How Often Should You Wash Your Hair: Tips For All Hair Types - Thin, Dry, Oily, Curly, Thick

When it comes to how often you should shampoo your hair it seems everyone is different. Those with thin hair shampoo all the time because it gets too oily and those with curly hair go longer between suds as their hair becomes too dry. Everyone around me seems to be on a different wavelength, which seems about right when even beauty experts are conflicted.

Among dermatologists and hair stylists, their opinions about shampooing differ. Some say it’s necessary in order to prevent the build-up of oil that can clog pores and others say that it actually causes an increased production of sebum. Although their opinions are different they do agree that the need to shampoo everyday is not necessary. Just as with our skin, the oils in our hair keep it healthy. If we constantly strip the oils, our bodies will increase production to compensate beginning the vicious cycle in which we constantly wash to remove oil but in actuality, produce more oil.

Most stylists recommend not shampooeing every day and even use products to dirty up hair. Nick Arrojo from TLC’s What Not To Wear says, “shampooing three or four times a week is plenty.”

While Dr. Zoe Dreolos warns us “shampooing is actually more damaging to the hair follicle then beneficial.” It seems that those who know realize hair needs to be cleaned, but not as often as most of us think.

After all these opinions it seems that our shampoo schedule is mostly governed by our genes. If your have naturally curly thick hair you can go longer between washes as opposed to those with fine straight hair.

A dermatologist who studies ethnic skin care, Heather Woolery-Lloyd, described that with thick hair, “the oils do not travel down the hair shaft as quickly so tends to be dry and requires less frequent shampooing.” Although this is true hair can be trained to respond to the frequency we shampoo. If you go longer between lathering up your hair follicles will become adjusted and respond according.

Unfortunately, our society has scared us to think that if we don’t shampoo everyday we are dirty. As one of those curly haired folks my best advice is to be like the French. Embrace the oils, don’t fight nature, it saves you time and effort. Plus its almost a half week of that great “second day” hair!

So tell us, do you wash your hair everyday? Post a comment below to let us know.

– Yiannoula Choros

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