There’s been an ongoing battle if you should or shouldn’t wash your hair every day. Some people prefer to wash their hair daily while some can get away with washing for only 2-3 times a week. You’re probably confused with different information and tips clashing and debating which one is more beneficial to your hair health.
In one reddit thread about the said topic of debate, a reddit user commented “I don't even know which hair care tips/advice to believe anymore lol. In the end it seems like it heavily depends on each person's own experience.”
Turns out, there isn’t a right or wrong answer to this debate. How often you wash your hair depends on different factors such as your age, your hair type, or the place you live in, but it would always come down to one's preference.
We’ve written a guide on how often you should wash your hair based on your hair type to help you find and decide the best haircare routine for yourself plus the do’s and don’ts of washing.
Click to jump section:
Hair Type Washing Schedule
People With Fine Hair
People with fine hair tend to get greasy hair than those with other types of hair. This is because the hair shaft is less porous, and the hair has more sebaceous oil. Due to this, people with this type of hair need to wash their hair daily to remove excess sebum that may turn into dandruff.
People With Oily Hair
Same with fine hair, people with oily hair should wash their hair every day or every other day to avoid the risk of excess sebum turning into itchy dandruff. Make sure to lather your shampoo, focus on the root, and rinse thoroughly. You may also use a scalp scrubber to stimulate blood flow and deeply exfoliate the scalp.
People With Thick & Dry Hair
If you have thick dry hair, it is recommended to only wash once or twice a week. You need to make room for your hair to produce more natural oil to keep it moisturized. When washing, always use a conditioner or a hair mask after shampooing. Look for one that is sulfate free and biotin like Pure Biology’s Premium Hair Growth Conditioner.
If you’re blonde looking for a hair mask that can remove brassiness and orange tone, you may want to check out this Purple Hair Mask from Lifestyle x Hair
People With Curly Hair
Curly or coarse hair is often dry and should opt for washing less. People with this type of hair need to keep their natural oils to keep their hair moisturized and healthy. They do not produce as much oil and hold hydration as much as those with fine hair. Because it is often dry and frizzy, it is best to wash it only once a week or every other week followed by a hair serum or hair oil that is specifically formulated for curly hair.
However, not all curly hairs are dry. There are curly hairs that tend to lean on being a bit oily. The rule of thumb is to wash your hair if it’s starting to feel and look too greasy.
People With Normal Hair
What even is normal? Normal or balanced hair are those that are not too oily and not too dry. This hair type is very rare and uncommon. They are the most unproblematic of all hair types because they are easy to manage and have almost have no to less issues. They have soft and shiny hair, and their hair strands do not break easily. Normal hair types should be washed every two days.
Other Factor That Can Contribute To The Number Of Washes
There are other factors that should also be considered when deciding the number of washes your hair needs aside from your hair type. Check out below:
Factor # 1: Age
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), dermatologists often get asked how often children ages 8-12 should wash their hair. Their answer? Parents should consider their age, hair type, and activity level. Since this age group are often very active
- For children ages 8-11 years old: Shampoo 1-2 times a week
- For children aged 12: Shampoo daily or every other day
If your child has African American hair or dry, try shampooing every 7 to 10 days.
Factor #2: Weather
If you live in a hot, humid or tropical place, you are more prone to sweating and oil so make sure to wash your hair daily. If you live in a cold or dry place, shampoo your hair for not more than a week since the cold temperature can dry out the hair and scalp easily.
Factor #3: Lifestyle
If you are an active person and work out a lot or someone who sweats easily, consider washing your hair often or daily to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria from residing on your scalp. Those who also love applying hair styling products such as hair spray, hair mousse, or gel should always wash their hair at the end of the day to remove the hair product and dirt and stop it from spreading on your pillowcase or bed sheet (and risk transmitting the bacteria to your face!)
Do’s and Don'ts of Washing
Do’s
- Emulsify shampoo before applying
- Wash hair with cold water
- Use a hair treatment mask 2-3 times a week
- Apply shampoo at the root and conditioner at the ends
- Air dry hair as much as possible
- Try hair supplements with biotin
Don’ts
- Don’t directly apply shampoo onto the scalp without lathering on hands first
- Don’t wash with hot water (it will strip out natural oils and dry your hair!)
- Don’t use heat products and use a heatless option
Conclusion
Not everyone is the same and there are multiple factors to consider knowing how often you should wash your hair to achieve optimal hair health. Find one that works best for you and fine-tune it to your needs. The best guide on washing is to wash less if your hair is dry and wash more if it is oily.
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