You’re either a morning person or an evening person. When you wash your hair is a very personal thing, but did you know there are different benefits to washing your hair at different times of the day?
This is one of those questions that has no right or wrong answer or one-size-fits-all approach – it’s entirely subjective. There are definitely benefits to both morning and evening washing:
Evening wash – to save time
Washing your hair in the evening can save you a lot of time the following morning, so it’s the ideal solution if you’d rather hit the snooze button for another 15 minutes instead of tending to your hair in the morning.
You’ll also have more time to let it dry. This is also excellent for your hair and scalp - in the morning, if you turn the hairdryer up to full heat to get ready quickly, you risk damaging your hair.
If you wash your hair in the evening, however, you’ll have plenty of time to let it air dry, and so the risks to your scalp and hair are less.
Morning wash – to start the day fresh
There is a downside, though, to washing your hair before bed. If your hair isn’t completely dry, it can contribute to dandruff.
The trapped moisture can create a humid environment that encourages the growth of scalp microbes like Malassezia.
These play a key role in scalp irritation and dandruff.
Plus, if your hair is particularly fine or easily greasy, it might get greasy overnight and won’t look as healthy and shiny when you wake up.
If you like to wash in the morning, you enjoy starting the day fresh.
Should I leave my conditioner in overnight?
Leaving your conditioner on your hair overnight will quickly restore moisture and soften it.
However, around 30 minutes is enough for hair to absorb sufficient moisture, and there are generally no additional benefits to leaving conditioner on for up to 8 hours.
Why not alternate?
While most people tend to stick to a regular hair washing routine, it’s important to remember that on some occasions, you might need to break from your routine.
Wash your hair thoroughly after exercise, with a shampoo that cleans deeply, as sweat has accumulated on the scalp and can cause irritation.
Also, make sure to shampoo thoroughly after swimming, whether in a chlorinated pool or saltwater.
Salt and chlorine can damage hair, so it’s advisable to use a repairing shampoo after your swim to keep your hair strong and healthy.
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