Beauty

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

Published

5 months ago

8 July 2025

You’ve probably asked yourself this more times than you care to admit—how often should I wash my hair? Maybe you’ve gone down a rabbit hole of YouTube tutorials and haircare threads. Maybe you’ve tried copying your cousin’s routine because her hair always looks good. But the truth is, there’s no single right answer—especially not when you factor in your hair type, your lifestyle, and the climate you live in.

In South Africa, where a short flight can take you from Gauteng’s dry winters to the salt-heavy air of the Cape, washing your hair isn’t just a matter of routine—it’s about knowing what your hair needs where you are, and when.

Natural Hair: Keep It Clean, But Don’t Chase Squeaky

If you’ve got natural hair, you already know it behaves differently depending on how you treat it. “A lot of people think natural hair is strong because it’s thick, but it’s actually quite delicate,” says Dr Nelisiwe Mabuza, a Johannesburg-based dermatologist. “Over-washing can strip the scalp and leave hair feeling brittle.”

She recommends washing every 10 to 14 days, especially in cities like Jo’burg, where the air is dry and dust tends to settle easily. Cape Town residents may find themselves washing a bit more often, especially in summer when humidity and sweat become factors.

Mbali Zulu, a Cape Town stylist who works mostly with afro-textured hair, says knowing when to wash comes down to how your scalp feels. “If it’s itchy or flaky, it probably needs a wash. But if your hair still feels moisturised and your scalp is calm, you can hold off.”

Co-washing (rinsing with conditioner instead of shampoo) can help in between full wash days, especially for those who exercise or live in hot areas. But as Mbali warns, “Don’t fall into the trap of co-washing endlessly. Your scalp still needs a proper cleanse now and then.”

Relaxed Hair: Be Gentle, But Consistent

Relaxed hair needs just as much attention—but for different reasons. “Because the chemical process changes the structure of the hair, it tends to be more fragile,” explains Dr Mabuza. “Once a week is usually fine, but make sure you’re using products that won’t dry the hair out further.”

Towel-drying too roughly or skipping conditioner are common missteps. “Relaxed hair loves moisture,” Mbali says. “Especially the ends—they dry out faster than the roots. If you live in Jo’burg, where the air gets very dry in winter, using a light oil or leave-in cream after washing can go a long way.”

Protective Styles: Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind

Wearing braids, wigs, or weaves doesn’t mean you can forget about your hair underneath. “A lot of people go six weeks or more without washing their hair when it’s in a protective style. That’s too long,” says Mbali.

Whether you’re in Cape Town or Jo’burg, the scalp still builds up oil, sweat and dust—even if your strands are tucked away. Every two weeks, give your scalp a proper clean. A watered-down shampoo applied with a nozzle bottle or cotton pad can do the job. Rinse gently. Don’t flood your style.

Dr Mabuza adds that a dirty scalp can lead to itching, bumps, and in some cases, fungal issues. “Just because you can’t see your hair doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Clean hair grows better. Simple as that.”

Weather Matters More Than You Think

Your city’s climate changes how your hair reacts to washing. Johannesburg’s dry winters can lead to faster moisture loss, making over-washing a problem. In Cape Town, especially during summer, humidity can leave your scalp sweaty and oily, which may mean you’ll need to wash more often.

Mbali puts it plainly: “If you’re sweating more, or your hair feels heavy or sticky, wash it. Don’t wait because someone on Instagram said they wash once a month. You’re not living their life.”

What to Pay Attention To

Forget trying to follow someone else’s exact routine. Instead, learn to pay attention to your own hair. Is your scalp itchy? Are your roots sticky? Do your curls feel stiff or dull? These small signs tell you when it’s time to wash.

And be honest with yourself about product use. “Sometimes it’s not dirt—it’s just too much oil, gel or edge control,” Mbali laughs. “People layer too much, thinking it’s care. But eventually, all that buildup needs to be washed off.”

Final Thoughts

There’s no gold standard. Some people wash once a week. Others can go two or three. What matters is that your scalp stays clean, your hair feels healthy, and you’re not blindly following routines that don’t fit your life.

“It’s not about being perfect,” says Dr Mabuza. “It’s about being consistent in a way that works for you. If your hair is clean, hydrated, and not breaking, you’re probably doing just fine.”

So next time you wonder if it’s wash day—check in with your hair. Not your calendar. Not TikTok. Just you.

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Beauty

Pamela Mtanga Cuts her Hair Pixie

Published

7 days ago

24 November 2025

Tega Ekeri

Pamela Mtanga’s new pixie cut comes at a time when she’s making several clear adjustments to how she presents herself, both personally and professionally. The change reads as a direct, confident choice from someone who understands hair deeply and doesn’t feel pressured by old expectations about how a public figure should look.

