We’ve heard many people extol the benefits of “hair training” while others dismiss the trend altogether. Before sacrificing clean hair for days on end in pursuit of your scalp “magically” balancing itself, take a moment to hear what the experts have to say.
Featured experts
- Chytra Anand, MD is an India-based dermatologist
- Kerry Yates is a trichologist and founder of Colour Collective
- Jenna Binette is a trichologist
- Shab Caspara is a trichologist
What is hair training?
“Hair training is the process of gradually extending the time between hair washes to help your scalp balance its oil production,” says India-based dermatologist Chytra Anand, MD. “Instead of washing your hair every day or every other day, you slowly reduce the frequency, allowing your scalp’s natural oils to nourish your hair.” Some say that over time, the scalp adjusts and produces less oil as it learns to maintain balance without frequent cleansing.
Is there any scientific proof hair training works?
While many people with oily hair turn to hair training, experts agree there’s no scientific evidence to support the practice. “The term ‘training your hair’ has been thrown around for many years and it appears it is making a comeback. Honestly, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that you can ‘train’ your hair to be less oily or dry,” says trichologist and founder of Colour Collective Kerry Yates. “Hair health, including oil production, is primarily influenced by genetics, hormones and environmental factors.” Simply put, trichologist Jenna Binette adds, “Unfortunately, hair training is not a technique that works.”
Trichologist Shab Caspara notes that you may be an exception “if you previously over-washed and stripped the scalp, which might have disrupted the microbiome, prompting the scalp to overproduce sebum as a defense mechanism.” In this case, hair training may be beneficial.
However, more often than not, Caspara warns that hair training can actually do more harm than good. “For those with naturally oily scalps, extending wash internals can actually worsen scalp issues by increasing inflammation from excess build-up, dead skin cells and fungal overgrowth,” she warns.
Dr. Anand notes that those with curly or textured hair may be more likely to benefit from hair training as less frequent washing can help preserve natural oils that are essential for keeping curls hydrated and defined. If you feel inclined to try hair training, Dr. Anand urges booking a scalp check with a doctor beforehand because excess oiliness of the scalp may be due to hormonal imbalances or other concerns.
If hair training doesn’t work, how can I balance an oily scalp?
There are plenty of effective solutions to try if you’re looking to remedy an oily scalp, such as topical treatments, specific shampoos and hair-care routines designed for you, says Yates. “For oily hair, shampoos containing ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil can help control excess oil production. Regular washing (depending on the scalp’s needs) and avoiding overly harsh products can also reduce oiliness,” she says. “Additionally, internal health plays a significant role in hair health. Hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or dehydration can exacerbate issues like excess oil or dryness. Improving diet, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced lifestyle can positively impact hair health overall.”
