Similar to double cleansing your face, which is pretty widely known and practiced, triple hair washing has entered the chat. I know—hair washing is something that most of us generally try to do less of, but bear with me because this technique might actually be the answer for the hair washing averse.
“Simply put, triple washing is the process of washing your hair three times in one washing session, versus washing it twice,” explains John Kahen, MD, chief hair surgeon and founder of Beverly Hills Hair Restoration. This all takes place in one session where you lather, rinse and repeat…then do it again and again.
To break down the technique beyond the definition of what it is, we spoke to top hair experts. Read on for the 411 on the triple hair washing trend and to find out whether or not you should be incorporating it in your wash day routine.
What are the benefits of triple washing your hair?
If you’re a product junkie that likes to layer on oils, spray and stylers, etc. triple washing is likely for you. The same goes for dry shampoo users or those who like to push the boundaries of how long they can go between hair washes (dirt, dead skin and oil build up on the scalp naturally, too!) “Multiple hair washes allow you to fully clear buildup on the hair,” explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s dermatology department in New York City. This includes “tough to remove hairspray, silicone residue, hair dye, or dry shampoo,” Dr. Zeichner adds.
“All hair types can benefit from triple washing, but especially thin and fine hair,” says Dr. Kahen. This is because thin hair is often more susceptible to oiliness and buildup, which can be more noticeable on the scalp if you have fine hair. For oil-prone scalps, using the triple wash technique can actually help you extend the life of your wash, saving you from more frequent washes.
How often should you triple wash?
To be clear, triple washing isn’t really something you should be doing daily or even every other day. “It is ideal for when your hair needs a little extra purification and deep cleansing,” says Dr. Kahen, “this is probably needed after every 2-4 washes, especially after using a lot of styling products or dry shampoo.”
How often should you wash your hair in general?
Sorry to break it to you, but the jury’s out on this one. “It really depends on how much oil your scalp naturally makes as well as the texture of your hair itself, explains Dr. Zeichner, ”more fine, oily hair may require more frequent washing, while coarse, dry hair may tolerate washing once per week or even every other week.” There are other factors to consider, too. “Lifestyle can also impact how often someone may need to wash their hair,” adds Dr. Kahen, “for example, if someone is very active and exercises daily, they may need to wash their hair everyday or every couple of days.”
Which products should I use for triple washing?
Dr. Kahen recommends using two separate shampoos when you triple wash. One of the shampoos should offer more of a deep clean and the other should be moisturizing. (You would use the latter for the second and third washes). A detox shampoo like Colorproof Clear It Up Shampoo will help to nix dead skin and product buildup from the scalp while a bond repair shampoo such as Alterna Restructuring Bond Repair Shampoo will hydrate and restore strands so that they don’t feel stripped from over-washing.
Dr. Kahen says it’s smart to incorporate a scalp massager during your detox shampoo step, too, as it will boost its effects and it “gently and physically stimulates the scalp while cleansing,” which is good for healthy hair growth. We like Pacifica Clarifying Scalp Massage Brush because it feels sturdy, looks cute and has a string attached so you can easily hang it in your shower without taking up coveted ledge space (especially now that you may have two or more shampoos to store).
