat protectants when blow drying or using hot tools, use a leave-in conditioner, and don’t over-process your hair with color or lightener. Your hairstylist is your best line of defense against overprocessing and picking the right care routine for your hair and scalp type so pick their brain at your next appointment!

3.) Can I make my hair grow faster and thicker?

Yes and no. No, in part because hair growth is genetically determined which is something you cannot alter. Yes, because a large part of why your hair isn’t growing as quickly or doesn’t feel as thick as it used to is due to general health and nutrition. Hair is made of keratin which is a protein. Keratin production can be slowed if you’re not getting enough protein, healthy fats, or vitamins including but limited to biotin, B-5, B-12, C, D, riboflavin, and iron. Lacking these nutrients can also affect more than just your hair so be sure to take your vitamins and nourish your body! If you’re noticing excessive shedding or bald spots please see your doctor or a dermatologist as thinning hair can be a sign of a serious health concern.

4.) How do I properly shampoo and condition my hair?

If you’re washing every three to four days, I’d recommend shampooing twice so that you get an effective clean for your scalp. If you’re a highlighted blonde, try using a clarifying shampoo once every third shampoo to prevent buildup of minerals and purple shampoo which can discolor your hair. Using a clarifying shampoo, even if you color hair is a good idea if you have well water or hard water at home. When it comes to conditioner, only condition your hair from about eye-level down if you have fine or straight to slightly wavy hair. For curly girls or those with course hair, feel free to condition from scalp to ends.

There you have it, a short list of general hair questions and their answers! I’ll add to the list as more questions come along. Thanks for reading, have a beautiful day!