What Is Hair Training and Does It Work?

Having greasy hair can be a nuisance and may even affect your confidence to try different looks. While the oil produced by your scalp protects and moisturizes your strands, too much of it can leave your locks looking limp. If you wish to make this icky problem go away for good, many TikTok users suggest the “hair training” trend, which involves not washing your hair for a month.

The concept sounds counterintuitive (making your hair greasy actually makes it less greasy?), but many women claim it does wonders to their overall hair health. Read on to learn more about how training your hair works and its potential risks before jumping on the trend.

The whole practice comes down to regulating the sebaceous glands, a.k.a. the pockets under your scalp that make oils.

Washing your hair too frequently can dry out your scalp, which sends these glands into overdrive, releasing more oils to compensate for the dryness. The same happens when you use a shampoo that’s incompatible with your hair or scalp. So, in theory, gradually reducing the frequency of washing allows the sebaceous glands to produce oils at a more balanced rate.

Hair training might also be beneficial for people with textured or color-treated tresses. Since these hair types tend to be more prone to dryness, extending the time between washes helps the strands retain hydration. On top of that, reducing the frequency of washing can prolong the vibrancy of your hair color and enhance your curl patterns.

Going no-poo for extended periods might do you some good, but only if your oily scalp is a result of overwashing, not hormones, genetics, or changes in humidity. Otherwise, committing to this TikTok hair hack can lead to a few less-than-desirable outcomes.

When sebum builds up on your scalp, it mingles with sweat, pollution, dust, and residue from styling products. This accumulated gunk can clog your hair follicles, creating a cozy environment for bad bacteria and fungi to thrive. All of this can cause folliculitis and dandruff. If left unchecked, these conditions can trigger hair loss, which would make training your hair futile.

Like any TikTok trend, hair training is not so black and white. It may work well for some people and fall short for others. But if you’re eager to give it a try, here are ways to go about it without harming your locks.

Take baby steps.

Washing your hair once a month can give your scalp quite the shock. Rather than waiting 30 days, start by going a day or two without shampoo. Any itchiness, redness, and flakiness are indications that your scalp does not like the new schedule. But if there’s no discomfort, you can gradually stretch the period between washes. Still, it’s best to limit the no-poo duration to no more than a week.

Use nourishing hair products.

The type of shampoo and conditioner you need depends on the texture and condition of your hair. For example, volumizing formulas are great for someone with fine strands while hydrating formulas suit someone with thick and curly hair. Nonetheless, opt for products that won’t weigh your hair down and strip it of its natural moisture.

When your hair needs a deep clean, reach for TRESemmé Detox & Nourish Shampoo. Made with ginger and green tea, it detoxifies your scalp and hair from buildup while providing each strand with essential nutrients. Continue with TRESemmé Detox & Nourish Serum Conditioner, which has an antioxidant serum, to protect your hair and boost shine.

Brush your mane daily.

Make it a habit to brush your hair at least twice a day – once in the morning and once before bedtime. This helps distribute oils from your scalp throughout the length of the hair, keeping it glossy. Choose a brush with soft bristles or a wide-toothed comb and use slow, gentle strokes to minimize breakage. 

Rely on heatless hair styling techniques.

You don’t need any heat-styling tools, gels, waxes, or hairsprays to make your days-old mane look presentable. Turn it into a chic bun on work days or hide it under a bandana for a casual vibe. You can also try doing these elegant braided hairstyles to add a romantic flair to your ensemble. If you want a blowout, do the overnight heatless curls method.

Ultimately, hair training is not for everyone. If you like washing your hair every day, stick with it. If you’re the type to shampoo two times a week, keep at it. All that matters is finding a washing schedule that works for your tresses and being consistent with hair care.