When it comes to hair washing, opinions are everywhere — some people wash daily like it’s a religion, others go five days without shampooing and call it “training their scalp.” So who’s right? Is there a magic number of times per week you should wash your hair? The short answer: it depends.
In this article, we’ll break down what dermatologists actually say about how often to wash your hair, what factors affect your wash schedule, and how to take care of your scalp and strands in the best way possible.
Why Hair Washing Even Matters
Let’s start with the basics. Washing your hair isn’t just about getting rid of visible dirt or making it smell nice — though those are great side benefits. The main point of washing is to clean your scalp and remove excess oil (sebum), dead skin, sweat, and product buildup.
Your scalp is skin, and just like you wouldn’t go days without washing your face, your scalp also needs regular cleansing to stay healthy. If you skip too often, you might run into itchiness, dandruff, clogged follicles, or even hair loss in some cases.
On the flip side, over-washing can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and frizzy — especially if your hair type is already dry or curly.
So how do you strike the right balance? That’s where your hair type, lifestyle, and scalp condition come in.
What Dermatologists Say About Hair Washing Frequency
According to board-certified dermatologists, how often you should wash your hair depends on several key things:
1. Oily hair/scalp:
If your hair gets greasy fast or looks limp after a day, you likely have an oily scalp. In this case, dermatologists recommend washing every day or every other day.
2. Dry or curly hair:
These hair types don’t produce as much oil and don’t need to be washed as frequently. Once or twice a week is usually enough.
3. Wavy or normal hair:
You’re somewhere in between. Washing 2–3 times a week works well for most people in this category.
Scalp Health
People with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or scalp psoriasis may need to wash more frequently with a medicated shampoo. Ignoring these issues can lead to inflammation and hair thinning over time.
Lifestyle
Do you work out daily? Spend a lot of time outdoors? Use a lot of styling products? These things can affect how dirty your scalp gets and how often you need to wash.
A Closer Look at Hair Types
1. Straight Hair
Straight hair allows oil to travel down the shaft quickly, making it look greasier faster. If you have straight hair and notice it gets oily after a day or two, washing every 1–2 days is fine. Just make sure to use a mild shampoo to avoid over-drying.
2. Wavy Hair
Wavy hair is more prone to frizz and doesn’t get oily as quickly as straight hair. Washing 2–3 times a week is ideal. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a good conditioner to lock in moisture.
3. Curly or Coily Hair
This hair type is naturally dry because the oils from your scalp have a harder time traveling down the spiral shape of the strands. Washing once a week or even every 10 days can be enough. Focus on gentle cleansing and deep conditioning.
Signs You Might Be Washing Too Often
1. Your scalp feels tight, itchy, or dry.
2. Your hair breaks easily or feels straw-like.
3. You’re seeing more split ends than usual.
4. Your hair color fades quickly (for dyed hair).
If this sounds like you, try cutting back on washes or switch to a more moisturizing shampoo.
Signs You Might Not Be Washing Enough
1. Your scalp feels greasy, itchy, or has flakes.
2. Your hair looks dull or weighed down.
3. You’re experiencing clogged pores or acne near the hairline.
4. You notice hair fall that seems unrelated to other causes.
If you fall into this category, consider washing more often or using a clarifying shampoo once a week to reset your scalp.
Can You “Train” Your Scalp to Be Less Oily?
There’s a popular theory that if you stop washing your hair so often, your scalp will adapt and produce less oil over time. But dermatologists say that’s not really how it works. Oil production is mostly driven by your hormones and genetics, not your shampoo habits.
What can happen is your hair might go through an adjustment phase if you start washing less, but that doesn’t mean your scalp is learning anything new. It’s more about your own tolerance for oil and how your hair looks or feels between washes.
Choose the Right Shampoo
Oily hair? Look for a balancing or volumizing shampoo. Avoid heavy moisturizing formulas.
Dry hair? Go for hydrating or creamy shampoos that nourish the scalp and ends.
Color-treated hair? Use color-safe shampoos with no sulfates.
Dandruff issues? A shampoo with zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide can help.
Massage, Don’t Scrub
Be gentle when shampooing. Use your fingertips (not nails) to massage your scalp for 1–2 minutes. This increases blood flow and helps lift dirt without damaging hair follicles.
Rinse Well
Leftover shampoo or conditioner can cause buildup and irritation. Make sure to rinse thoroughly.
Dry Shampoo: A Friend or Foe?
Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for greasy roots and rushed mornings. But it’s not a replacement for real shampooing. Using dry shampoo too often can clog your follicles, irritate your scalp, and lead to hair breakage or thinning over time.
Dermatologists suggest limiting dry shampoo to once or twice a week, and always washing it out within 1–2 days.
How to Create a Healthy Hair Washing Routine
Here’s a simple guide to building a washing routine that works for your hair:
1. Figure out your hair type – straight, wavy, curly, or coily.
2. Assess your scalp – oily, dry, or balanced?
3. Match your shampoo – choose based on your needs.
4. Find your rhythm – wash every 1–3 days for oily or straight hair, every 3–7 days for dry or curly hair.
5. Use conditioner – always condition after shampooing to keep hair soft and manageable.
6. Clarify occasionally – use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove buildup.
7. Adjust seasonally – your hair might need more moisture in winter and more cleansing in summer.
Bottom line:
So, how often should you wash your hair? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s okay. The sweet spot depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and how your scalp feels. If your hair looks clean, your scalp feels good, and you’re not dealing with buildup or dryness, you’re probably doing it right.
Pay attention to how your hair responds, and don’t be afraid to adjust your routine. After all, the goal isn’t just clean hair — it’s healthy, happy hair that feels like you.
If you're still unsure, it’s never a bad idea to check in with a dermatologist or trichologist who can assess your scalp health and help you personalize your hair care routine.
Your hair deserves it.