Hair getting longer... seems to get dirtier faster (shampoos, cut, product)

[Amisi]

I try not to wash my hair too often because I don't like the way shampoos (even expensive ones) strip my hair and make it dry, etc. I'll wash my hair twice a week at most (and wish I could only wash it once a week!)

Anyway, I haven't cut my hair in quite some time and it's now down to about the middle of my back. I've noticed lately, I've been having to wash my hair more often because it seems and feels dirtier than when it was shorter (shoulder length or a little longer).

Why is this happening? Is it because the hair is longer and, therefore, heavier, and maybe it's causing my scalp to produce more oil? My hair is very thick, wavy, curly and I don't want to have to be constantly washing it --- it got dry, damaged, split, etc when I used to wash it a lot.

[swgirl926]

How long ago have you noticed this? Does it just feel "dirty" around your scalp area, or your entire hair length? Do you use product in your hair? Has anything else changed in your life recently? When you wash your hair, do you just concentrate on your scalp, instead of shampooing the entire length of your hair? Do you use any sort of conditioner?

I doubt it's just the mere length of your hair that's making it feel dirtier. It could be anything - product buildup, increased activity, the weather (I'm aware that this post is from Jan., but when I exercise a lot, and when the weather is warm, I find that I need to wash my hair more often.)

There are dry shampoos that you can use on your scalp to refresh your hair between washings. Or even cornstarch or baby powder, in a pinch.