Hair care for every hair type

How often you wash, which products you buy and how you style your hair all become your decisions when you leave home. Straight, wavy, curly and coily hair have different needs, and what worked for your flatmate may not work for you.

How often to wash

• There is no single rule. A Houston Methodist dermatologist says most people do well washing two to three times a week, adjusted for hair type.
• Fine or thin hair gets oily faster and may need washing more often; dry shampoo can help between washes (Houston Methodist).
• Thick, curly or long hair usually needs washing less often, because oil travels down the strand more slowly (Houston Methodist).
• Hair that is prone to dryness and breakage may only need shampooing about once a week, or up to every two weeks if your scalp is comfortable (Houston Methodist).
• Wash more often if you sweat a lot or regularly wear hats or helmets (Houston Methodist). The same applies if you wear a headscarf in the heat; let hair dry before covering it.
• Over-washing can cause dryness and breakage; under-washing can let oil and product build up and irritate the scalp, leaving it itchy, red or flaky (Houston Methodist).

Washing well

• Shampoo mainly the scalp and roots, not the ends, then use conditioner on the lengths (Houston Methodist).
• If daily washing dries your hair, try rinsing with water only on some days or using a conditioning cleanser, sometimes called co-washing (Houston Methodist).
• Rinse thoroughly. Leftover shampoo or product can build up and leave your scalp itchy.
• Water can feel different in a new city. If your hair suddenly feels different after you move, give it a few weeks and adjust your products one at a time.

Dandruff and an itchy scalp

• Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although flakes may show more if you do not wash regularly (NHS).
• Use an anti-dandruff shampoo containing at least one of ketoconazole, coal tar or salicylic acid; they are sold in supermarkets and pharmacies (NHS).
• Use it for up to 4 weeks to see if it helps, and try another type if the first does not work (NHS).
• Stress and cold weather can make dandruff worse (NHS), so a first winter abroad may bring it on.
• See a GP if it is no better after 4 weeks, your scalp is very itchy, red or swollen, or you get flaky patches on your face or body (NHS). Irritation after dye, sprays or gels may be contact dermatitis rather than dandruff.

Protecting textured hair and your hairline

• Tight braids, weaves, extensions and ponytails can pull on the roots and cause traction hair loss (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
• Ask your stylist for looser braids, and remove braids after about three months and weaves or extensions after about eight weeks (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
• Have relaxers and dyes applied by a professional, and stop chemical treatments if you notice breakage or shedding (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
• Cut back on hair dryers, flat irons and curling irons, which wear hair out (Johns Hopkins Medicine). Use the lowest heat that works.
• See a dermatologist early if you notice thinning or a more visible scalp; Johns Hopkins Medicine says the sooner you act, the more hair you can save.

Heat tools and hair products in halls

• Hair dryers, straighteners and hairspray can set off smoke detectors. University of Auckland fire-safety guidance says to use them away from detectors and ventilate the room.
• Never cover or interfere with a smoke detector (University of Auckland). Halls often treat this as a serious breach.
• Switch heat tools off at the wall after use and leave them to cool on a heat-proof surface, never on a bed or towel.
• Check the plug type in your new country and use a proper adaptor, or buy a local hair dryer if the voltage is different.