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If you’re confused about how often you should wash your hair, you’re not alone. Is there a magic number when it comes to hair washing frequency? Is washing more often the best way to keep hair healthy and clean or should you skip the shampoo for a day, two or even indefinitely? Since everyone’s hair is different, there’s no universal answer, so read on to gain a better insight into how often you should actually be washing your hair.
The pros on how often you should wash your hair
If you ask some of the most famous hair experts and top hair stylists how often should you wash your hair, expect a handful of opinions rather than a consensus. Some think that it all comes down to one’s personal preferences and believe that the choice is entirely yours, while others feel more inclined to tailor the customer’s hair washing routine to their specific hairstyle and hair condition.
Western society seems obsessed with cleanliness and washing hair with strong products on a daily basis has become the rule of thumb. It’s totally fine to grab that bottle of your favorite shampoo and jump into the shower whenever you feel like it, but rest assured that you really don’t need to wash your hair as often as you think. It all really depends on the length of your hair, its natural level of oiliness, your lifestyle choices, weather and the amount of dirt, odors and pollution you’re exposed to. Perhaps the best guideline to follow is the one shared by a number of dermatologists: wash your hair when it starts feeling oily and dirty to the touch.
Check out the slideshow for some of the most common factors that influence how often you need to lather and rinse your precious tresses.
[ Next: Your 9 Most Annoying Hair Problems, Solved ]
how often should you wash your hair
Useful tips on how often should you wash your hair
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Oil production
Sebum is the oily substance produced in the hair follicle that has both protective and nourishing characteristics. It creates a waxy layer that prevents the damage of the hair structure and keeps strands shiny and well hydrated. As long as this natural oil is produced in normal quantities, you won’t need to wash your hair too often — twice a week should be more than enough, with an additional treatment or two with dry shampoo if needed. Hyperproduction of sebum will make your hair appear limp and oily, requiring a daily shampoo. Overuse of shampoo can dry your hair out but beware of the rebound effect: the more you clean your strands, the more your sebaceous glands struggle to compensate for the loss. The good news is, as you age, your hair will naturally become drier so you’ll probably notice that you won’t need to wash it as often as before.
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Type and length of hair
How often you should wash your hair depends on the type of hair you have. Fine, thin and straight hair needs to be washed more frequently than thick, coarse or long hair. Long, curly and colored-treated hair has a rougher structure, which means that it takes longer to get coated in sebum, so hair will look and feel clean for prolonged periods of time. Short hair gets oily quicker, while long hair tends to just get greasy near the roots.
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Environmental pollution
If you live in big, overcrowded cities or spend a lot of time outdoors cleaning, gardening or doing any kind of messy work, washing your hair often is a must. Hair can trap tiny particles of dust, dirt and pollen, which can make hair appear dull and lifeless or increase the risk of skin infections and allergic reactions.
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Heat and Sweat
We all adore summer, but hot weather or a strenuous workout can leave hair drenched with sweat, making it look and feel dirty in no time. Keep hair looking (and smelling!) clean with a post-workout or daily shampoo or rinse.
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Dandruff
Many people believe a shampoo a day can keep the dandruff away since flakes and itchiness are typically caused by an overproduction of sebum. However, too-frequent shampooing can cause the scalp to dry out and flake. Moderation and finding the right balance for you is key — don’t overdo it, but also don’t wait too long to wash your hair. You can also benefit from using specially formulated dandruff shampoos and staying away from detergent-based hair products as much as possible.
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Hair styling products
Between shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, heat protector, gel, mousse, dry oil and hairspray, we end up using a lot of product in the quest for gorgeous, healthy-looking hair. But too many products at one time, especially oil-based ones, can cause build-up and make hair look oily, sticky, limp or dirty in no time. If you cut down on the styling products you use each day, you won’t need to wash your hair as often.
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Co Washing
Co-washing, or washing hair with cleansing conditioners instead of shampoo, has been gaining popularity in recent years. Wavy, curly or dry hair can especially benefit from co-washing, which can boost healthy shine. Just avoid conditioners that contain silicone, which can build up quickly and make hair look greasy. If you have naturally oily hair, this is probably not the method for you.
