A lot is going on with your scalp and hair. Sweating from heat, exercise, daily activities, and seasonal changes can affect your hair’s natural state.
Not to mention, hair product buildup can clog the skin on your scalp over time. Additionally, glands near the hair follicles produce oil that softens the hair.
You probably know you need to Wash Your Hair, but how often should you clean it to maintain the health of your hair and scalp?
According to TikTok’s #nopoo trend, shampoo shouldn’t be in the equation. #Nopoo has racked up over 288 million views and features people using shampoo instead of other cleaning methods, like apple cider vinegar or plain water. That said, there is little scientific data to support the purported benefits of this trend.
So, we asked experts to weigh in on hair cleansing to determine how often you should wash your hair based on your hair type, scalp health, lifestyle, and more.
Why It’s Important to Wash Your Hair
Even if you’ve been washing your hair your whole life, let’s start with a quick reminder of why we wash our hair in the first place.
“Washing your hair serves two purposes: cleansing the scalp and cleansing the strands,” says Fatima Fahs, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, and founder of Dermy Doc Box. Cleansing the scalp is similar to cleaning the skin on your face, she says, because it removes oil, dirt, and grime.
However, you can go too far when it comes to washing. The downside to washing too frequently (depending on your scalp and hair type) is that it can lead to dry, itchy, and even hair loss, says Dr. Fahs.
“Our hair depends on a natural oil, called sebum, secreted by the root of the hair follicle of the scalp to nourish it,” he explains. “Removing this oil too frequently can cause scalp irritation and hair damage.”
How Often Experts Recommend Washing Your Hair
First, remember that everyone has different scalp issues and hair types, so the answer to how often you should wash your hair is highly individualized.
For example, if you have curly hair, your scalp is likely drier than someone with straight hair, says Jennifer Davis Alexander, PhD, a holistic skin scientist and skin wellness expert in Baltimore.
If your scalp and hair tend to be oilier, you may need to wash more frequently than someone with drier hair, she says. Additionally, if you have fine hair, it may benefit you to clean it daily or every other day, notes Fahs.
Additionally, other lifestyle factors can affect washing frequency, says Dr. Alexander:
- How often do you do physical activity?
- Swimming in a chlorinated pool
- You are working in a job exposed to dust and chemicals.
- I am using hair products that can cause buildup.
- If you chemically treat your hair
It also helps to understand how your ethnicity affects hair follicles. “People of African descent have hair follicles that are asymmetrical and elliptical in shape,” says Alexander.
This prevents oil from flowing from the scalp into the hair, causing further dryness and possible breakage. “Daily washing is not recommended,” he says.
Fahs adds that those with afro-textured and frizzy hair can extend the time between washes to one to two weeks.
Ultimately, however, it’s up to you to consider the many factors determining how often you should wash your hair and then use that information to make the best decision for you.
“My best advice is to know your hair,” says Alexander. For more detailed recommendations, consult a board-certified dermatologist for a specific hair-washing regimen that meets your needs.
The Right Way to Wash Your Hair
When lathering, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends focusing on massaging the shampoo into your scalp.
“The main function of shampoo is to clean the scalp. Applying the shampoo directly to the scalp and letting it flow through the hair while rinsing is [usually] sufficient for the hair,” says Alexander.
Plus, massaging it into the scalp stimulates blood circulation, which nourishes the scalp and hair follicles, she says.
Let the shampoo massage your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing to allow the active ingredients to cleanse as effectively as possible, adds Fahs. Then, according to the AAD, apply conditioner to the ends of your hair.
What Would Happen if You Don’t Wash Your Hair?
The consequences of not washing your hair include oil and scalp buildup. There may be a “no poop” trend on social media (where people avoid washing their hair), but be aware of the consequences of this buildup.
Which can “clog hair follicles, weigh hair down, and change the Hair pH”. . scalp. . sebum levels and the scalp microbiome,” says Alexander. Although the right time is different for each person, shampooing promotes scalp and hair health.
Remember that hair and scalp problems aren’t just due to how often you shampoo: your hair says a lot about your health. See your dermatologist if you experience unusual dryness, itching, or discomfort.
How to Stretch the Time Between Washings of Your Hair
If you just styled your hair and want to keep it healthy, here’s what you can do:
- Only do light exercises that don’t cause a lot of sweating, such as gentle walking or yoga. And from now on, it’s not a bad idea to schedule intense, sweaty workouts right before you wash and style your hair, Fahs suggests.
- Use dry shampoo wisely and in moderation: Spraying it on your hair regularly can cause buildup that irritates the scalp, notes Fahs.
How Shampoo Type Affects How Often You Wash Your Hair
It’s essential to make sure you use a shampoo and conditioner formulated for your specific hair type, and based on previous research, there are many available.
For example, Fahs notes that if you have an oily scalp and you use a hydrating shampoo, you might have too much moisture and need to start washing more frequently.
Look for a shampoo formulated specifically for oily hair or one labeled “clarifying” or balancing. Clarifying shampoos, which help remove buildup, can also be a good option if you use many products on your hair, including dry shampoo, which can build up over time, she says.
Many shampoo formulations are available, so if you find store shelves crowded, it’s always a good idea to ask your hairstylist or dermatologist for recommendations for your hair type.
The Bottom Line
Experts say that washing your hair removes dirt, oil and product buildup and is important for hair and scalp health. Although the appropriate time and frequency to wash your hair differs depending on each person’s hair type and lifestyle, it varies from once a day to twice a month.
