How often should you wash your hair?
What determines how often you need a wash
Your scalp usually gives you the signal: when your roots get oily or your hair looks dirty, it's time for a wash. Your hair type matters too. The AAD points out that curly hair tends to be drier than other hair types, so frequent washing can be harder on it.
What dermatologists recommend
- Straight hair and an oily scalp: shampooing every day may work for you.
- Dry, textured, curly or thick hair: wash as needed, and at least once every two to three weeks.
- Curly hair: washing too often can leave it dry, frizzy and harder to manage. Use a shower cap to keep it dry between washes.
- Dandruff or flakes: the AAD lists common causes including not shampooing often enough, or using a conditioner, oil or scalp treatment that doesn't suit your hair type. If it keeps happening, talk to a dermatologist.
How you wash matters just as much
Apply shampoo to your scalp rather than all over your hair: this cleans away oil and product buildup where it collects, without drying out your ends. Follow with conditioner: apply it to the ends if your hair is fine or straight, or throughout your hair if it's dry or curly. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb. If you have thick curls, do this in the shower before rinsing out your conditioner.
Find your own wash routine
Start by paying attention. For two or three weeks, note the day your roots tell you it's time for a wash. You'll soon spot a pattern: every three days, five days or a week. That's your rhythm. It can change, for instance when you switch products, so keep tracking.
That's exactly what ZYEA does: tap “Needs a wash” when your roots tell you it's time. The app learns how many days you can go between washes and suggests your next wash day, with a routine that walks you through each step.
Frequently asked questions
Should you wash your hair every day?
Only if your scalp gets oily quickly, which is especially common with fine, straight hair. For curly or dry hair, daily washing is usually too much.
How long can you go without washing curly hair?
The AAD recommends washing it at least once every two to three weeks to keep your scalp and hair healthy.
Can you train your hair to need fewer washes?
None of the reliable sources we've read show that you can. What is established is that the right wash frequency depends on your scalp and hair type.
Find more answers about the app in the ZYEA FAQs.