If you’ve ever wondered why you really to wash your hair, you’re not alone. With conflicting advice coming from all directions, it can be confusing to know what’s best for your specific hair type and lifestyle. However, several factors come into play that can modify this guideline. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of washing hair daily, a few times a week, or less often.
- Case for daily hair washing
Some people – especially those with very fine or oily hair – find they need to wash their hair daily. If you lead an active lifestyle and sweat heavily daily, that’s another reason washing hair every day makes sense to keep your locks fresh. That’s why it’s important to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner if you wash daily. You may also benefit from occasionally taking a break from daily washing to let your natural oils replenish. But for very oily hair, skipping a daily wash simply isn’t realistic.
- Case for washing a few times per week
The fort lauderdale hair salons those with relatively straight, normal-to-dry hair, washing a few times per week is likely sufficient. Most experts, including many at high-end hair salons, recommend washing two to three times per week as ideal for this hair type. It allows you to wash away any oil or product buildup without completely stripping away your hair’s natural oils. Washing every other day or every two days helps keep hair looking clean and fresh between washes.
It’s best to wash on the days when your hair tends to look oilier or feels dirtier from product usage. Pay attention to how your hair responds on non-wash days to determine the optimal washing frequency. Touching up roots with dry shampoo can help refresh hair between washes. As long as your hair looks and feels relatively clean on non-wash days, this frequency is likely ideal.
- Case for washing less often
Some with very dry, curly, or afro-textured hair can go longer between full washes due to their hair’s lower natural oil production for these hair types, shampooing less often – once a week or every 5-7 days – helps limit dryness and retain beneficial oils. Many choose to co-wash more frequently – washing just with conditioner to hydrate hair without stripping oils.
The key is your hair should never feel or look overly greasy or dirty between washes. If it does, it’s time to lather up. Also, pay attention to your scalp’s health. If flaking or itching develops before your next shampoo, it’s a sign you need to wash more frequently. Otherwise, enjoy going longer between shampoos while still looking polished.
- Washing considerations
No matter your washing frequency, use lukewarm water instead of hot, which can dry out hair? Also focus shampoo only on the roots, not the length of hair, to avoid over-stripping oils. Conditioning the lengths and ends is key to counteract any dryness from washing. It’s fine to adjust your washing schedule based on factors like overly sweaty workouts or long intervals between haircuts when natural oil can build up faster.