According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, washing your hair too often can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage. The study found that people who washed their hair every day had significantly drier hair than those who washed their hair every other day or less.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
The ideal frequency of hair washing varies depending on your hair type and scalp condition. However, as a general rule of thumb, most experts recommend washing your hair 2-3 times per week.
Here’s a breakdown of how often to wash your hair based on your hair type:
- Oily hair: Wash your hair every other day or daily if needed.
- Normal hair: Wash your hair 2-3 times per week.
- Dry hair: Wash your hair every 3-4 days or less often.
Benefits of Washing Your Hair Less Often
Washing your hair less often can provide several benefits for your hair and scalp, including:
- Reduced dryness and frizz: Washing your hair too often can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Washing your hair less often allows your scalp to produce more oil, which can help to keep your hair hydrated and frizz-free.
- Less breakage: Washing your hair too often can also lead to breakage. The friction from washing and brushing your hair can damage the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage. Washing your hair less often can help to reduce breakage and keep your hair looking healthy and strong.
- Improved scalp health: Washing your hair too often can also disrupt the balance of your scalp’s microbiome. The microbiome is a community of bacteria and other microorganisms that live on your scalp and play a role in keeping your scalp healthy. Washing your hair too often can disrupt this balance, leading to scalp problems such as dandruff and itching.
How to Wash Your Hair Less Often
If you’re used to washing your hair every day, transitioning to washing it less often can be a challenge. However, there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier:
- Use dry shampoo: Dry shampoo is a great way to absorb excess oil and refresh your hair between washes. Simply spray dry shampoo onto your roots and massage it into your scalp.
- Brush your hair regularly: Brushing your hair helps to distribute your scalp’s natural oils throughout your hair, which can help to keep your hair looking fresh and clean.
- Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner: When you do wash your hair, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that is designed for your hair type. Harsh shampoos and conditioners can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it more dry and prone to breakage.
- Avoid heat styling: Heat styling can damage your hair and make it more dry and brittle. If you can, try to air-dry your hair or use heat-styling tools on a low setting.
Conclusion
Washing your hair too often can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage. Most experts recommend washing your hair 2-3 times per week, but the ideal frequency of hair washing varies depending on your hair type and scalp condition. By washing your hair less often, you can improve the health of your hair and scalp and reduce the risk of damage.
