hair care · hair type
How Often Should You WashYour Hair?
How often to wash your hair by hair type and scalp, based on dermatologist advice, including curly and coily hair, oily scalps, and whether hair can be trained.
Hairover Team
There is no single correct schedule. The American Academy of Dermatology says to wash based on how often your hair gets dirty or oily. People with straight hair and an oily scalp may want to shampoo every day, while dry, textured, curly, or thick hair should be shampooed at least once every two to three weeks, as needed.
A starting point by hair type
| Hair and scalp | Try washing |
|---|---|
| Fine, straight, oily scalp | Daily to every other day |
| Medium, straight or wavy | Every 2 to 3 days |
| Thick or wavy, not oily | 1 to 2 times a week |
| Curly | About once a week |
| Coily | Every 1 to 3 weeks |
| Color-treated | As rarely as is comfortable |
Treat this as a starting point. If your hair looks limp or your scalp itches, wash more often. If your hair feels dry or brittle, try washing less often.
Not sure of your hair type? See our hair type chart.
What changes the answer
Scalp oil. Oil travels quickly down straight, fine hair, so it looks greasy sooner. It moves slowly along curls, which is partly why curly hair gets dry. See how to stop greasy hair.
Sweat and activity. After a hard workout, a quick rinse may be all you need.
Products. Heavy styling products may require more frequent washing, or an occasional clarifying wash.
Color. Every wash fades color a bit, so colored hair often benefits from fewer washes and a gentle shampoo.
Age. Scalps tend to produce less oil over time, so many people find they can go longer between washes.
How to wash properly
The same AAD guide gives simple advice, and it’s worth following:
- Shampoo the scalp, not the lengths. The suds will clean the ends as they rinse through, and this avoids drying them out.
- Condition afterward. Use it on the ends for fine or straight hair, and through the full length for dry or curly hair.
Then add a couple of everyday habits: rinse thoroughly, and be gentle while your hair is wet, when it’s at its most fragile.
Can you train your hair?
You may have heard that if you wash less, your scalp will produce less oil. There is little evidence for that. If you are happy going longer, that’s great, but you don’t need to suffer through greasy weeks for a benefit that may not come.
Between washes
- Dry shampoo absorbs oil, but it does not clean your scalp, so don’t rely on it for days on end.
- Co-washing (washing with conditioner only) can suit dry, curly hair, though it may still need occasional shampoo.
- Water-only rinses can freshen hair after a workout.
When to see a doctor
Flaking, redness, itching, or sudden hair loss may not be a washing issue. A dermatologist can check for conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, which often needs medicated treatment.
Your cut changes your routine too
Short cuts often show oil sooner, and heavy layers can hide it for longer. Upload a clear photo to Hairover, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio to find a cut that fits your routine.
FAQ
Is washing your hair every day bad?
Not necessarily. If your hair is fine or your scalp is oily, daily washing can be fine. Dry, curly, or thick hair usually does better with fewer washes, as daily shampooing can leave it dry.
Can you train your hair to be less oily?
There is little good evidence for this. Your scalp's oil production is influenced mainly by things like genetics and hormones. Going longer between washes may simply feel more normal over time.
How often should you wash curly hair?
Many people with curly hair wash weekly or less often. Very textured hair can often go longer. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests at least once every two to three weeks for dry, textured, curly, or thick hair.
Should I use conditioner every time I wash?
Usually yes. Apply it to the ends if your hair is fine or straight, and through the full length if your hair is dry or curly.
