How Often Should I Wash My Hair?

Ask how often should I wash my hair? and you’re likely to get a different answer from everyone. There are those that swear by washing it once a day, to these people it’s a no-brainer – as necessary as brushing their teeth! At the other end of the hair-washing spectrum, there are some who have given up shampoo altogether, usually claiming that their hair washes itself.

So, what’s right? Just like skincare, your haircare routine should be suited to you and only you! To find out your ultimate hair care routine & products perfect for your hair type, you can check our water hardness calculator which will tell you all you need to know about your hair according to your postcode!

Hair care expert Paul Edmonds says that there is no definitive answer to this question, telling Marie Claire that

"lifestyle choice and environment has a big part to play, if you go to the gym a lot, swim, live in a highly polluted environment, colour your hair, use heat styling tools… these things all contribute."

As well as all this, the type of hair you have has a big impact. Curly, Afro Caribbean or very dry hair can go for weeks without being washed while still looking great, and many of these people avoid washing their hair with shampoo altogether. While those with fine, straight hair may find that they need to wash it more often.

One of the most important things to consider is the type of shampoo you use. We’ve listed some of the best types of shampoo for your hair-type below.

• Dry hair (hair that doesn’t produce enough oil) – Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Shampoo This shampoo will ensure curly or dry hair gets the moisture it needs to look amazing, and keeps it feeling clean and fresh with natural ingredients.

• Normal hair (hair that is shiny but not oily, and fairly easy to manage) – Tresemme Botanique Nourish & Replenish Shampoo With a blend of coconut milk and aloe vera, this shampoo nourishes and replenishes hair that’s not too dry and not too oily.

• Oily hair (hair that produces excess oil) – Daily Defense Coconut Oil Shampoo This shampoo is delicate enough to be used every day, great for oily hair that gets greasy quickly.

The easy answer – yes.

How often you wash your hair is a balancing act, and depends completely on your hair-type, though over-washing can be counter-productive. Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils and cause it to produce more, which can contribute to greasier hair.

Those with fine hair who worry about oiliness should try to wash their hair every other day, so not strip it.

Those with thick and curly hair should wait for as long as possible before they wash it with shampoo because, this hair-type needs its natural oils to stay healthy – over washing can leave it looking brittle and lifeless. If you have thick, curly hair, you can refresh between washes using a little water and conditioner, or an oil mist like Label M Therapy Rejuvenating Oil Mist.

If you think your hair is getting too oily, try using dry shampoo on your roots to help absorb any excess oil.

Sometimes it’s best to review the basics before you move forward, so let’s brush up the best way to wash your hair.

1) Shampoo (less is more) – Don't use too much shampoo, as this can leave your hair covered in a film that will take away its shine. Instead, try shampooing twice; first to remove excess dirt and grime, second to leave it looking squeaky clean and shiny. This is where lather, rinse, repeat comes into play!

2) Condition – If you have very fine hair, you might not need to use a conditioner at all. Instead, grab a detangling hairbrush and smooth it out that way.

If your hair is dry or coarse, use lots of conditioner to help nourish – leave in conditioner can work wonders for thick hair!

3) Be gentle! – Don’t over scrub your hair in the shower, and never towel it dry, as both can lead to breakage and cause split ends. Instead, try squeezing any excess moisture out of it and letting it air dry, or use a hairdryer to finish it off.

4) Avoid over-styling – If you can’t avoid using heat on your hair when drying it, always make sure you use a heat protection spray or cream before applying any heat at all.