There’s no single right answer. How often you wash depends on your hair type, your scalp and your routine.
Quick look
- The American Academy of Dermatology suggests washing based on how quickly your hair gets oily or dirty.
- Straight hair with an oily scalp may need washing every day; dry, curly or coloured hair often needs it less.
- Concentrate shampoo on your scalp, and use conditioner after every wash.
- An itchy, flaky or sore scalp that doesn’t improve is worth checking with a pharmacist or GP.
Some people wash their hair every day; others go a week between washes. Both can be right, depending on your hair and scalp.
Find your rhythm
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests washing your hair based on how quickly it gets dirty or oily.
| Hair and scalp | Typical routine |
|---|---|
| Straight hair, oily scalp | May need washing every day |
| Fine hair | Often looks greasy sooner, so may need washing more often |
| Thick, curly or coily hair | Often needs washing less often |
| Coloured or chemically treated hair | Washing less often can help it stay in better condition |
| Older adults | The scalp makes less oil with age, so less frequent washing may suit |
How to wash
- Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water.
- Massage shampoo into your scalp rather than along the full length of your hair.
- Rinse well.
- Use conditioner after every wash: on the ends if your hair is fine or straight, and through the full length if it’s dry or curly.
- Rinse, then blot with a towel rather than rubbing.
Little trick
If your scalp feels oily but your ends feel dry, wash your scalp more often and condition your ends more. You can adjust the two separately.
Signs to change your routine
- Washing too often: hair feels dry, rough or frizzy, or your scalp feels tight.
- Not often enough: build-up, itching or flakes, or hair that looks lank.
Good to note
Persistent itching, flaking, redness or soreness can be signs of a scalp condition, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis. A pharmacist or GP can help.
Between washes
Gentle styling helps your hair stay in good condition, whatever your washing routine. Our guides to heat styling and gentle hairstyles have more ideas.
Ask away
Is it bad to wash my hair every day?
Not necessarily. If your scalp gets oily quickly, daily washing is fine. If your hair feels dry, try washing less often or using a milder shampoo.
Do I need to shampoo the ends?
Not usually. Focus on your scalp; the lather that runs through the lengths as you rinse is enough to clean them.
What about dry shampoo?
It can soak up oil between washes, but it doesn’t clean your scalp. Use it now and then rather than as a replacement for washing.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For skin, scalp or allergy concerns, speak to a pharmacist, your GP or a dermatologist. In an emergency, call 999.