How often to wash hair: Dermatologist clarifies once and for all

How often should you really wash your hair

According to Dr. Heather W. Goff, professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, frequent washing can lead to dryness, breakage, and split ends. The reason is simple: along with dirt, shampoo removes natural scalp oils (sebum) that protect both hair and scalp.

There is no universal formula. How often you should wash your hair depends on several factors: activity level, use of styling products, and, most importantly, hair type.

Curly and wavy hair is usually drier and more fragile. Experts recommend washing it no more than once a week, sometimes even once every two weeks.

Fine hair tends to get greasy faster, so washing every 2–3 days is optimal. Washing less than once a week can lead to scalp issues, including dandruff.

Can you wash your hair daily

Dermatologists advise avoiding daily washing if possible. Hair is made of keratin, a strong protein, but even it becomes vulnerable when stripped of natural oils constantly. The result can be dryness, itching, and breakage, especially at the ends. Experts compare this to jeans washed every day: over time, the fabric wears out.

Why hair gets greasy quickly

Most often, this is genetic. Sebaceous gland activity is linked to androgen hormones, which increase after puberty. That’s why some people’s hair gets oily faster, just like their facial skin can be prone to acne. In such cases, dry shampoo can be used between washes, but it’s important to rinse out product residues during a full wash.

Does washing cause hair loss

Washing does not cause baldness. Hair shed during washing is usually in the final stage of growth. On average, a person loses 50–100 hairs per day. Excessive hair loss is typically linked to stress or hormonal changes. If the problem persists, consulting a dermatologist is recommended.

Helpful tips

Apply shampoo only to the scalp and roots, and conditioner to the lengths and ends. If you experience persistent itching, redness, or flaking, don’t delay seeing a dermatologist, as it may indicate dermatitis or psoriasis.

You may also be interested in:

• Top 6 signs you’re washing your hair too often

• Home remedy that deeply moisturizes hair and reduces breakage

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.