How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

Hair washing is a touchy topic these days. Before diving in, it’s important to understand that all hair—no matter how curly, wavy, or coiled—is made of the same types of molecules and is an organic fiber. With that in mind, no matter what your curls look like, your scalp is a part of your skin.

There was a time when people believed that the less they washed their hair, the healthier it would be. Some even went months without washing, taking pride in how long they could stretch the time between washes. This trend gained momentum during the cowash era when many people feared that sulfates in shampoos were harmful and unnecessary.

Debunking the Myth About Shampooing Too Much

After over a decade behind the chair, speaking with dermatologists, trichologists, product companies, and product chemists, I’ve learned that the idea that sulfates are bad, isn’t entirely true. Sulfates have been unfairly labeled as the ultimate villain in hair care, but in reality, there are different kinds of sulfates with varying levels of intensity:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – A strong degreaser with a small molecular structure, making it more likely to be absorbed into the skin. This can be too harsh for some but is effective at cleansing.

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – A gentler sulfate with a larger molecular structure, making it less irritating than SLS.

• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) – Even gentler than SLES, with a larger molecular size, reducing the chance of irritation.

• Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (SLMI) – A sulfate-free surfactant derived from coconut oil, considered one of the mildest cleansers available.

The key takeaway? If you’re using a shampoo and it isn’t causing irritation, you can continue using it without fear. It’s more important to listen to your body than to avoid sulfates altogether.

Listening to Your Hair and Scalp

Rather than sticking to rigid rules, I encourage my clients to pay attention to the signals their body gives them. If your scalp is itchy, irritated, or uncomfortable, it’s time to wash. If your hair is limp, greasy, dry, or frizzy, it’s also a sign that it needs a refresh.

How Often Should You Wash?

The general rule of thumb is to wash your hair and scalp 2-3 times a week. If you have a scalp condition, you may need to wash more frequently—about every other day—to keep your scalp balanced and healthy. However, this is just a guideline; what truly matters is how your hair and scalp feel.

For me personally, my scalp and hair start signaling that they need a wash after about four days. Do I always wash right away? No. Life happens—between kids, running a business, and everything else, sometimes I push it longer. Does this mean my hair and scalp are at their absolute healthiest? No. But does it mean I’m ruining my hair? Also no.

If you're like me and sometimes stretch washes longer, I wouldn’t recommend going beyond a week without washing. Regular cleansing helps prevent scalp issues, dryness, and breakage. Keeping your scalp clean is just as important as keeping the rest of your skin healthy.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to washing your hair. Instead of following outdated trends or strict rules, tune in to what your hair and scalp are telling you. Washing regularly keeps your hair and scalp at their best, but flexibility is key—because life happens, and that’s okay!