By Lindsey Bever
Is it true that you shouldn’t wash your hair every day?
The age-old dermatologic debate over daily hair washing has been playing out on social media. Many users are discussing the benefits of alternating between regular shampooing and “no-pooing” – rinsing hair with shampoo alternatives such as apple cider vinegar, conditioner or plain water to help maintain natural oils.
Dermatologists say it’s important to wash hair with shampoo, but there’s a balance.
Scalp health is a key factor in determining the correct shampoo routine for your hair.Credit: iStock
Over-shampooing can dry out hair and make it more susceptible to breakage. Failing to wash your hair and scalp well can allow dead skin, oil and styling products to accumulate and irritate the scalp, causing inflammation that may contribute to dandruff and even hair loss, says Carolyn Goh, a clinical associate professor of dermatology and founder of the Hair and Scalp Disorder Clinic at the University of California at Los Angeles.
On average, wash your hair with shampoo every day to at least every two to three weeks, but it comes down to hair type, texture, age and whether you use hairstyling products, dermatologists say. Here are their generalised recommendations.
Oily hair, thick hair and straight hair can be washed more frequently – usually every one to two days. The biggest determinant is the state of the scalp.
“Activity of oil glands in the scalp determines how oily or dry the scalp and the hair is. As oil builds up, it transfers to the root of the hair, giving a greasy appearance,” says Joshua Zeichner, an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. “More oil also contributes to dandruff, a condition where there is flaking and itching of the scalp.”
Dry, curly or chemically treated hair may benefit from less frequent washing as cleaning it too often may increase dryness, making it more fragile and susceptible to breakage. Also, certain hairstyles can’t be washed frequently.
But the hair and scalp should be washed at least once every two to three weeks. You can also try alternating between cleaning the hair and scalp with shampoo and the hair with only conditioner, which can help patch damage to the outer part of the hair called the cuticle, says Adam Friedman, a professor and the chair of dermatology at George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Age is also a consideration. As people age, their scalps tend to produce less oil, so their hair may not need to be washed as often, Goh says.
What else you should know
Choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and hair-care needs, dermatologists say.
Volumising shampoos may be helpful for people with fine, thin hair. Clarifying shampoos can help remove buildup from hairstyling products or hard water but, when used too frequently, can be drying.
Shampoos designed for dry or damaged hair may help repair hair but may not be best for those with oily scalps. And people with scalp conditions such as dandruff may require over-the-counter or prescription shampoos.
“Using the wrong shampoo for your hair type can be too much or not enough for your hair needs,” Zeichner says.
Here’s how dermatologists recommend caring for your hair
Apply shampoo more to the scalp and roots of the hair to remove dead skin, excess oil and products without drying out the rest of the strands, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Then rinse. In some cases, it may be appropriate to alternate between your regular shampoo and, once a week or so, a clarifying shampoo to help remove buildup.
Use a conditioner to help moisturise and detangle hair. People with fine or straight hair should apply it to the ends of the hair, but those with dry or curly hair can apply to the entire length.
Gently remove excess water with a towel. When using a hair dryer, use low or medium heat instead of high heat, which can cause damage.
Gentle towel-drying is best for hair health.Credit: iStock
Avoid brushing wet hair as it is fragile and more susceptible to breakage. Instead, the AAD suggests using a wide-toothed comb to remove tangles.
The bottom line
While the recommended frequency of hair washing is highly variable, in general, dermatologists suggest washing hair every day to every two to three weeks depending on hair type, texture, age and other factors.
The Washington Post
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