Figuring out how often you should actually be washing your hair can be a frustrating task. No one’s hair is identical, so while some swear by daily shampooing, others find that less frequent washes keep their hair perfectly healthy, and some of us truly don’t have a clue what type of routine is best for us. The truth is, the perfect hair washing routine varies. Plenty of factors decide how often we should wash our hair; like oil production and how susceptible we are to dandruff, but for most of us, our hair type will decide what kind of hair washing routine is best.
Hair Washing Regimes For Different Hair Types
How Often To Wash Fine Hair
As many of us know, fine or thin hair tends to be more likely to get oily. When the scalp’s sebaceous glands produce oil, hair can appear greasy and wet – sometimes a mere day after washing. Those with fine or thin hair that tends to get greasy quickly should aim to wash their hair every 1-2 days. Washing your hair with this frequency helps cleanse away oil build-up to maintain fresher feeling locks. It’s okay to wash your hair every day as long as you’re using a mild shampoo, but try to use a good conditioner on mid lengths and ends.
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How Often To Wash Thick Hair
Thicker hair tends to have a drier texture and requires extra moisture. Washing this hair type too frequently can strip away essential oils and cause further dryness. We generally recommend washing thick hair every three to four days, and textured hair once a week to cleanse the scalp and maintain natural moisture balance. However, Some thick hair gets oilier quicker, and personal preference might make you want to wash more often. Just make sure you’re using a shampoo and conditioner that keeps hair moisturised and hydrated to avoid breakage and dryness.
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How Often To Wash Oily Hair
If you have oily hair, you might find yourself needing to wash your hair as much as daily to keep greasiness at bay. Our scalps produce sebum, a natural oil that moisturises and protects the hair. Some people just produce more sebum than others, and these overactive sebaceous glands can create oily scalps and greasy-looking locks. For oily hair types, washing every 1-2 days can help control oil production and leave hair feeling refreshed and cleansed.
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How Often To Wash Dry Hair
Dry hair is often lacking in moisture and tends to be brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage. With this hair-type, over-washing can strip away the natural oils needed to maintain healthy hair and exacerbate dryness. It is generally recommended to wash dry hair less frequently than you would oily hair, in the realm of about 1-2 times a week. This break from washing allows the scalp’s natural oils to nourish and hydrate the hair strands, promoting better moisture retention and healthier hair.
How Often To Wash Combination Hair
Combination hair is characterised by hair that has both oiliness and dryness. Often with oily roots and dry ends, combination hair needs balance. Washing hair every 2-3 days is generally recommended as washing too frequently can strip the natural oils from your scalp, and waiting too long between washes can make the scalp overly greasy and cause build-up.
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What To Do Between Washes
Caring for your hair between washes can mean using hair masks, dry shampoos, treatments, oils, and more. For very oily hair, dry shampoo can be beneficial in-between wash days if you don’t want to wash your hair every day. For dry hair, leave in conditioners between washes to moisturise and hydrate hair, and hair masks can help prevent breakage and dryness. Hair oils can also be beneficial for dry hair between washes for an added drop of moisture. To protect your hair from frizz, breakage and waking up with a bed-head, consider sleeping with a silk pillowcase at night. It’s not only comfortable, it’s great for your hair.
People Also Asked…
Is it unhealthy to wash your hair every day?
This is all dependent on your hair type. If you have dry hair, washing it every day is not ideal as you’re stripping out all the natural moisture your hair needs to stay healthy. If you have extremely oily hair, washing your hair every day is okay as long as you’re using a mild shampoo and a good conditioner to care for the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Everyone’s hair is different, so figuring out your wash routine might take some trial and error.
Is it ok to wash your hair once a week?
Generally, it’s recommended to wash hair at least twice a week in order to adequately cleanse away oils, build-up, leftover product and dead skin. However there is no recommendation that will suit every person and every hair type. For some textured hair types, washing your hair once a week or once every 1-2 weeks may be all it needs to be adequately cleansed, and overwashing it could cause it to become dry. If you’re washing your hair once a week and you’re getting an itchy scalp, seeing dandruff and noticing product buildup, it might be a sign to go from washing once, to twice a week.
Is washing hair 3 times a week enough?
For some hair types, 3 times a week is just right, for some it’s too little, and for others it is too much. Generally, washing your hair 2-3 times a week is the recommended amount. So depending on how your hair reacts, 3 times a week is a great routine. Over-washing dry hair types can cause the hair to be stripped of its natural oils and become dry, and washing oily hair less than 3-4 times a week can often not be enough. It’s all about finding the right balance for your hair.
