How Often Should You Wash Your Hair? – The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

We got asked how often to wash hair so many times and could not really find a great answer online.

So we decided to make this in-depth guide.

It’s long.  Because we tried to make it useful for you.

And we used a lot of examples, background, studies and reasons to explain.

If you don’t have time and just want to jump straight to the section you are after, click ahead right now with this quick guide.

How often to wash: Shorter or Longer Hair –  Curly Hair – Straight Hair – Coloured Hair – Damaged Hair – If you have Dandruff – If you have Oily or Dry skin – Depending on your individual Lifestyle or Environment

That being said, let’s get right into it.

History of washing hair

The history of washing hair goes back…. well, as far as we have had hair to wash.

And before your hairdresser stocked thousands of specially crafted hair wash products (that claim so many miraculous things – do they even work??), people always used to rely on the things that were available.

Firstly, a water supply. A body of water like a lake, river or stream.

And then more modern human creations like public baths and bathrooms.

A “champoo”?

Over time, the use of vegetable and animal materials initially and then more specialised hair washing products were invented to help with the process.

It was only a couple of centuries ago that shampoo, believed to have emerged and spread from India (and the Hindi word “champoo” – to press, knead or massage), came to be used as a hair cleansing product with increasing popularity since.

Let us now look at how often hair should be washed.

Not a simple answer

You have probably wondered, even debated with others, about just how often to wash hair.

Here’s the deal.  Turns out the question is not a very simple one after all.

There’s quite a few things to consider.

And this is why there are so many opinions out there. So so many.

A simple online search yields a MILLION different answers (400 million in fact, we checked…).

Some of them founded in good evidence. Others, not so much.

One says wash your hair every single day. Another advises not to wash your hair at all.

So, who is right, how often should I wash my hair?

The easy answer here is – “as often as you need to”.  This is also a somewhat useless answer.

There is no other one size fits all answer to this question.

But bear with me, I promise we will explain why and also get more specific.

Not washing your hair often enough can leave it looking unkempt and dirty.

Wash it too often and it will lead to dry, irritated scalp and brittle hair.

It’s about finding a good balance.

You need to consider your individual:

• scalp condition
• hair type and length
• lifestyle
• age
• climate
• and also the products you use.

This and personal experience of course. A little experimentation and some basics will get the timing and regimen just right.

Read on for a closer look.

Basic hair anatomy

What we are actually talking about?

See this cross section diagram of the anatomy of a hair follicle:

You are born with between 100 and 150 thousand follicles just like this one on your scalp!

And like skin in any other part of your body, it contains sebaceous glands, located next to the hair follicles.

These little glands create a substance named sebum.

Sebum is an oily substance that travels from the glands (pictured above) to the surface of your skin. It acts to lubricate your skin and similarly, lubricate your hair.  It helps to keep hair from getting dry and protects the strands of hair. Therefore, it is very important to the health of both hair and scalp.

How much sebum we make varies a lot between individuals. As we will find out in a moment, this is a crucial consideration in answering the recommended frequency of washing hair question.

Why should you wash your hair?

For me, it is firstly to keep it clean. To keep hair healthy.

To make it easy to style and to my liking. And easy on the eye.

A good hair day can definitely make a big difference to my day.

If you fail to wash your hair and scalp as often as needed, it can become home to dirt, excess oils, dead skin and pollution residue.

Apart from looking dull and dirty, it can also lead to an itchy scalp and dandruff.

In order to attain a fine healthy head of hair that is soft, clean and fizz free, we need not only good health but also a good hair care regimen.

Part of this is washing our hair.

Hair washing – what it does to hair

Shower or bath, when you wash your hair, you are removing dirt and excess oil as well as nourishing your scalp and hair.

You have two main aims:

– To keep it healthy

– And make it look and smell good (cosmetic effect)

How often you wash as well as hair products can assist with these aims, but also hinder them if used inappropriately.

Let’s find out more.

Hair products

Certain hair products and treatments can go a long way to making the process easier and improving your hair health as well as style.

Do we need hair products at all?

Some say a good rinse with just water is enough to complete this task.

