How often should you wash your hair? This is a question many people have. However, experts state that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question—it depends on the individual.
Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, USA, says: “Some people think they need to wash their hair daily; otherwise, their hair will become very greasy.”
“If they try not to do that, they may find that their scalp or hair is not greasy at all.”
The frequency of washing hair depends on three main factors, including hair type and texture, scalp oiliness, and your activity level.
“It’s a personal matter,” Dr. Rossi explains. Washing hair too frequently can lead to dry and dull hair, while washing too infrequently can cause oil buildup, which may lead to odor and dandruff.
Below, experts will analyze in more detail what you should do.
Washing hair too frequently can lead to dry and dull hair. (Illustrative image)
How often should you wash your hair?
Dr. Rossi often tells his patients that they should wash their hair once or twice a week. However, if you have treated your hair with chemicals (such as bleaching, perming, or straightening), your hair may be drier. In that case, you might wash it less than once a week to avoid breakage or split ends, he advises.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if your scalp is very oily, you may need to wash your hair more frequently—for example, once a day. Age can also affect the oiliness of your hair.
“During puberty, we have increased hormone levels, and thus the oil glands can become larger. That’s why people get acne during their teenage years,” Rossi explains.
The dermatologist adds that children may have oilier scalps during their teenage years, so washing more frequently can be beneficial. Moreover, our scalps produce less oil as we age.
The American Academy of Dermatology further states: “Curly or coarse hair can be more prone to dryness or breakage. Therefore, washing too frequently can exacerbate this condition, so thick curly hair usually doesn’t need to be washed daily.”
Dr. Rossi often tells his patients that they should wash their hair once or twice a week. (Illustrative image)
What to do between washes?
You should not only care for your hair and scalp while bathing. Between washes, there are certain things you can do to maintain cleanliness and keep your hair looking good, protecting it from damage.
“I think it’s important to cleanse the scalp. Just like grooming a beard, you want to care for the skin underneath,” Rossi suggests. “Gently massage your scalp and brush your hair. This helps remove dead skin cells.
“You can also use a conditioner or scalp oil to help nourish and moisturize the scalp.”
Rossi notes that if you sweat frequently while exercising, you don’t need to wash your hair every time you work out unless there is excessive bacteria growth or your hair smells bad. You can rinse it with water if you prefer.
Rossi mentions that most dry shampoos are considered safe for hair, but don’t use them too often. “If you have very oily hair, that can actually be a good thing. But you might still want to wash the excess oil away. You don’t want to accumulate that on your scalp,” he warns.
The doctor adds that if you notice excess oil around the roots, you can blot the oil with blotting paper.
If you swim with your hair down, chlorine can make your hair dry and brittle. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, protect your hair by wetting and conditioning it beforehand and wearing a snug swim cap. Afterwards, replace lost moisture by using a swimmer’s shampoo and conditioner.
Rossi advises that if you are experiencing persistent issues with your scalp or hair—such as dandruff, hair loss, or brittleness—you should see a dermatologist for treatment.
