As the Chinese New Year approaches, an online phenomenon known as "collective hair-washing on the 16th" has climbed to the top of social media trending lists in China.
Some netizens question the choice of date, while others point out that it coincides with this year's Chinese New Year's Eve.
A folk belief holds that washing one's hair on that day symbolizes bidding farewell to the old year, while refraining from hair-washing on the first day of the new year is thought to bring good fortune, earning the eve the tongue-in-cheek title of National Hair-Washing Day.
Not everyone has embraced the trend. Some users say their personal routines — such as washing their hair every three days — should not be disrupted by festive superstition. Others take a more strategic approach, sharing calendar screenshots and carefully planned schedules to balance tradition with personal comfort.
People with dry scalp can wash their hair every two days, while those with oily scalp can wash their hair every other day due to their strong sebum secretion. Moreover, washing hair does not cause hair loss. There is no direct connection between hair loss and washing hair — washing simply helps those hairs that were already about to fall off the scalp to shed.
So, is there a way to keep your hair from getting oily for longer after a wash? Here are 4 tips.
Using a shampoo that contains tea tree oil or other natural ingredients can help control oil production.
When washing your hair, first thoroughly wet it with warm water. Then, take an appropriate amount of shampoo, lather it in your hands to create a rich foam, and evenly apply it to your scalp. Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips, avoiding scratching with nails.
The oil and dirt on combs and pillows can transfer to your hair. Regular cleaning can reduce the accumulation of scalp oil.
Styling products such as hair gel, wax, and other similar products may cause your hair to become oily more quickly.