To a considerable degree, this is true, but it does not complete the story for most people we surveyed (over 85% percent in fact, males and females).

And definitely not in my personal experience.

How do the hair products work?

Shampoos

We all have and use them these days, but let’s find out their action. Shampoos are incredibly popular hair care products designed to assist cleaning hair.

They are heavily marketed and there is literally thousands of options on the market for you to choose from.

Shampoo application, if done in the right way and frequency, can benefit your hair in a number of ways.

How does shampoo work?

Shampoo to your hair is what regular soap is to our body.

Just as you lather up while bathing to clean your body of dirt and sweat, shampoo does the same thing when used on your hair.

When you apply shampoo on your hair, dirt and oil (sebum) is trapped by the shampoo chemicals and then rinsed away with water.

Shampoos do this by using special molecules called surfactants. They work because they are attracted to and bind to both water and oil.

So using a shampoo will assist the cleaning process by removing more dirt and oil.

Remember this for later.

Shampoos can also have other benefits.

They often contain extra substances or have specific properties.

For examples, they include specialised shampoos for dandruff, coloured hair, shampoos with extra hydration or those for oily hair. They can also have pleasant scents or contain micronutrients claimed to be helpful.

So the way shampoos work will definitely affect how often hair should be washed.

What about conditioners?

Conditioners

Just like shampoos, hair conditioners have been heavily marketed and increasingly popular over the past century.

In simple terms, hair conditioners work by providing extra lubrication to hair and reducing frizzing.

Conditioners are designed with the aim to help hair be more manageable, softer and pleasing to the eye.

They will often allow easier brushing and styling of the hair.

Applied after shampoo when washing your hair, conditioners will often be marketed with extra benefits as well and be specialised for certain types of hair or goals/styles.

Other hair products

As well as shampoos and conditioners, there are a multitude of other hair products marketed for use when washing hair. These include pre and post wash treatments for example.

Each product will have its own properties and can affect how often a wash is needed.

What happens if I wash my hair too much?

Is it possible, can you wash it too often?

You most definitely can. And the consequences are not great.

As we saw, washing hair and especially with shampoo, works by removing oil from hair and the scalp.

By washing hair with shampoo more than needed, we can remove too much of what are needed and natural oils. Even if you combine it with a moisturising product, it may not be the same.

This can result in dry, unnourished hair strands which can break easily, lead to split ends and even dandruff.

It gets worse.

Another risk of overdoing the washing is the amount of chemicals that are in contact with your scalp and predispose it to potential irritation. It is also important to know this as using unsuitable hair care products can lead to long term damage.

If you are like me and can’t go a day (or even half a day) without a shower, get that shower cap and put it to good use.

It is important to remember that each hair wash is followed by a drying and styling process.

So, washing frequently may not be as damaging as the processes that FOLLOW the wash cycle. Wet hair roots are highly susceptible to stress from combing, drying and styling. Over washing will also increase the exposure to these activities, resulting in visible harm.

Blow drying too often can also lead to dry, damaged and dull hair.

If you use the right products for your hair, especially the right shampoo and conditioner, you may be able to get away with washing your hair more than the recommended amount. There is no defined or set upper limit. But it is not needed.

Factors affecting how often hair should be washed

Broadly speaking, experts suggest washing your hair every few days.

Now:

The exact frequency will depend on the following broad factors. We have grouped them in sections below.

In each section, I will try to provide as specific and clear advice as possible.

Your scalp condition

As discussed earlier, glands in our scalp produce sebum that lubricates and protects our hair and can make it look oily.

Just like for you and me, this is the case for everyone. But this is where the similarities end.

No two people on Earth have the same amount of sebum or oil production.

And it gets even more TRICKY – the amount of oil your scalp even changes through your lifetime!

Numerous factors including hormones, gender, stage of life and genetics will affect just how much oil your scalp makes. And in doing so, how often you need to wash hair.

Therefore, some of us end up with oily hair after just a day or two of a hair wash, whereas others might stretch up to a week without a head full of oily crop.

This is a story unique to you, so don’t ignore it.

How often should I wash my hair if I have dry to normal hair or skin?

If you find your skin or hair is more on the dry side and does not get too oily, you probably don’t need to wash it more than once or twice per week.

