Deciding how often to wash your hair can be puzzling. Should you lather up daily or try to stretch washes to every few days? The right wash frequency depends on factors like your hair type, style, colour, condition and personal preference. Here’s a breakdown by experts on establishing your ideal hair washing routine.
Is It Bad to Wash Your Hair Everyday?
Opinion is divided on this, but too-frequent hair washing is generally considered to be drying and damaging, stripping the hair of its natural oils and fading colour if the hair is dyed. But, if your hair is shorter and more ‘virginal’ i.e. not dyed or treated, then it’s more likely to withstand the brunt of daily washing (although it’s still not ideal).
Why Does My Hair Fall Out When Washing It?
While you might notice a few hairs fall out after washing it, this is completely normal and a natural part of your hair’s lifecycle. But hair loss from breakage can occur if using very hot water, scrubbing too vigorously, or over-washing fragile, coloured or processed hair.
How do you know when to wash your hair?
This comes down to your individual hair type and texture. If your hair is fine or gets greasy quite quickly then you might need to wash it every day. (However, washing your hair too frequently can cause the oil glands in your scalp to be over-stimulated, making your hair greasier as a result so it can become a vicious cycle.) The same applies if you use a lot of styling products, such as gel or hairspray, which might congest or irritate your scalp if they’re not washed out immediately.
Those who have coloured, processed or curly/coily hair (especially types 3c or 4c), might want to restrict washing to once or twice a week, as this hair type is very vulnerable to breakage.
If you are going to wash your hair every day (for example, if you’re sweating it out on the treadmill each morning, or using a lot of styling products) then make sure to choose a shampoo which is sulphate-free, such as MONPURE’s Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo. Sulphates are chemical detergents that create a foamy lather – and while they’re effective at cleansing your hair, they can also strip it of moisture, leaving it dry and frizzy.
How Often Should You Wash Curly or Coily Hair?
Once or twice per week is ideal for most curly and coily hair types which tend to be drier. Frequent shampooing can cause frizz and remove needed moisture. Let curly hair produce natural oils between washes.
How Often Should You Wash Wavy Hair?
2-3 times per week is recommended for wavy hair. It needs more frequent cleansing than coily hair to avoid product buildup and oily roots, but less washing than straight hair. Alternate shampooing and co-washing.
How Often Should You Wash Fine Hair?
2-3 times per week helps keep fine, limp hair from getting weighed down by natural oils between washes. But limit washing to avoid stripping away needed moisture that adds body and bounce. Extend your wash cycle by using the Clarifying Scalp Scrub to give fine hair a weightless cleanse.
Should I wash my hair if my scalp is itching?
If you notice your scalp itching in-between washes, this isn’t necessarily a sign that you should wash it more frequently – it could be that your scalp-skin is a little too dry. While washing your hair can of course remove dead, flaky skin that’s causing the itching, it might not deal with the dryness in the long-term.
If you don’t want to wash your hair too frequently, applying a few drops of MONPURE Hydrate and Soothe Scalp Serum through your roots and massaging in can work wonders when it comes to calming an itchy scalp. This is because it contains Pro Vitamin B5 and allantoin, which works to hydrate the scalp-skin, while witch hazel – a natural astringent – can soothe any redness and irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shampoo bad for your hair? Shampoo is fine when used properly for your hair type and condition. Harsh, frequent washing and rubbing can damage hair over time. Opt for nourishing, active ingredient-rich shampoos like the Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo.
How often should you condition your hair? Condition 1-3 times per week according to your hair's needs - more for very dry, thick or damaged hair. The Strengthening-Essence Conditioner is very lightweight, meaning it repairs hair follicles, and hydrates both strands and the scalp without leaving hair greasy or weighed down.
How often should men wash their hair? 2-3 times per week is suitable for most men. Buzz cuts may tolerate more washing. Curly or dyed hair needs less. Oily hair may need more frequent shampooing.
Can you wash your hair with just water? Yes, occasionally. Water-only washing gently cleanses without stripping oils. It works best for curly or dry hair washed just 1-2 times per week. Not ideal for oily roots.
Should you wash your hair more often in summer? Sweat and humidity can make hair oilier and require washing every 1-2 days in summer. Use the Clarifying Scalp Scrub to remove buildup. Limit damaging heat styling.
Why is my hair getting greasy so fast? Hormonal changes, skin conditions, diet, scalp health, and product use can cause excess oil production. See a dermatologist to treat greasy hair at the source.