Her recent relaunch of Honey Comb Hair showed how much she values transparency and control in her work. She has spoken about wanting customers to receive the same standard she provides to public figures, which reflects her preference for direct, uncomplicated communication. The pixie cut fits that mindset. It reduces the extra styling her previous looks required and directs focus to her face rather than the hair surrounding it.

Pamela Mtanga – Instagram

Her comments on long-standing hair superstitions offer more context. She has openly pushed back on beliefs that limit when or how women should cut their hair, especially those tied to fear or tradition. Choosing a short cut on her own terms follows the same logic. She makes decisions based on practicality and personal comfort rather than untested rules.

Her history explains why the style doesn’t feel abrupt. She began learning about haircare as a teenager, observing stylists and eventually building her own brand from that knowledge. For her, cutting her hair reflects the same steady approach she has always applied to personal changes, especially those connected to beauty and self-presentation.

Pamela Mtanga – Instagram

The timing also lines up with a period where she has been refining her public direction. After marking ten years in entertainment and receiving a major style recognition, she appears focused on simplifying her image without losing her individuality. The pixie cut supports that shift. It is low-maintenance, direct, and leaves little room for excess.

Pamela Mtanga’s choice fits her current approach to work, presentation, and personal autonomy. The cut reflects someone who has reached a point where decisions are made based on usefulness and alignment with her goals, not outside expectations.

Beauty

Sphokuhle N Named the Face of Dark and Lovely Africa 2026

Published

1 week ago

20 November 2025

Fadire Olusola

Bonang Matheba will be hosting the opening night of the B20 South Africa summit on 18 November 2025. The summit is a three-day event , and it will run from the 18th to the 20th of November. With this appointment, Matheba’s has evolved as she has gained recognition internationally. Global business communities will engage with the G20 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. South Africa currently holds the B20 presidency, and will use this chance to prove its capability.

Sphokuhle N : Instagram

The theme for this event is “Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity through Global Cooperation.” Talks on equitable development and sustainable growth will be discussed. Stakeholders and business leaders around the world will also speak about issues relating to investment, digital transformation, trade, inclusive and more.

The appointment of Bonang Matheba is strategic, given her status as a leading South African entrepreneur. She has hosted many events like this before and will bring her experience to this summit. Matheba is a professional and is well-equipped to lead the event successfully.

Sphokuhle N :Instagram

Her involvement shows that many economic forums are seeking hosts who engage audiences effectively. The younger generations can relate more with her, boosting visibility of the event.

Sphokuhle N : Instagram

For Bonang Matheba, this is an opportunity to show that South African personalities are capable of hosting global events. Her inclusion is based on merit and the confidence the organizers have to ensure the event runs smoothly and engages attendees.

Beauty

RF Microneedling : The Benefits, Risks and Side Effect of this Beauty Treatment

Published

2 weeks ago

15 November 2025

Fadire Olusola

Many women are undergoing different cosmetic treatment to make themselves beautiful. One of these procedures is RF Microneedling which involves sending radio frequency into deeper layers of the skin. Here are some information you need to know about this cosmetic procedure.

How RF Microneedling Works?

This treatment involves using fine needles to puncture some layers of the skin. When this is done, several signals will be sent to the body to help repair the affected area. During this process, radiofrequency energy is sent to the deep layers of the skin where collagen is produced. If this treatment is done by a professional, it will let your skin be more refined.

Benefits of RF Microneedling

Skin firmness is one of the reasons why people go through this procedure. The more collagen that is produced, the more elastic your skin is. This makes it a good solution for fine lines and skin sagging.

People with acne scars and uneven skin texture will benefit from it. This is because it helps strengthen skin foundation and smoothen surfaces. RF Microneedling also helps shrink large pores within a short time. When done by an expert, it is suitable for all skin types.

Risks Associated With RF Microneedling

Although generally considered safe, it carries certain risks. Because needles are used, it’s possible to contract an infection. That’s why all equipment must be sterilised. Also, those with skin infections or open wounds should consider postponing treatment. Using the wrong technique may also cause temporary marks. These are genuine concerns that need to be looked into before any decision is made.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects from this treatment are usually mild. Skin redness or swelling is possible after the procedure due to controlled injury. Meanwhile, there might be mild pigmentation especially for those exposed to too much sun. That’s why sun protection is recommended for those undergoing this treatment. In rare cases, you could experience burns or prolonged pigmentation.

Who Should Avoid RF Microneedling

Those with high fevers and serious skin conditions should not undergo RF Microneedling. Also, it may not be suitable for pregnant women as the radiofrequency effects may not be safe for the fetus.

RF microneedling comes with many benefits for everyone who wants a firm skin. However, it should be carried out by only trained personnel. Like all treatments, it comes with certain risks and side effects which you must understand before making a decision.