Washing hair more often can make it dry and dull. We also suggest finding a suitable moisturising shampoo and conditioner to use.

How often should I wash my hair if I have oily hair or skin?

If you are blessed with an oily scalp and you find hair starts getting greasy even a couple of days after a hair wash, you may need to adopt a more frequent hair wash cycle.

Try washing it every two or three days. In some cases, albeit rarely, it needs to be even more frequent. Still, most experts suggest avoiding washing every day.

Hair type

Experts and hair stylists stress the importance of matching your hair type to your hair wash protocol and frequency.

Moreover, your hair type and texture determine how slow or how fast sebum can cover it.

For example, sebum will travel faster in straight hair making it look oily and need of a wash earlier than, say, in curly hair.

So it is a good idea to spare some time and find out (or ask your hairdresser) the exact type and texture of your hair as it will help you figure out how often to wash it.

How often should I wash my fine, thin or straight hair?

The rule of thumb here is that thin and straight hair should be washed more often than wavy (or curly) and thick hair.

Try to experiment by washing straight or thin hair every two or three days and adjust the frequency depending on results.

How often should I wash my thick or curly hair?

In case you have curly, coarse or thick hair, you can probably stick to a once or twice weekly hair washing regime.

Sebum is crucial to great looking curls as it needs extra moisture to remain soft and frizz free.

This is why less often is generally the answer here.

A range of hair products can help for curls as well, but this is a story for another day.

Hair length

As a general rule, long hair is more prone to damage if washed too often when compared to short hair.

Should I wash my hair more often if it is short?

If you have shorter hair, you may be able to get away with washing it a bit more often.

But stylists would still not recommend over doing it as it can cause more harm than benefit.

Special considerations

Here we look at some specific situations which hair may be exposed to.

How often should I wash my hair if I use styling products?

Certain hair styling products, for example sprays, gels or creams, can accumulate in your hair and scalp.

This can make hair appear oily. In addition, it can cause skin irritation and inflammation.

Therefore, if you use products often or in significant amounts, you will probably benefit from washing your hair a bit more often.

How often should I wash coloured hair?

Naturally, if you colour your hair, irrespective of whether it is at home or in the salon, you want it to last as much as possible.

Hair washing will without doubt fade the colour.

So extending the time between two hair washes is probably a good idea if possible. Depending on all the factors already discussed, aim to not wash the hair more than once or twice per week if possible.

You should also use a colour specific shampoo and conditioner to help lock in the hair dye.

The natural colour of your hair

Interestingly, it is said that the colour of your hair should influence how often you wash it.

Some say darker haired individuals should avoid washing hair as often as doing it more than a couple of times per week will lead to the loss of some of the pigments.

Not sure if this applies to everyone but might be a good one to consider.

How often should I wash damaged hair?

If you have damaged hair, for example from heat or chemical treatment, the most important thing is to use appropriate products for your condition as recommended by your hairdresser or doctor.

Frequency will generally be about twice per week but will depend a lot on the individual circumstances.

These would include some of the above considerations but will also be specific to the specific condition of your hair and scalp.

How often should I wash my hair if I have dandruff?

It is crucial to find the source of why the dandruff is occurring.

CAUSES include:
– oily scalp (or even very dry scalp),
– not washing hair enough,
– fungal infection,
– irritation from one of your hair products (and sometimes not rinsing them out well enough)
– or another skin condition.

If you have dandruff, we generally recommend washing your hair MORE OFTEN, even daily, with an antidandruff product. Ensure to rinse it really well after.

If dandruff is not clearing up, speak to your doctor or dermatologist.

Age

As we get older, we sometimes find that we need to wash hair less often for perfect results.

Just as our skin is often more oily in our younger years (think back to being a teenager) than when we get older, the amount of sebum production by our scalp generally reduces as we age.

And along with it, how often our hair needs a wash.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle and activity levels can affect how your hair looks by the end of the day.

You might have a perfectly clean head of hair after shampooing in the morning.

If you then exercise throughout the day, you are likely to end up with sweaty hair that can look messy, dirty and ready for another wash.

