How Often Should I Actually Wash My Hair?
Both can be right. It depends on your hair type and your scalp. Oily, straight hair may need daily washing; dry, curly or coily hair can go much longer.
My friend washes her hair every day, my mom says that's bad and I should wash it twice a week. Who's right?
Your friend washes every day. Your mom says that’s terrible for your hair. Someone online swears by once a week. Everyone sounds confident, and they can’t all be right. Or can they?
Actually, they can, because the right answer depends on your hair.
What dermatologists say
The American Academy of Dermatology gives two very different answers for two different types of hair:
- Straight hair with an oily scalp: you may want to shampoo every day.
- Dry, textured, curly or thick hair: shampoo when needed, at least once every 2 to 3 weeks.
So daily washing isn’t “bad,” and twice a week isn’t “gross.” It’s about what your scalp and hair need.
Figure out your number
Ask yourself:
- How fast do my roots get oily? If they look greasy by the next day, wash more often. Puberty makes this really common. Here’s why your hair gets greasy so fast.
- Is my hair dry, frizzy or breaking? You might be washing too often, or using too much shampoo on your lengths.
- Do I sweat a lot? After practice or a workout, rinsing or washing helps, especially if you get breakouts along your hairline.
- Is my scalp itchy or flaky? That can be a sign to see a doctor rather than just change how often you wash.
Try a schedule for two weeks, then adjust. Your hair will tell you.
How to wash, not just how often
- Shampoo goes on your scalp, not the whole length of your hair, according to the AAD.
- Conditioner after washing. The AAD says fine or straight hair needs it on the ends, and dry or curly hair needs it on the entire length.
- Be gentle with wet hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, and wrap your hair in a towel or T-shirt instead of rubbing it dry.
