Have you ever thought about how often you should wash your hair? It might seem like a simple routine – just hop in the shower every day and wash your hair, right? Well, it’s not that straightforward! Washing your hair is a bit more complex than it seems, and a lot of people make mistakes along the way.
Incorrectly washing your hair can lead to problems like scalp irritation, dandruff, and other scalp issues. The frequency of washing your hair is a personal choice, but it’s crucial to think about your lifestyle and hair type. Just as you select different shampoos for different hair types, the rules for washing can vary.
For instance, you might decide to shampoo your hair once every two weeks and co-wash (using conditioner to freshen up your hair without shampoo) once a week. This routine could work well based on the products you use and your lifestyle, but it might need to change as your habits change.
Different hair types and textures have different needs; some hair types might do great with just one weekly wash, while others might benefit from two to three washes per week. Since our hair is unique, it requires special care. Getting the right shampoo and figuring out how often to wash can involve a bit of trial and error, but once you get it right, the results can be amazing.
Ahead is expert advice from two trichologists, a hairstylist, a dermatologist, and a hair colorist on when you should actually wash your hair.
Hair Stylist: “How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type, texture, and personal routine”
Kasey Bertucci, a renowned hairstylist, and co-founder of Salon 120 West in Boston, shared with TODAY valuable insights regarding the optimal frequency for hair washing. According to Bertucci, determining how often you should wash your hair involves considering various factors such as hair type, texture, and your personal routine.
For those inclined to wash their hair more frequently, Bertucci suggests spacing out washes by at least two to three days. However, individuals with textured or curly hair, characterized by drier scalps and strands, can stretch their wash intervals to five to seven days, “if that aligns with their lifestyle,” she advises.
When it comes to colored hair, the hairstylist emphasizes the importance of reducing the frequency of washing, specifically using a moisturizing, sulfate-free formula. This practice extends the longevity of dyed hair, as each shampoo session contributes to a slight fading of the color. Alternating between washing every other day or every three days can significantly prolong the vibrancy of your dye job.
Differentiating between hair types is crucial. The co-founder of Salon 120 West notes that thinner locks require more frequent washing. Women with fine, thin hair are recommended to cleanse more often to avoid flatness. Moreover, she cautions against shampoos containing specific ingredients, stating, “Dimethicone can accumulate and weigh down your hair.” Instead, Kasey suggests opting for cyclomethicone, as it evaporates over time, making it a better choice for this hair type.
Dermatologist: “Finer, straighter hair needs more frequent washing compared to coarser, curlier hair”
Dermatologists advocate for a hair-washing routine of two to three times per week, although this recommendation hinges on your specific hair type. Dr. Rubin emphasizes that finer, straighter hair necessitates more frequent washing compared to coarser, curlier hair. However, the decision to lather up should be guided by the signals from your scalp and strands. Indications such as itching, flaking, product buildup, greasiness, or unpleasant odors warrant immediate cleansing, according to Dr. Rubin’s advice.
The duration between washes is contingent upon your hair type and oil levels. Dr. Rubin advises individuals with dry, thick, or coily hair against extending wash intervals beyond a week. Not solely due to limitations but to prevent potential breakage, dryness, and irritation. Maintaining moisture balance is essential for scalp and strand health; hence, a weekly cleansing routine is recommended.
On the contrary, those with fine or thin hair or an oily scalp might find the need to shampoo more frequently, possibly every other day or even daily, especially in scenarios involving rigorous physical activities in hot climates. While dry shampoo offers some oil absorption, it doesn’t provide a complete cleansing solution. Therefore, regular hair washing remains pivotal for optimal scalp and hair health.
Dr. Rubin, while speaking to Cosmopolitan, warns about the consequences of infrequent hair washing, highlighting potential issues like dandruff, irritation, clogged pores, breakouts, and eventual hair loss. These problems stem from buildup and residue comprising sebum, hair products, and dead skin cells. Stressing the significance of unclogged hair follicles for healthy hair growth, she underscores the necessity of regular hair washing for overall hair health.
