Daily shampooing might seem like a must, but it can strip your scalp of its natural oils which are needed for healthier hair. The better question to ask is, “How often should you wash your hair?” The key to that depends on your hair type, scalp health and how often you work up a sweat.
So, is it bad to wash your hair every day?
Washing your hair on a daily basis isn’t necessarily bad for everyone. Our advice…yes, no and it depends. For some people who might workout daily, have fine hair or oily scalps, daily washes can be better. For others, it can be counterproductive as frequent washing strips away the natural oils in your scalp leading to further problems.
How often should you wash your hair?
How often you shampoo your hair can depend on a variety of factors like your hair type, your lifestyle or even just your personal preference.
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4 Factors that affect how often you should shampoo
Curious where you fall on the daily wash spectrum? We’ve got some answers for you.
1. Hair type and texture
Different hair types require different haircare routines, especially when it comes to how frequently we should be washing our hair. Below are recommendations on when to shampoo depending on your hair type or texture.
Fine, thin or straight hair:
For finer hair, you may want to shampoo every day or every other day. With this hair type, it’s common to go from sleek to slick FAST. That’s because it’s easier for oils to move down your hair strands than it is for those with curly or even wavy hair.
Looking to extend the time in between washes, but want to avoid looking greasy? Try dry shampoo to help absorb oil and refresh your hair instead of going for an all-out hair wash.
Thick, long or curly hair:
For thicker hair, you may want to lessen your wash frequency or consider co-washing (conditioner-only washing). People with curly hair don’t need to wash their hair that often (maybe once or twice a week) because it typically takes the hair’s natural oils longer to travel down the hair shaft with wavy strands. Those with long hair should avoid daily shampooing as it can cause breakage and split ends.
Dull or dry hair:
If your hair feels dull or dry, that can be a potential sign that you’re washing it too much. Pause your shampooing for a few days and try incorporating a hydrating mask into your weekly routine. To further help dry hair, make sure to avoid hot water. Instead, try to wash and rinse in cool or lukewarm water to protect your hair shafts and keep moisture locked in.
Color-treated or damaged hair:
For damaged or color-treated hair, your strands have likely seen some smoother days. Try to go three, or even several days between washes to prevent any further dryness or split ends.
Overwashing can dry hair out and strip essential natural oils. Style days can also mean heat days and the more you avoid heat the better. If you must use a heat styling tool, use a heat protectant and lower the tool settings to medium or at max, 325 °F.
Note: We recommend daily showers without the shampoo as part of being a clean person in society. We all thank you (especially those who have to sit next to you on the subway).
2. Activity level
Beyond the type and texture of your hair, how much you sweat can affect when you need to wash your hair. Working out and sweating daily can cause excess oil to build up on your scalp. So it may be a good idea for you to keep a travel-size shampoo in your gym bag and to wash your hair more often. You can also try one of these workout hairstyles to disguise oily hair or use dry shampoo to absorb excess oils.
3. Scalp health
If your scalp is not in good health, your hair can suffer. With a healthy scalp, your hair follicles function properly, creating strong, healthy strands. It’s all about the balance though. While oily hair can be an annoyance, we do actually need some to keep our scalp and strands moisturized.
So if you’re dealing with issues like dandruff or an itchy scalp, it can be helpful to wash more often to remove excess oil or product buildup. If you find your scalp getting drier or itchier, try washing less frequently until you find that balance.
With a dry scalp, avoid too much shampooing as it can strip away your scalp’s beneficial natural oils. When you do shampoo, use a hydrating shampoo that is gentle and nourishing to intensely hydrate your hair.
If you’re more prone to an oily scalp, shampooing on a more frequent basis can actually foster oil production, making things worse. Instead, try a clarifying shampoo a couple of times each week and incorporate a product to remove scalp buildup like our Ghost™ Exfoliating Scalp Nectar.
4. Styling products
Finally, the styling and haircare products you use, from shampooing to styling, can have a huge impact on how often you’ll need to wash your hair. From product build-up to bad ingredients, the products you choose for your care routine can impact your wash day schedule.
If you use products like heavy gels and strong hairsprays regularly, you may find yourself needing to shampoo more frequently. While these products can help create amazing styles, they do tend to leave a residue that can weigh your hair down and even clog your scalp’s pores. Still, if you love your products, make sure you’re using a gentle shampoo that will help keep your hair hydrated.
Products for healthier wash days
When it comes down to it, there is no universal rule to how often you should wash your hair. All in all, deciding what shampoo schedule works best is up to you. That could mean washing every day or taking the repeat out of lather, rinse, repeat. But whatever you choose, know that Verb will be there to keep your hair looking clean and beautiful.
That’s why we’ve created our products with no harmful sulfates, parabens or gluten. Head here to explore our full lineup of shampoos.
Have more questions about how often to use shampoo? DM us on Instagram @verbproducts and we’ll answer all your wash day concerns. Still unsure which shampoos to use in your haircare routine? Take our hair quiz for curated recommendations unique to you!
