{"id":28824,"date":"2022-02-11T18:58:19","date_gmt":"2022-02-11T18:58:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=28824"},"modified":"2022-02-14T21:49:30","modified_gmt":"2022-02-14T21:49:30","slug":"how-often-should-you-wash-your-hair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/how-often-should-you-wash-your-hair\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Have to Wash Your Hair Every Day?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wondering <\/em>how often you need to wash your hair<\/em>? Two hairstylists break the complicated question down, according to hair types and concerns, below.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

Everyone has that friend who brags about how they can go on for days without washing their hair. They\u2019ll likely tell you that a spritz of dry shampoo on their scalp does just the trick. Meanwhile, you may be trying to wrap your head around how that\u2019s even remotely possible. Or you may be asking yourself \u201cIs it bad to wash your hair every day?\u201d What if your roots get greasy after one day<\/a>? (You\u2019re not alone). And how often should you wash your hair if you work out? It turns out that pretty much every hair type out there\u2014yes, all of them\u2014can go a day or more without washing, while still being nice and clean. We spoke to two hairstylists to understand exactly how often you should wash your hair based on your hair type and concerns<\/a>\u2014along with tips on how to properly shampoo<\/a> your hair.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

Should You Wash Your Hair Every Day?<\/h2>\n\n\n

Believe it or not, it is possible to over-wash and under-wash your hair, which is why finding a middle ground is key to keeping your hair and scalp happy and healthy. Jenna Spino, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon<\/a> in Chicago, says over-washing tends to lead to dryness. \u201cIt can cause more frizz and less shine,\u201d she explains. On the other hand, failing to wash your hair on a regular basis can also have its downsides for both your scalp and hair. \u201cBuildup of sebum, oils, and dead skin can clog your hair follicles, which can lead to some hair loss,\u201d Spino says.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Since washing your hair too much or not enough can lead to problems, it\u2019s important to find out exactly how often you should be washing your hair. Here\u2019s the deal: Every hair type and concern has a different answer. While some hair types can get away with washing their hair every three days, others may need to shampoo more often. And with people on social media<\/a> going four to five days without washing, you may be asking yourself, \u201cIs it bad to wash your hair every day?\u201d Not necessarily. For some, washing your tresses might be the best way to keep your scalp happy and healthy. It all depends on your unique hair type. Read on to find out how often you should wash your hair, according to experts.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

Curly, Coily, or Thick Hair<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wondering how often you should wash your hair if you have curly or thick hair, you\u2019re in luck: you don\u2019t have to wash your hair as often as those with straight or fine hair.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

Those with curly and coily hair should aim for once a week, according to Shelley Aguirre, hairstylist at Maxine Salon<\/a>. That\u2019s because curly hair tends to be drier than other hair types, so overwashing your coils can lead to frizz, dullness, and damage. Pro tip: Make sure you add extra moisture back to your strands on wash day\u2014whether through a deep conditioner or a hydrating hair mask.<\/p>\n\n\n

If you have thick hair, try washing it every three days. Since your hair is so luscious, oil won\u2019t be as obvious. However, you don\u2019t want to run the risk of unwelcome buildup. If you use products to extend the time in between showers (no shame), make sure you try a scalp detox<\/a> every four weeks or so to break down leftover product, dirt, oil, and sweat.<\/p>\n\n\n

Straight or Fine Hair<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Straight and fine hair types, according to Spino, will have to devote more time to washing their hair on a weekly basis than those without texture and thickness. \u201cPeople with fine hair will also probably have to wash more frequently than people with thick hair because the oils can spread easier, making it look greasy faster,\u201d she explains. Ultimately, she believes your hair washing schedule primarily depends on your lifestyle. Looking for a place to start? Try washing your fine hair every other day, says Aguirre.<\/p>\n\n\n

Damaged Hair<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Dealing with damaged hair<\/a>? You still need to be shampooing. For those experiencing any sort of hair damage, Bethel says washing your hair every three days or so would suffice. It\u2019s important to give your hair a rest<\/a> from washing in order to preserve its natural oils. However, she says damaged hair also needs to soak up all the moisture from all the extra moisturizing treatments you can give once wash day comes back around. Focus the shampoo on your scalp and make sure you spend extra time adding some conditioning treatments to the bottom part of your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n

If You Have Dandruff<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Given that it\u2019s already irritated, extra diligence must be observed when washing a dandruff-filled scalp<\/a>. That being said, Nashville-based celebrity hairstylist Carly Bethel<\/a> recommends using a gentle shampoo on a dandruff-stricken scalp \u201ceither every day or every other day to help remove some of that oil build-up.\u201d On the days you\u2019re not using the gentle shampoo, consider using a medicated shampoo to clear up those flakes. Dandruff is primarily caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, which is why an antifungal shampoo is key. Look for products like Nizoral shampoo (which contains ketoconazole), Selsun Blue (which contains selenium sulfide), or Head and Shoulders (which contains zinc<\/a> pyrithione). Massage onto wet hair and make sure you let it sit on your scalp for a little to ensure the active ingredients can get to work. Another tip? Try giving your scalp a detox<\/a> by scrubbing away any flakes or dead skin to keep the skin as clean as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n

If You Have A Protective Style<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

When it comes to protective styles<\/a>, wash day can be a lot of work (think: heavy, wet braids). To help avoid any unnecessary hassle (and to keep the protective hairstyle intact), keep the hair washing to a minimum. Bethel recommends giving your hair a wash day once every two weeks. \u201cThis way you can avoid any extra scalp build-up.\u201d In the interim, consider using scalp rinses (you can make your own with apple cider vinegar or you can buy ones from the store, like Sunday II Sunday\u2019s Root Refresh Micellar Rinse<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n

If You Work Out A Lot<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

So, how often should you wash your hair if you work out often? Between boosting overall health and boosting your immune system<\/a>, the benefits of regular exercise are practically endless. Still, there\u2019s one drawback: All that sweat can leave your hair feeling a bit, er, funky. But getting on a proper wash schedule can help massively. Gym rats and fitness buffs that are all about breaking a major sweat when working out should wash their hair every other day to every three days, Bethel says. \u201cThis way you\u2019re not overwashing it.\u201d Our advice? Spray some dry shampoo onto your roots before you start working out, so the product can absorb sweat as it appears, keeping your scalp a little cleaner.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

If You Have Oily Hair<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

You may think oily hair needs to be shampooed every day to keep it clean, but that\u2019s far from how often you actually need to wash your hair. \u201cPeople with oily hair need to wash their hair one to two days [a week] with a gentle cleanser to avoid oil buildup,\u201d says Bethel. Overwashing oily hair will only strip the scalp of its natural oils more and cause increased oil production. If you have greasy hair, Bethel recommends trying to extend the days in between wash days as much as you can and using a dry shampoo to curb oil production at the roots.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

How Much Shampoo to Use<\/strong> When Washing Your Hair<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Generally speaking, Spino says that a quarter size amount of shampoo works best, but some hair types (like thicker or longer ones) need more than others. \u201cShorter, finer hair [needs] about a nickel, and thick, long hair [needs] about a half dollar,\u201d she explains. Whatever amount you use, make sure you rinse it out thoroughly so there\u2019s no residue left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n

Hair Wash Day Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Wash frequency is certainly the most important factor for maintaining a healthy scalp and hair, but there are a few other things to keep in mind in order to make the most out of washing your hair.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n