You probably don't need to wash your hair as often as you think. Or, maybe you need to wash it more often than you think. The right schedule can help manage hair and scalp health...but, it's different for everyone. If you're stumped, read our guide on all things related to how often to wash your hair based on your hair type.
Frequency is not universal. Generally, you should wash it whenever it feels oily, dirty, or full of residue. This doesn't necessarily mean you should wash, rinse, and repeat daily, as doing so could damage strands if you use traditional shampoos that strip hair of their natural oils. Conversely, waiting too long leads to oil and product buildup, which can cause scalp discomfort1.
If you're wondering how often to wash fine hair, experts recommend washing every day or every other day2. Doing so can help you bypass that lifeless look that comes when hair is greasy. This is a particular concern for oily hair and fine hair, which typically has a straight pattern that sebum slides down with ease.
Since you'll be washing regularly, choose a gentle formula that cleanses thoroughly without making the scalp overcompensate by producing more oil. Formulated for thinning hair, the Awaken Shampoo uses sustainably harvested palm and coconut oils, natural capsicum, and menthol to gently cleanse and stimulate the scalp, enhancing its ability to produce robust, fuller hair.
Thick and curly hair types are prone to dryness because scalp oils take a winding route to reach the ends of the corkscrew-shaped and coiled strands. Over-washing with traditional shampoos can further zap moisture from the parched strands, leading to breakage.
Wash when hair and scalp feel oily, weekly or bi-weekly. In between, refresh hair and scalp with a co-wash or cleansing cream such as Curls Cleansing Cream - a no-lather cleansing conditioner3.
These naturally dry textures require products that hydrate rather than strip hair of much-needed moisture. The All In Shampoo is a great option, with a sulfate-free formula that cleanses without disrupting natural oils or causing breakage. If you have curly hair, you can also browse our full Curls Collection for products formulated specifically for your needs.
Dyeing and chemical processing make hair more fragile, so the delicate strands need extra love. The more frequently you wash, the faster color fades and the higher the risk of dryness and split ends. Sticking to two to three washes per week, or less if your scalp allows, helps preserve color and extend the life of your treatment.
The All In Shampoo is highly recommended here. It's sulfate-free and formulated with rice protein to seal the cuticle for long-lasting color protection, while antioxidants eliminate free radicals and protect hair and color with every wash.
When deciding how often to wash hair with dandruff, shampooing daily can help, as it removes flakes and the yeast that causes them4, but some people prefer two to three times per week to minimize inflammation and yeast overgrowth.
A deep cleanse is your new best friend to keep buildup and flakiness in check. The Awaken Scalp Detox uses activated charcoal powder and essential minerals to exfoliate and detoxify, while a therapeutic blend of mint and capsicum refreshes and nourishes.
If you're wondering how often to wash hair for growth, it's not recommended to go longer than a week without washing, because when follicles get clogged with oils, the scalp can't oxygenate properly, which can contribute to hair loss over time.
Over-washing won't lead to longer locks, either, because it strips the scalp of its natural oils—making hair more brittle and prone to breakage. The right frequency depends on your hair type and what it needs.
If you're washing your hair too often, it may feel dry and brittle, while your scalp may feel tight or irritated. You might also notice your scalp getting greasy again soon after washing, which can mean it's overproducing oil to compensate. However, experts say you can't really overwash if you're using the right products. If regular shampooing is making hair dry, the issue is likely the shampoo, not the frequency5.
Not washing often enough can cause bigger problems. Hair may look dull or greasy, while scalp buildup can clog follicles and lead to flaking, itching, dandruff, and bacterial growth that may affect healthy growth over time.
The products you use matter just as much as how often you wash. The Awaken Shampoo uses capsicum and menthol to stimulate circulation and maximize nutrient delivery to the follicle. The All In Shampoo delivers repair, moisture, and antioxidant protection in a formula that has been shown to make hair four times softer and smoother after just one use.* The Awaken Scalp Detox uses activated charcoal and essential minerals to clear buildup and refresh the scalp without disrupting its natural balance. Once weekly, Purify shampoo offers a deep yet gentle cleanse to reset the hair.
Make wash day count. Explore Surface Hair shampoos formulated for every hair type.
*After just one use of All In Shampoo and Conditioner.
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