Question

How often do you shampoo your hair? I have shoulder length hair and cannot help but wonder if it could be healthier if I shampoo it less. I get it wet in the shower everyday, but don't shampoo every time. I figure it may be a good time to experiment since I have nowhere to go and nothing to do! Hair stylists, PLEASE weigh in!  

Answer 1

People freak when I tell them this but I usually wash my hair once every 5-6 days

Comments

@farlay same!  

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Do u guys get it wet in the shower between washes? Or wear a cap or something to keep it dry?  

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I just pull it up in a loose bun on top of my head and wash my face in the sink vs. in the shower otherwise I get too much of my hair wet. Wash body, etc. in shower and then pull it down and re-blowdry spots around my face and touch up with a straightener or wear it up, dry shampoo, etc.  

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Yes, I was wondering the same - do you wash your hair with water every day? and every 6 days with shampoo?  

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@hardie873 I don't get mine wet at all between washes

Answer 2

I do dry shampoo at least once per week and actually wash it once per week. My hair stylist told me the longer u can go the better w/o washing it.  

Comments

@veta498 interesting! I guess I am not so crazy, after all!  

Answer 3

Every 2-3 days

Answer 4

I’m a hairstylist and the less you wash it the better (in my Opinion) especially if you color or lighten it! Dry shampoo is your best friend  

Comments

@laminate877 thanks! When you say "washing, " do you mean shampooing, just getting my hair wet, or both?  

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@sullivan96 try to avoid all of the above. Unless you have super curly hair. in that case I have clients that like to just condition and not shampoo. Get a good shower cap and dry shampoo and try going 3-4 days and see how you like it! I feel like it makes a huge difference in the long run  

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@laminate877 difference in what way?  

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@fiduciary for color preservation

Answer 5

I wash it every 3 days and keep it completely dry when I shower and don’t wash it. I also use this Bumble and Bumble overnight mask the night before I wash my hair and it has transformed so much of my breakage and flyaways.  

Comments

@hawthorne thank you!  

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This is exactly what I do. I do a deep condition before I wash it. If I’m blow drying it (I have natural curls), I keep it completely dry until I rewash. And, I sleep with a silk wrap or bonnet. When I wear it curly, I ‘refresh’ the curls with product in a spray bottle as needed until wash day. My hair is extremely healthy. I don’t use dry shampoo and love pureology hydrate shampoo and conditioner. My hair is color treated (another reason to not wash or wet it everyday).  

Answer 6

I wash it about twice a week, but dry shampoo is still a requirement (not now though, because who cares). It does take awhile to adjust. I went from washing it every day to every other day, but that second day I couldn't wear it down for a few months. Now I can always wear it down on day 2, and day 3 I can sometimes get away without a ponytail and still look respectable for work.  

Comments

I should also say finding a good dry shampoo helped a lot too. I love Living Proof. Definitely worth the price tag.  

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@cottontail ok, seems I just need to "train" my hair and let it adjust. No better time that now, for the reason you mentioned

Answer 7

I use a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks, and co wash with conditioner 2 times a week

Answer 8

I usually shampoo every 3 days or so and sometimes use dry shampoo in between. I also don’t use a ton of shampoo in general and only use conditioner middle-end of my hair. I also use a clarifying shampoo once a week which helps.  

Answer 9

As a stylist it is good for your hair to not wash everyday. You strip your hair of its natural oils when you do. I would even try not to get it wet everyday also. Use a great dry shampoo in between washes. During normal society I was probably every 3-5 days. During quarantine I have been going about 7-8 days lol

Comments

I've heard from many of my friends that dry shampoo will cause hair loss - because some of it will end up on scalp and scalp will not be breathing. Is it true?  

Answer 10

Every 5-6 days, unless I've gotten really sweaty for whatever reason.  

Answer 11

I have curly hair And use the curly girl method.  

Comments

@jacklin CGM  

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I don’t Co wash though I use a CGM approved shampoo.  

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@loquacity it's so much easier and my hair is very healthy!  

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@loquacity i use kinky curly knot today clarifying shampoo every 2 weeks. It feels so good

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Been meaning to try some kinky products. Do you feel like it get weighted down? Reason I stopped cowashing.  

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@loquacity i haven't got to use the curling custard, but i hear great things!  

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I use a lot of the not your mothers line

Answer 12

I was mine every other day.  

Comments

Same here, my hair gets so oily, I wish I could get away with washing it once a week

Answer 13

I wash with shampoo and conditioner every day. is this incorrect? Maybe that’s why I am going gray before 40. oh wait. that would be because of being locked in the house with a very opinionated two year old for the last month. ‍♀️

Comments

@boilermaker4387 that’s good if you are working out every day

Answer 14

Every 4 days usually. It really isn't healthy to wash it everyday. Plus I have thicker hair and It styles better dirty anyway

Answer 15

I’m a hair stylist and the less you can wash the better. If you are getting it wet everyday try to make sure it’s with colder water, warmer water will still open the cuticle and will cause more frizz. Cooler water closes the cuticle (and prevents dry scalp. what a lot of people think is dandruff). I typically only wash 1-2 times a wk. I usually do not get my hair wet in between washes. I’ll use a clip or shampoo cap. Dry shampoo works wonders.  

Comments

@skiba I’ve been trying to train my hair to less washing during this time (I used to wash daily and it’d be greasy my mid-day 2 I’d I skipped) but it’s been 3 weeks and I still feel it is DISGUSTING by days 2-3 even though I’ve been going 3-4 days before washing it. How long does this process take? I even bought nice shampoo so it wasn’t full of whatever causes build up.  

