Ask ten people how often they wash their hair and you are likely to get ten different answers, from every morning to once a week. According to dermatologists, they may all be right. There is no single schedule that suits everyone, and the right frequency depends mainly on the scalp, the type of hair and how a person lives.
“Shampoo is for the scalp, not for the hair itself,” says Dr. Karin Holm, a dermatologist at a hospital in Riverton. “The question is how quickly your scalp gets oily or itchy. That is the signal to wash.”
Oily, dry or somewhere in between
People with an oily scalp, which is common in younger adults and in those with fine, straight hair, often feel the need to wash every day or every other day. That is fine, Holm says, as long as they use a mild shampoo.
Those with a dry scalp, or with thick, curly or textured hair, can usually wait longer. Natural oils travel more slowly along curly strands, so washing too often can leave hair dry and frizzy. For them, once or twice a week is often enough.
Overwashing rarely harms a healthy scalp, but underwashing can lead to build-up, itching and flaking. The middle ground is different for everyone.
Dr. Karin Holm, dermatologist
Sport, seasons and age
Lifestyle plays a role too. People who exercise daily or work in hot or dusty environments may need to wash more often. In winter, when indoor heating dries the skin, many people find their scalp needs washing less frequently.
Hair also changes with age. Hormonal shifts, for example during pregnancy or menopause, can make the scalp drier or oilier, so a routine that worked for years may need adjusting.
Tips for a healthy routine
- Use lukewarm rather than hot water, which can dry out the scalp.
- Massage shampoo into the scalp and let the foam rinse through the lengths.
- Apply conditioner mainly to the ends.
- Dry shampoo can stretch the time between washes, but should not replace them.
Persistent itching, redness, heavy flaking or sudden hair loss are not a matter of washing frequency and should be checked by a doctor or dermatologist.
“Listen to your scalp,” Holm says. “It tells you more than any rule on the internet.”
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