If left unwashed, sweat can block your pores and damage your roots in the long run.

Hence, if your lifestyle requires you to be more active physically, wash your hair a little more often as well.

Environment

Environmental factors out of your control can also dictate how often you should wash your hair.

Namely temperature and humidity.

For instance, if you are an active gardener or live in polluted city areas, then regular washing (every other day depending on your hair type) is needed to get rid of all the dirt and the grime.

Also, a humid or hot climate or season can make you sweat more than colder (or drier) climates, calling for a more frequent hair wash cycle.

Gender – should men wash their hair more often than women?

Most hair experts we talked to agree that gender itself DOES NOT ON ITS OWN in any significantly way determine how often hair should be washed.

The hair is the same.

But this does not mean that the hair wash frequency should necessarily be the same. Other determinants and activities still apply as for anyone.

So it depends more on the hair style, age, product use, activity levels and hair length rather than just gender.

For example, if a man has shorter hair, applies hair product and runs (or works outdoors) every day, he will need quite frequent hair washing.

But as you can see, it is not his gender that is the main reason, rather the other variables, which in some cases and in some cultures (but not always), will be more associated with males.

Individual Preferences

I can’t stress this one enough, what works for others may not work for you.

Personal preferences, cultural norms, budget and current styles often influence how often we wash our hair.

And this is fine. We are all different. Fine tune the advice. Experiment. And see what works for you.

If you find you need to wash your hair often (or rarely!) and your hair looks good and doesn’t give you issues, do it! Make sure any shampoo and conditioner is not doing any harm and you are good to go.

Block out the noise.

Are you washing your hair correctly?

The way you wash your hair can also affect how often you need to undergo the process.

Product selection

Different hair types respond differently to the same hair care products.

So, select shampoos and conditioners based on your hair condition and type.

If you have dry hair: Look for products offering moisture and hydration after the wash cycle. For example, these can be shampoos with menthol or tea-tree oil.

Avoid ‘volumising’ and ‘strengthening’ cleaning products.

If you have oily hair: On the other hand, products comprising ‘strengthening, volumising, or balancing’ in their description are ideal for oily hair.

Look out for non-moisturising shampoo products that can help you get rid of the excess sebum or hair oil.

If your hair is exposed to regular colour treatments, then replenish the strength with a protein based shampoo.

Important hair care tips

Irrespective of your hair type and how often you wash your hair, you must look after it on a regular basis.

Wrapping up

So, after all this, how often should you wash your hair?

As you have seen, the answer varies a great deal but if you wash your hair every 2 to 4 days, you should be all good.

It is just a matter of finding the perfect balance of hair moisture and cleanliness that works for you. Remember to use a good shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and style.

Let us know how often you wash your hair in the comments below.

Do you have any tips or suggestions that work for you?

This article written regarding frequency of washing hair is intended for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in any way as medical advice. Refer to your dermatologist, hairdresser or doctor for all hair care advice. If you have any rashes, symptoms or concerns, consult a doctor early. Ensure you agree with the terms of howoftenshould.com prior to reading and using website.

References

Shampoo and conditioners: What a dermatologist should know?, D’Souza Paschal, Rathi Sanjay K, 2015, Journal of Dermatology, accessed September 2020, link here

Shampoos and hair conditioners – Hair Washing, Bouillon C., Clin Dermatol 1988;6:83-92, link here

Number of hairs on human head, Rainer Flindt, Springer 2006, pp. 212 table 4.2.2

Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology, edited by A. Barel, M. Paye, H Mailbach, 2010

Shampoo, Wikipedia, accessed April 2022, link here

Dandruff, Mayo Clinic, accessed March 2022, link here

Showering Daily, Is it Necessary, Harvard Medical School, link here

Cover image courtesy Tim Mossholder, accessed from Pexels
Images used in article accessed from Pixabay and used under their licence

About the authors:

Written by:
1. Gauri, an English Literature graduate with a flair for writing based in Melbourne, Australia
2. Dr Dan, medical doctor based in Victoria, Australia

Edited by: Dr Dan

Special thanks and mention to a couple of expert hairdressers in Sydney, Australia (you know who you are) for your help