Beauty

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

Published

7 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

The Serum That Reduces Redness and Calms Sensitive Skin

Published

5 days ago

4 February 2026

Tega Ekeri

Photo Credit - Google

For many people with sensitive skin, redness is more than a cosmetic concern, and it is a daily challenge. It can appear suddenly due to environmental factors such as sun, wind, or pollution, or as a reaction to certain skincare ingredients. Using the wrong products can worsen the issue, but the right serum can reduce redness, soothe irritation, and support the skin’s natural barrier over time.

Photo Credit – Google

Anua Azelaic Acid 10% + Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum combines azelaic acid with hyaluronic acid to calm flare-ups while keeping skin hydrated. The azelaic acid reduces redness and evens out skin tone, while the multi-weight hyaluronic acid hydrates both surface and deeper layers without irritation. Together, these ingredients target inflammation and support the skin’s natural defences, making it suitable for redness-prone skin. This product is available through K-Beauty SA.

Photo Credit – Google

The Purest Solutions Soothing & Smoothing Cica Serum strengthens the skin barrier with centella asiatica and panthenol. These ingredients calm irritation, improve resilience, and help the skin recover from environmental stressors more efficiently. For reactive skin, a barrier-focused serum like this reduces the frequency of flare-ups while maintaining overall skin health. It can be purchased at The Purest Solutions SA.

Photo Credit – Google

Bioderma Sensibio AR Serum is a fragrance-free, bi-phase formulation that soothes existing redness while reducing irritation. Its gentle approach makes it suitable for sensitive skin, providing consistent calming effects without harsh chemicals. Products like this prioritise measurable results over marketing claims, making them a reliable choice for anyone prone to redness. It is available at Clicks.

Photo Credit – Google

Dr. Cebio NeoStrata Redness Neutralising Serum contains peptide complexes and antioxidants that reduce visible redness and support the skin’s natural barrier. By improving tolerance to environmental triggers, this serum helps reactive skin feel calmer and more balanced over time.

Photo Credit – Google

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense Serum is formulated specifically for sensitive skin prone to redness. Its key active ingredients calm inflammation and shield the skin from environmental stressors, leaving the complexion visibly calmer with regular use. This serum is widely available in South African pharmacies, making it easy to include in a daily skincare routine.

Photo Credit – Google

Using these serums correctly is essential. Start with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser, apply the serum on slightly damp skin to enhance absorption, and follow with a barrier-supporting cream or lotion. During the day, always apply SPF to prevent sun exposure from worsening redness. Consistent use is more important than applying too often, and most serums show visible improvement within a few weeks.

Effective anti-redness serums reduce inflammation while supporting the skin’s natural barrier. With the right routine, flare-ups become less frequent, and sensitive skin can feel calmer, stronger, and more resilient over time.

Beauty

Modern Sew-In Hairstyles: How to Wear This Classic Trend in 2026

Published

4 weeks ago

14 January 2026

Tega Ekeri

Photo Credit - Google

Sew‑in hairstyles continue to appear in hair and beauty features as a popular option. The technique involves braiding natural hair close to the scalp and stitching wefted extensions onto that base, creating length and volume.

Hybrid sew‑in braids combine cornrows with sewn‑in weaves in specific sections to create contrast, defined part lines, and structured forms. Stylists report that these configurations allow for style variety without requiring a full-head installation.

Photo Credit – Google

Sew‑ins provide length, volume, and styling flexibility while reducing daily manipulation of natural hair, which can help lower the risk of breakage. Modern installs are treated by stylists as a styling option similar to a precision cut or colour service.

Popular shapes and textures currently observed include middle parts with soft waves, bobs, and asymmetrical forms. Colour techniques such as honey blonde, balayage, and root-blended tones are used to create depth and dimension in the extensions.

Photo Credit – Google

Technical methods such as invisible and knotless techniques make installations appear natural. Stylists note that precision parting and strategic leave-out placement can help the extensions blend with the wearer’s hair.

Sew‑ins originate within Black hair care traditions, combining hair protection with styling versatility. Terminology, technique, and stylist expertise vary across salons and regions.

Options for wearers include straight lengths, bobs, angled cuts, or blended textures. The base braiding pattern, type of hair used, and part placement influence both the final appearance and the protective effect on natural hair.

Modern sew‑ins are typically expected to last several weeks, and stylists recommend scalp care, hydration, and appropriate products to maintain both natural hair and extensions. Protective styles are now commonly integrated into a planned hair care routine.

Current features in hair and beauty media show sew‑ins as a styling option that combines protective benefits with versatility. Wearers can choose from a range of textures, lengths, and parting options to achieve different looks while keeping natural hair protected.

Beauty

The Best Zinc Supplements,According to Dietitian

Published

1 month ago

8 January 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Istock

When people start suffering from frequent colds, slow-healing cuts, poor appetite, or even changes in taste, it can be linked to a lack of enough zinc. It supports immune defenses, skin repair, hormones, and metabolism. When levels drop, the effects show up in everyday life. Choosing the right zinc supplements is one way to improve your health condition.

Zinc Picolinate

Zinc Picolinate: Yu Pharmacy

Zinc picolinate is one of the best supplements around. It is bound to picolinic acid, which helps the body absorb zinc more efficiently. It is generally effective at moderate doses, especially for people who may not absorb minerals well.

Zinc Citrate

Zinc Citrate: Amazon

Zinc citrate is another reliable and well-absorbed option. It works well for general immune support and short-term use during periods of illness or high stress. Zinc supplements like these should not be taken with high fiber supplements as there is an absorption interference.

Zinc Gluconate

Zinc Gluconate : Amazon

Zinc gluconate is one of the most common forms found in immune and cold support products. It has a history of use and solid research behind it. This supplement works best for short-term supplementation. Some people respond very well to it, while others benefit more from forms.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide: Health plus

Although Zinc Oxide contains a high amount of zinc theoretically, It is best used in topical products for skin protection rather than as a dietary supplement.

Zinc Methionine and Zinc Bisglycinate

Zinc Bisglycinate: Amazon India

These forms help improve absorption and reduce digestive discomfort. They are recommended for people with sensitive digestion or chronic gut issues. They are effective at lower doses and tend to be easier on the stomach.

Despite the benefits, high amounts are not meant for long-term use and can interfere with other minerals like copper. When chosen wisely, zinc supplements support immunity, healing, and overall health.