—Allison

Proper hair and scalp care involves washing your hair regularly to remove the normal buildup of dirt, dead skin cells, oils produced by skin glands, and any other substances you put in your hair such as hair spray, etc. The frequency with which you wash your hair depends on the condition of your hair. Basic guidelines are to wash your hair a few times a week for dry hair, and every day or every other day for oily hair.

If you do choose to wash your hair daily, make sure that you are using a pH-balanced shampoo and only wash it once. If you wash it more than once a day, you will be removing too much of the natural oil found in hair. Of the shampoos available on the market, most contain water, foaming agents, fragrances (often added to mask odors of other ingredients), and various amounts of detergents. Shampoos that are designed for oily hair have more detergent than shampoos for nonoily hair. Detergents can make hair less manageable and cause it to lose body. Shampoos with more detergents may also come with "conditioners" which remain on hair even after rinsing, to prevent hair from being completely stripped of oils.

Here are some guidelines for choosing a shampoo for your particular type of hair:

• Damaged or fine hair: Use protein shampoo labeled substantive protein. Shampoo should be more than mildly acidic. Or you can rinse your hair following shampoo with white vinegar and water, or lemon and water. This acid rinse will help to restore a smooth cuticle and shine to your hair.
• Healthy hair: Regular protein shampoos are fine. Blondes might try a chamomile shampoo, which has mild bleaching properties. Brunettes might use a henna shampoo, which has mild reddening properties.
• Oily hair: Use a lemon based shampoo.
• All types: Jojoba based shampoo is successful in treating scalp conditions as well as dissolving sebum buildup. It leaves your hair clean and shining.

For all types of hair, try alternating shampoos. Use one type once or twice a week and the other once or twice a week. Change brands every few months to keep your hair shiny and full of life. Diet plays an important role in hair care also, so pay attention to what you eat and try to incorporate a healthy balance of foods.

As for the comment made by your hairdresser, who knows what she was referring to? She may have thought that your hair lacked some of its natural oils which can come with washing every day if you don't have oily hair. Next time you go for a haircut, ask your hairdresser's opinion of how often she thinks you should wash your hair based on its condition, and what types of shampoo she recommends. Another opinion can't hurt...

Alice