Hair washing isn’t about following rigid rules — it’s about finding a rhythm that works for you, your hair type and your lifestyle.
Haircare is one of those beauty topics that sparks endless debate.
Some swear by daily washes, others champion the virtues of going a week (or more!) between shampoos.
But how often should you wash your hair? The answer, it turns out, isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
We talked to two experts to find some answers and provide guidance that’s tailored to your hair type and lifestyle.
Listen to your scalp
Gaia Tonanzi, curly hair expert and founder of hair product company Tootilab, highlights that when it comes to washing, frequency varies massively from person to person.
“When it comes to how often to wash your hair, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer; it really depends on various factors,” she explains. “It’s true that washing your hair too much might not be ideal. The constant wetting and drying process can put strain on your hair strands. When hair gets wet, it swells, so if it goes through this process too often, you can weaken its external structure.”
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That said, Gaia emphasises the importance of tuning into your scalp’s needs. “If you have build-up, oily flakes and it’s starting to itch — wash it! You won’t benefit from stretching your wash days for multiple days if your scalp isn’t happy about it.”
Flaky scalp? You’d be wise to invest in a scalp scrub such as Umberto Giannini Grow Scalp Scrub, as well as a scalp exfoliating brush.
Hair type matters
Your hair type plays a significant role in determining how often you should wash it.
Curly hair, Gaia explains, tends to be drier than straight hair. “The curlier it is, the more twists and turns are in the strands, so the drier it becomes. Therefore, one could argue that curly hair doesn’t need to be washed as often as straight hair.”
Those with curly locks shouldn’t worry about washing their hair more than once per week, ensuring they use products designed for their hair type. Tootilab products are designed specifically with curly hair in mind.
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Straight hair, by contrast, is naturally oilier, as sebum can travel more easily down the shaft.
If your hair tends to get greasy quickly, you might need to shampoo more frequently — every couple of days, or even daily, depending on your lifestyle.
Lifestyle types
If you’re a regular gym-goer or a swimmer, you may wonder how sweat and chlorine affect your washing schedule.
Gaia advises, “If you have a lifestyle that requires more frequent washing, such as going to the gym regularly and sweating a lot, or you’re a swimmer, definitely wash your hair more often — even every day if necessary. Just make sure you choose a shampoo that’s delicate enough to support it.”
The key here? Choosing a gentle product that won’t strip your hair of essential moisture.
Also, ensure you incorporate a good conditioner and/or hair mask into your routine if you’re washing regularly, in order to stop breakage and keep your hair moist.
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Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food is a great budget option. If you’re looking to splash out, we recommend the ESPA Super Nourish Hair & Scalp Mask.
Hairstory’s resident stylist Wes Sharpton underscores the importance of what you’re using to wash your hair.
“It’s important to remember that the majority of shampoos out there contain detergents — these are very aggressive and can damage both your hair and scalp,” Wes explains. “Your scalp is really what needs to be cleansed, and this can be achieved without detergents.”
Enter detergent-free cleansers. Products like Hairstory’s New Wash clean and condition simultaneously, allowing even daily washers to maintain a healthy scalp without damaging their hair’s natural balance.
“You can feel safe washing your hair every day,” explains Wes reassuringly, “as long as you’re using a detergent-free cleanser that respects your microbiome.”
