Last Updated on June 12, 2024 by David Thomas
“Ok, how often am I supposed to wash my hair?”
Being a stylist, this is a question I get asked regularly by my clients. Although it seems like an easy one, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. Seeking the answer for this depends very much on yourself, the client.
So, a better approach would be to break it down into simpler, manageable questions.
Table of Contents
What’s your current Lifestyle?
Do you regularly go to the gym or do physical activities that make you sweat? What we’re looking for is how often your hair gets dirty. So if you don’t break a sweat regularly, there is no need for you to shampoo regularly.
Your profession also influences your lifestyle. Do you style your hair routinely, and are there any products you use regularly?
The products you use and their components are also important to figure out. Do you use products with petroleum derivatives like mineral oil? Do you use Beeswax or thick heavy clays very often?
These products eventually weigh down your hair and cause product build-up. So it’s advised to shampoo your hair if you are a frequent user of the said products.
Tropics or the Poles?
The condition of what goes outside your hair is just as important as what goes in it. This depends on the climate of the region in which you reside.
Is your hair exposed to dry or humid air? Too much humidity will cause frizziness while too little of it will make the hair brittle and dry. This results in dandruff and or split ends.
Assessing your water quality is important. If you’re in a region that uses Hard water (including high deposits of calcium), it can make the scalp really dry and may result in hair loss. So, if you can’t treat hard water, it’s better to keep it away from your hair as much as possible. Shower filters are a great option and can help ease the hard water.
What’s your hair type?
Long hair is very much likely to build up dirt and oil which results in the need for frequent care. You should also consider the thickness of your hair as well. If you have thick hair, it’s prone to getting dry quickly. So I always recommend conditioner rinses.
On the other hand, fine hair is susceptible to being oily. So it’s advised to shampoo frequently to remove the excessive oil. Knowing your hair type is very important. I myself have very curly hair, so my shampoo routine will definitely be different for somebody with straight hair.
Watch this video if you need help figuring out your hair type.
The Experiment
Now that you have a general idea of your hair type and the factors affecting your hair, let’s do an experiment.
- – This might sound counterintuitive but, Avoid shampooing for an entire week. If you can’t commit to a week, try to go as long as you can.
- – Don’t forget to pay extra attention to your hair and its condition. Does it become oily or dry? Does it become dirty and build up on your hair?
- – Now that you know the condition of your hair, it’s for you to find a suitable shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. This Guide will be helpful as well.
From here on, it’s just doing what feels right and comfortable for you. If you still have trouble, consider talking with your barber or stylist. Just ask, most of us are happy to help out.
Bonus Tips!
These are some great hair-washing tips that I give my clients for healthy, full hair.
- – Shampoo twice. The first time you shampoo, it breaks down and removes all the dirt and products from the hair. So why the second time? Shampooing for a second time helps to cleanse the scalp thoroughly.
- – Concentrate on your scalp, not on your hair.
- – Always use a conditioner. Always. This is an essential step, it helps to replenish the moisture , protein and vitamins on your hair.
- – Let the conditioner sit for at least 2-4 minutes & use cool water to rinse.
- – Do not scrub your wet hair with a cotton towel. Hair becomes fragile when wet, so it’s better to pat dry with a micro fiber towel instead.
- – Use water-based products. It’s much easier to clean than oil-based products.
- – Use a silk pillowcase. A cotton pillowcase dries your hair quicker by absorbing moisture.
Hope this guide was helpful in solving a frequently asked question. If you enjoyed reading, consider checking out these articles as well:
The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need For Choosing Shampoos And Conditioners