Hair Colorist: “Shampoo only when your hair genuinely requires it”
Paul Labrecque, the creative director, master stylist, and colorist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, sheds light on the importance of tailoring shampoo and conditioning routines to individual hair types. Speaking to Glamour, Labrecque emphasizes a nearly universal principle: shampooing only when your hair genuinely requires it.
“The golden rule is to shampoo your hair solely when the strands are genuinely dirty,” the hair colorist affirms. “It’s the most reliable guideline to follow.” He stresses that the ideal timing for washing depends on the natural oil flow of your hair, which varies for each person due to individual differences.
In his recommendations, Labrecque suggests opting for shampoos explicitly formulated for oily hair, highlighting his preference for Biologique Recherche’s Shampooing Traitant Sébo-Rééquilibrant. He advises individuals seeking suitable products to explore options labeled “oil-free” or “balancing,” specifically designed to address greasy hair and scalp concerns, ensuring a tailored fit for your hair care routine.
Trichologist: “Pay attention to signals like excess oil, product build-up, or itchiness as indicators for when to wash your hair”
Anabel Kingsley, the brand president and consultant trichologist for Philip Kingsley, provides valuable insights to SHAPE, underscoring the significance of paying attention to signals like excess oil, product build-up, or itchiness as indicators for when to wash your hair. Notably, she emphasizes that your hair type, whether straight, wavy, or curly, and hair texture, fine or coarse, play pivotal roles in determining the ideal washing frequency.
Exploring the intricate relationship between the scalp and hair follicles, Kingsley reveals that each follicle is connected to a sebaceous gland producing sebum, a natural waxy oil that forms a protective barrier on the scalp, keeping the hair moisturized. Striking a balance is crucial, as excessive washing depletes these natural oils, leading to dryness. Conversely, prolonged intervals between washes can result in sebum accumulation, causing greasy hair and an irritated scalp.
The trichologist advises that external factors, such as living in a dusty or humid climate, and lifestyle choices, including exercise frequency, can influence how often one should wash their hair. While regular exercise might tempt individuals to shampoo after each workout, the scientist suggests it’s unnecessary, even after intense routines. On the other hand, hair coloring influences the optimal washing frequency, with less frequent washing recommended to maintain color vibrancy.
Delving into the array of products available, from scalp toners to dry shampoos like Verb’s dry texture spray, the hair scientist acknowledges the diverse options designed to extend the time between washes. Overwashing can lead to dryness in both the hair and scalp, as the ingredients that remove build-up and dirt can strip away natural oils, leaving the hair brittle and the scalp parched and flaky.
Scalp scientist: “For good scalp health and hair, it’s advised that you shampoo no less than once every three days”
With the winter, anticipated shifts in weather can impact your scalp, potentially influencing your shampoo routine. Dr. Rolanda Johnson-Wilkerson, the principal scientist at Procter & Gamble, the parent company of Pantene and Head & Shoulders, notes, “While scalp problems and dandruff occur all year, they are more noticeable in the winter.”
She points out to Chatelaine that during colder months, individuals tend to wash their hair less frequently, leading to a buildup of oil on the scalp, creating conditions favorable to dandruff. To maintain a healthy scalp and hair, Dr. Johnson-Wilkerson recommends shampooing at least once every three days. For those dealing with scalp issues, daily shampooing can alleviate symptoms such as itchiness, flaking, and dryness.
Selecting the right shampoo becomes crucial, with the renowned doctor advising the use of products containing a blend of active and moisturizing ingredients. To address concerns about frayed ends, incorporating a conditioner into the routine is key. “Using conditioner after every shampoo helps to protect the hair fiber and nourish the hair,” she says. Additionally, incorporating a scrub into your routine can aid in removing buildup and maintaining scalp health.
Beyond seasonal considerations, daily activities involving your hair, such as sweating during a workout or experimenting with DIY dyes, should be factored in. The scalp scientist emphasizes that the frequency of hair washing is a personal decision influenced by factors like hair type, hairstyle, and lifestyle.
Regardless of your choice, the paramount goal is to protect your hair from damage. Using hair-specific shampoo and conditioner is essential, along with adopting gentle combing practices and minimizing the use of heat tools. By prioritizing these measures, you can ensure your hair remains healthy and resilient throughout seasonal and daily challenges.
(Freepik Photo)
