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While “How often should you wash your hair?” is one of the most commonly asked beauty questions, experts assert there's not one “right” answer. Even hair care rules that seem universal aren't always one-size-fits-all.
“The truth is there is no one answer to how often you should wash your hair,” Michele Green, MD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, tells Glamour. “Overwashing your hair can strip the hair follicles of their natural oils and signal to the body to produce more oil on the scalp, but underwashing your hair can lead to a buildup of grease, sweat, and product on your strands. Finding the balance between the two is crucial to having healthy hair follicles and strands.”
Finding that balance isn't impossible, though. It just depends on your unique hair type and lifestyle. If your hair tends to get greasy, for example, you'll likely want to wash it a few times a week—or anytime you feel like you “need” to and maybe even double shampoo a few times too. If your hair is dry, coarse, and/or textured, however, shampooing that often could dry it out, and double cleansing isn't always advised. Washing too often isn't good for anyone's hair—yes, even those that are oily.
If this feels hard to keep up with, don't fret. Glamour asked top dermatologists and hairstylists all about shampooing and conditioning for each hair type, plus when and how to double wash and use clarifying shampoo. Soon you'll never have to google “How often should you wash your hair?” again.
How often should you wash your hair?
While how often to shampoo and condition depends on your hair type, Paul Labrecque, creative director, master stylist, and colorist with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, says there is one fairly universal rule: Shampoo only when your hair is “truly dirty.”
“You should only wash your hair specifically when your strands are truly dirty. That's the best rule to follow,” Labrecque says. “Your own oil flow will determine this, and since every person is different, that timing will differ for each individual.”
That's where your actual hair type comes in. “Different hair types have different needs,” says celebrity hairstylist and L’Oréal Professionnel global ambassador Min Kim, and every expert interviewed for this story agrees. The breakdown by (general) hair type is as follows.
How often to wash thin and/or oily hair:
“People with thin and oily hair might find the need to wash their hair more frequently, perhaps every other day or every third day,” Kim says. “This is because the oil (or sebum) produced by the scalp can easily weigh down thin hair, making it look greasy.”
For this type of hair, Labrecque recommends shampoo specifically for oily hair types, his favorite of which is Biologique Recherche’s Shampooing Traitant Sébo-Rééquilibrant. To find one that works for you, shop for “oil-free” and/or “balancing” options that are formulated for greasy hair and scalps.
How often to wash medium-oiliness hair:
“If your hair is average oiliness, I recommend washing typically every two to three days,” says celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab. “I suggest you determine the amount of times you shampoo and condition by the texture and feel of your hair.”
Korab's go-to shampoo? “My favorite shampoo and condition is Pureology Hydrate,” she says. “I love this, as it is good for all hair types.”
For another Glamour-editor favorite, try Roz Foundation Shampoo.
How often to wash thick and/or dry hair:
“Those with thick and dry hair can often go longer between washes, sometimes even a week or more,” says Kim. “Their hair doesn't get oily quickly, and frequent washing can strip the hair of its natural oils, making it even drier.” Kim recommends L'Oréal's Metal Detox for most hair lengths and textures, and Glamour editors with thick hair swear by Better Not Younger Bounce Back Super Moisturizing Shampoo.
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How often to wash textured and/or curly hair:
“Textured or curly hair is often drier than straight hair,” Kim explains. “It's generally recommended to wash it once a week or even less frequently. Overwashing can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to frizz and dryness.”
One of Kim's favorite options for this hair type is L'Oréal Professionnel Curl Expression Anti Buildup Shampoo. “L’Oréal Professionnel Curl Expression for curly or coily hair has an amazing clarifying shampoo that can be used for all hair types and textures,” she says. Another Glamour favorite is Briogeo's Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo.
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How often to wash protective styles:
For those wearing their hair in protective styles, experts suggest washing their hair every other week refreshing the scalp every seven days. It's also advised you use a co-wash, which is short for conditioner washing, as opposed to other types of shampoo.
“Shampoo can be too stripping for the mid-shaft to end, so interchanging and putting them in between your conditioners might be a kinder alternative,” says Renee Kadar, global artistic director of texture for Aveda. Glamour recommends Function of Beauty Coily Hair Co-Wash, as well as Pattern Beauty's Deep Scalp Detox as a weekly refresh in between wash days and/or preshampoo treatment. Another option is an apple cider vinegar rinse.
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How to wash your hair properly:
Yes, there is a right way to do it. “When shampooing, you should focus on massaging the scalp to prevent product buildup, excess oil, and dirt from clogging hair follicles,” says Green.
Other shampooing rules to follow? “Choose the right products. It's essential to select a shampoo and conditioner tailored to your hair type and concerns,” adds Kim, who also says to focus on the scalp. “The suds will cleanse the lengths as they're rinsed out.”
Something else to consider is that temperature matters in the shower. “Rinse your hair with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness,” Kim says, advising to shampooing with care. “Avoid aggressive scrubbing or wringing. Instead, pat your hair dry with a towel.” Showering with water that's too hot can also cause split ends and breakage.
Finally, there's how to use conditioner: Should you use it every time you shampoo? “It is best to condition your hair every time you wash it,” says Green. “Shampooing the hair is excellent for cleansing and clarifying, but it can dry out and dehydrate strands. Conditioners work to replenish lost moisture in the strands and seal nutrients into the cuticles.” That said, Korab notes that some people with especially oily or greasy hair may opt to condition every other wash.
How often to double hair wash:
Double and even triple hair washing are frequent sources of hair care debate. Are you really supposed to shampoo twice every time you shower? “I recommend double-washing your hair with every other shampoo,” says Korab. “I feel if you double-wash it every time, you could be removing more oils than necessary.”
That's only if you want to, though. “The double-wash method, where you shampoo your hair twice in one session, is often touted for its ability to ensure the hair is thoroughly clean, especially if you use styling products regularly,” Kim says. “However, it's not necessary for everyone. If you have very oily hair or use heavy products, a double wash once a week can be beneficial. For others, a single wash is sufficient.”
Whether or not you double cleanse also depends on how often you wash your hair. “If you wash too frequently, shampoo only once each time you do,” says Labrecque.
How often to use clarifying shampoo:
If your hair is on the greasier side, it's also advised you use a weekly clarifying shampoo. “Incorporate a clarifying shampoo or a cleansing conditioner into your weekly routine to remove product buildup and excess oil,” says Kim. Just be careful not to overuse it, as it can strip the hair of moisture (remember, oily doesn’t equal hydrated, and vice versa).
Green agrees, and recommends Bumble and Bumble’s Sunday Shampoo as her weekly clarifying cleanser of choice. “Use it once a week to remove any excess oil, dirt, and product residue from the scalp,” she says. “Additionally, this shampoo has a lightweight formula to avoid weighing down hair.” For a color-safe, nonstripping option, try K18 Peptide Prep Color-Safe Detox Clarifying Shampoo.
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Danielle Sinay is the associate beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @daniellesinay.
