How Often Should You Really Be Washing Your Hair? (2025)

For most adults, washing your hair every few days is the right balance. Most people do not need to wash their hair every day. Washing your hair too frequently may cause scalp dryness and damage.

The exact frequency depends on several factors, including hair type, ethnicity, activity level, age, and more.

Do You Need to Wash Your Hair Daily?

Most people do not need to wash their hair daily. If you have very fine or oily hair, you may need to wash it daily. However, most healthy adults find it sufficient to wash their hair every two or three days.

How often you wash your hair is a personal choice, and several factors must be considered. For example, your culture or upbringing may impact your decision. Dermatologists usually recommend washing hair once it becomes dirty or oily.

When washing your hair:

• Apply shampoo to your entire scalp and lather it with your hands.
• Do not massage shampoo into the whole length of your hair, as this can lead to dryness and frizziness.
• After washing your hair, apply conditioner to the entire length. If your hair is thin, fine, or oily, apply conditioner only to the ends.

How Often to Wash

There are no guidelines about how often to wash your hair or how long to go between washes. Most healthcare providers recommend washing your hair when it appears dirty or oily. For some people, that could be every day. For others, it could be every couple of weeks.

Factors to Consider

1. Hair Type

Hair types affect how oily your hair becomes and how quickly. Common hair types include coiled, curly, wavy, and straight. Your hair may be considered thin or thick.

People with straight, thin hair may need to wash it more often than those with thick, curly hair. Curly hair needs sebum to stay moisturized, while straight hair easily becomes coated in oil.

Black people's hair tends to be fragile and prone to damage. Frequent washing can be harmful. Most dermatologists recommend washing once a week or every other week.

2. Length

The length of your hair may impact how often you wash it. Long, thick hair needs sebum for moisture; washing it daily could make it dry and frizzy. For this reason, people with long hair may choose to wash it less frequently than those with short hair.

3. Age

Your age affects how much sebum your scalp produces. Adolescents and young adults usually produce more sebum than children and older adults. The scalp usually gets drier with age.

Teens and young adults may need to wash their hair more frequently, especially if they have thin, straight hair or are very active. Most children only need to wash their hair once or twice per week.

4. Genetics

Genetics and family history can impact how often you wash your hair. If your parents have thin, straight hair, you may also be more likely to have this hair type. People from families with curly, thick hair may be able to wash their hair less frequently.

5. Activity Level

A person’s activity level may affect how dirty their hair gets. Sweating during a workout can cause the hair to look dirty or oily. Depending on how much you sweat during the day, you may choose to wash your hair after every workout or time spent in the heat.

6. Hair Products

Hair products may include hair spray, gel, cream, or leave-in conditioner. Hair products help style your hair but may weigh it down and cause it to appear oily. Some products may also cause scalp irritation or damage.

If you use hair products when styling your hair, you may need to wash it more frequently. A product build-up in the hair may lead to irritation over time.

7. Scalp Condition

The health and condition of your scalp also impact how often you need to wash. If your scalp tends to produce oil quickly, you may need to wash more frequently. People with excess sebum often need to wash their hair daily or every other day. If your scalp is dry, you may want to spread out your washing to prevent further drying.

8. Time Outside

Spending time outdoors may cause your hair to become dirty faster. The hair can hold sweat, dirt, and pollen. Leaving these substances in your hair can lead to irritation and may make seasonal allergies worse. If you notice that your hair seems more oily or dirty after outdoor activities such as gardening or running, consider washing it.

Signs You’re Washing Too Often

It is possible to wash your hair too often and damage your hair and scalp. Washing hair strips it of oil and can lead to dryness. Signs that you’re washing your hair too often include:

• Brittle hair
• Dandruff flakes
• Dry, coarse hair
• Hair breakage
• Itchy scalp
• Scalp dryness

When shampooing your hair, apply it to your entire scalp and lather well. Massage shampoo into your roots, and do not apply it to the ends of your hair. When rinsing, the shampoo will cleanse the length of your hair.

Summary

How often you wash your hair is a personal decision, and there is no right or wrong answer. When deciding how often to wash your hair, consider how thick your hair is and whether it is straight or curly. People with thin, straight hair usually need to wash their hair more frequently than those with thick, curly hair.

Washing your hair cleans the hair and removes excess sebum and other buildup from the scalp. Sebum is oil that the scalp produces to moisturize the skin and hair. A buildup of sebum can irritate the scalp and cause the hair to appear clumpy and limp.