08 Mar How often Should you wash your Hair?

This is a question that I get asked all the time and quite often people are surprised by my answer. So firstly, I think it is important to remember that we are all individuals and what is right for one person is not necessarily right for another. I often read newspapers articles or blogs that suggest shampooing your hair weekly, or leaving it even longer is better for it, and then there are others that say we should shampoo our hair daily. With so many different opinions on this subject It’s not really surprising then that I get asked this question all the time. So, who is right? How often should you shampoo your hair?

Many people believe that shampooing their hair daily is bad for it, but is it really? Well, if you suffer with greasy/oily hair then I recommend shampooing daily with a shampoo specifically made for oily scalps, this will keep your scalp healthy and prevent your hair from looking lank.

If you have dandruff you may think it is best to wash your hair less often believing your scalp to be dry, but dandruff is often surprisingly associated with an oily scalp and shampooing the hair regularly with an antidandruff shampoo is important to keep the scalp flora in balance, which will then help keep the dandruff under control.
Depending on your hair type you may find shampooing your hair daily is too much, leaving it feeling dry, especially if you have curly hair or hair that has been chemically treated. If you have dry hair and a normal scalp, I recommend you shampoo your hair at least 3 times a week. Always use a conditioner on the mid lengths and ends of the hair and avoid applying it on the root area. Again, use a shampoo and conditioner specifically for your scalp and hair type.

Another thing that I hear regularly is that you can train your hair to go longer between shampooing. So, here’s the thing, your head is covered in skin just like your face and body, and yes, the difference is the skin on your head is covered in hair, but it is important to remember that when we shampoo our hair it is actually the scalp that we are cleansing, and in the process our hair is also cleansed. If I suggested you didn’t wash your face or shower body for at least a week, you would probably think I was crazy. You cannot train your skin to stop producing its natural oils and your skin doesn’t clean itself.

Another thing to bear in mind when considering how often to wash your hair is your styling routine, as regular blow-drying and heat styling will undoubtedly cause it to become dry and brittle, often resulting in breakage. If you do wash your hair daily it is best to let it dry naturally where possible, and if you do need to blow-dry it or use heat tools, keep them on a low temperature, low speed and always use heat protection product.

So, the answer to how often should you shampoo your hair is that is different for everyone. Having said that to keep your scalp and hair healthy I would recommend shampooing every 3 or 4 days as a minimum. You cannot grow healthy hair from an unhealthy scalp, think of it like a garden, to have a flourishing garden with beautiful healthy plants you need to have fertile soil free from debris and weeds.

Still unsure how often you should shampoo your hair? Do you need some advice on which shampoo and conditioning products would be most suitable for your scalp and hair type? Book a consultation appointment with Katrina Horman Trichology Clinic to get the best advice.