How often should you wash your hair?

Finding the Right Balance

Most people don’t realize that washing their hair too often can actually dry it out and contribute to breakage, frizz, an itchy scalp, and irritation. Shampooing frequently seems like the healthiest way to stay clean, but every time you wash, you’re also removing some of the natural oil your scalp produces to protect your hair. That oil is called sebum, and it’s produced by the sebaceous glands. Sebum helps keep both the scalp and hair moisturized by creating a protective coating that reduces moisture loss. It contains triglycerides, free fatty acids, wax esters, cholesterol, and squalene, all of which play a role in protecting and lubricating the skin and hair.

How often should you wash your hair?

Too much sebum can leave the hair greasy and, when combined with dead skin and buildup, may contribute to scalp problems. Too little sebum—often from washing too frequently—can leave the hair and scalp dry, flaky, and irritated. The important thing is finding the right balance, and that balance is different for everyone. Someone with naturally oily hair may need to shampoo more often than someone with thick, dry, or curly hair.

Pay attention to what your hair is telling you. If it feels greasy and heavy, it may be time to wash. If it constantly feels dry, brittle, or frizzy after shampooing, you may be washing too often or using a shampoo that is too aggressive.

Don’t Forget About pH

Your scalp naturally sits on the slightly acidic side of the pH scale. Using products that are too alkaline can cause the hair’s outer cuticle to swell and lift, making it feel rougher and appear frizzier. If you use heavy styling products and feel like you have to shampoo every day, consider switching to a gentler, pH-balanced shampoo. It can help clean the hair without leaving it feeling completely stripped. Aloe vera can also be helpful because it is slightly acidic and moisturizing. An aloe-based hair or scalp mist can add light hydration and help the hair feel smoother.

You can also choose styling products that remain workable into the following day instead of requiring a complete wash every night. Level Headed Pomade, for example, can be reshaped and restyled, helping you get more mileage out of your hairstyle without constantly shampooing. The goal isn’t to stop washing your hair. It’s simply to stop washing away more than you need to.

Thanks for reading!

— SJ