Tired of the hair-washing struggle? You've ditched the two-in-one shampoo, but now you're left wondering: how often should you actually wash your hair? It's a question many of us grapple with, and the answer might surprise you.
The truth is, establishing a regular hair-washing routine is about more than just looking good. It's crucial for scalp health, a factor that's often overlooked. Think of it this way: your scalp is like a tiny garden, and it needs tending. Allowing grime and natural oils to build up can clog the pores, potentially leading to infections.
So, what's the magic number? According to Melissa DeZarate, a hair groomer and celebrity stylist, washing your hair every three to four days is ideal. However, she stresses that the absolute minimum should be once a week. If you're stretching it out longer, consider using a scalp scrub or detox shampoo to keep things fresh.
But here's where it gets controversial... How often you wash your hair isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario. Hair texture, length, diet, and even your environment play a role. Dr. Christina Weng, a board-certified dermatologist, emphasizes this point.
Fine hair tends to get greasier faster, requiring more frequent washes than thicker hair, which distributes moisture more evenly. Simone Kogen, another celebrity stylist, agrees, highlighting the importance of tailoring your routine to your hair type.
For those with thin hair, Dr. Weng recommends rinsing five to six times a week, while those with thicker hair might only need two to three. Why the difference? Less frequent washing allows sebum, the natural oil produced by your scalp, to accumulate. When exposed to air, this sebum can oxidize, potentially causing irritation, inflammation, and even fungal overgrowth.
Why You Should Focus on Your Scalp, Too
DeZarate, Kogen, and Weng all agree: scalp health is paramount. It's not just about the hair strands; it's about the foundation.
“You just gotta get in there and, like, scrub your scalp,” says DeZarate.
If you notice redness, flaking, excessive greasiness, or even breakouts, it's a sign you need to wash your hair more often. It's all about your body's unique sebum production.
“If you're actually cleaning your hair and your scalp properly, you're preventing hair loss, you're preventing possible infections,” says DeZarate. “You're preventing pimples from even forming on your scalp, right? That's like the main thing people forget—under the hair, there's still skin that needs to be taken care of.”
Kogen suggests using scalp-specific products designed to cleanse and remove impurities. Dr. Weng recommends focusing on rubbing shampoo into the scalp and letting it sit for a moment before rinsing.
And this is the part most people miss... It's also possible to over-wash your hair. Washing more than once a day, along with deep conditioning, can over-hydrate the scalp, leading to breakouts.
The bottom line? Pay attention to how your scalp feels. As Kogen puts it,
