How Often Should You Wash Your Hair, According to Experts?
There is no single rule for how often everyone should wash their hair. Dermatologists recommend basing your routine mainly on how oily or dirty your scalp becomes and your hair type. AAD+1
If You Have an Oily Scalp
If your scalp becomes greasy quickly and you have fine or straight hair, you may need to shampoo every day or every other day. AAD
If Your Hair Is Dry, Curly, or Thick
Dry, curly, coily, textured, or thick hair generally doesn’t need frequent shampooing. The American Academy of Dermatology says to wash when needed, with some people requiring shampoo only every 2–3 weeks. AAD
If You Exercise or Sweat Frequently
Heavy sweating can leave sweat, oil, and product buildup on the scalp. You may therefore need to wash or rinse your hair more frequently, depending on your hair type and scalp. AAD
As You Get Older
Hair-washing needs can change with age because the scalp generally produces less oil as we get older. You may therefore find that you don’t need to shampoo as often as you did when you were younger. Newswise
The Right Way to Shampoo
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Apply shampoo primarily to the scalp, rather than scrubbing the entire length of your hair.
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Use conditioner after washing.
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Choose products designed for your hair type.
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Avoid excessively hot water and aggressive scrubbing.
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Be gentle when your hair is wet because wet hair is more vulnerable to damage. AAD
What If You Have Dandruff?
If you have persistent flakes or an itchy scalp, simply washing less often may not solve the problem. Dermatologists may recommend an anti-dandruff shampoo containing ingredients such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, or zinc pyrithione, depending on the situation. AAD
Bottom Line
Wash your hair according to your scalp and hair type—not according to a fixed number of days. Oily, straight hair may need frequent washing, while dry or curly hair can often go much longer between shampoos.
If you tell me whether your hair is oily, dry, curly, thin, or normal, I can give you a simple weekly hair-washing schedule.