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Have you tried a normalizing shampoo (matrix makes one) or even an apple vinegar rinse treatment . both can help bring your hair ph levels back to normal. Another possibility could be that your hair is holding onto product or old waxy shampoo build up. A cleansing shampoo or treatment would help.  

Answer 16

Every 3 to 4 days. And I do not get it wet in between washes.  

Comments

@kalman @deon4 same. I have thick hair but it doesn't get oily.  

Answer 17

I wash my hair every 6-7 days. About day 5 I need to use some dry shampoo and pull it up in a bun, braid, or slick ponytail. I've never tried wetting in the shower in-between washings. If I'm gonna do that I may as well just wash it with shampoo. I workout 5-6 days a week as well.  

Comments

@totter I agree on the wetting in the shower part!  

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@totter beautiful!  

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@sullivan96 thank you, I try

Answer 18

Sometimes it takes a wk or two for your scalp’s natural oil to regulate. So it’s very common to be extra “greasy” at first. It’s a perfect time (since we aren’t seeing a bunch of people) to use dry shampoo and push through your “normal” washings to let your hair adjust.  

Answer 19

I have longer hair. I wash mine every day.  

Comments

@michaeline24 same! hair gets dirty and needs to be washed , especially after you workout

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@abernathy we are totally the minority with this!  

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@michaeline24 i wasn’t sure about it but texted my hair dresser and she told me it needs to be washed after a workout. it’s gross to not wash it after sweating

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@abernathy that's true.  

Answer 20

2-3x a week is plenty!  

Answer 21

My hair is long and curly. every 3 days. I use just conditioner the other days.  

Answer 22

Wow! Thank you for posting this and for everyone’s input. I shampoo my hair everyday. Maybe that’s why it’s dry. I’m going to try every other day now. What’s a good dry shampoo to use in between. Again, thanks everyone. Stay well

Comments

@murine48 I love Redkens new dry shampoo

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@murine48 I’ve tried a bunch and so far I like IGK dry shampoo the best.  

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@murine48 Paul Mitchell makes my favorite dry shampoo!  

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@fiduciary Williams Rivera IGK was my go to before Redken came out with their new one. I like both but have started leaning towards Redken

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@skiba I’ll have to try it!  

Answer 23

Since I'm not going out every day, I've taken to shampoo my hair only every 2 days instead of every day. My hair is short and gets "bedhead" easily, so it feels gross if I don't wash it at least every 2 days.  

Answer 24

Not a hairstylist. mine is stick straight and long, so it gets oily fast. I have been using Perfect Hair Day shampoo, and I shampoo every 2-3 days. If I shower without washing it, I pull it up!  

Answer 25

I have very long dyed blonde hair and I wash once a week. The other 6 days I use dry shampoo.  

Answer 26

I’ve got long thin hair, and I’m a vet tech so it has the tendency to get dirty here and there. I wash day 1, dry shampoo day 2, twisted up with a clip day 3, then shampoo/condition day 4. I used to wash my hair EVERY day and it dried it out like crazy. Took having two kids for me to learn how to stretch the distance between washes  and now my hair has never been better

Answer 27

I wash my hair once a week! I have blonde highlighted hair and it’s never been healthier!  

Answer 28

I wash my hair once or twice a week & my hair thanks me for it.  

Answer 29

I would also change the products you are using to sulphate and paraben free.  

Comments

@loquacity oh, I am a hippy and I am already on board with that!  

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@sullivan96 awesome

Answer 30

Washing my hair less has been the best thing for me! I literally wash it twice maybe three times a week. It’s been a huge difference!  

Answer 31

Okay. what thickness hair do you guys have that you can go longer than 2 days? I have very fine wavy hair. My pony tail is like dime to nickel sized in diameter. I wash it every other day. have been for a while now and I can’t wear it down the second day. It’s too greasy. And it just doesn’t look right with dry shampoo. It’s so flat and gross feeling. My temples are getting greasy by the end of the first day. I just don’t have enough hair to contain it!  

Comments

@leading exactly my experience!  

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@leading same. I can push to 3 days at best, with dry shampoo, but I have to wear it up everyday its not washed.  

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@leading my hair is thinner and I also don't like the feel of dry shampoo.  

Answer 32

Twice a week

Answer 33

I wash once a week! It took a really long time to build up to once a week though. I started extending my washes by one day until I was able to get to a week. Now by about day 6 my hair could use a wash but it’s fine. I do use dry shampoo after day 3 and have to wear it up for at least days 4-5-6-7 but I feel like it’s worth it!  

Answer 34

My sister is a stylist - she went to Paul Mitchell, so a VERY good school. She washes her hair every 3-4 days. And she uses heating tools and color on her hair. She has beautiful healthy hair because she also uses heat protecting products and does deep conditions once in a while. My hair is healthy because I never, and I mean never, use heating tools on it. Air dry, wash every 3-4 days. I do color it and use the appropriate salon products.  

Comments

@nadene66854 thank you!  

Answer 35

No judgment, but I was my hair every 5-6 days.  

Comments

@patrica88 Miller this is my goal! I feel I wash mine too much.  

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@sullivan96 mine is so much happier now! I use leave in conditioner and use redkin 25 spray every day

Answer 36

I wash it 2x a week.  

Answer 37

I wash my long hair everyday. Nexus & Hunectress does the job!  

Answer 38

I’m a stylist, I started with every other day. Then kept pushing it out. I use dry shampoo and only wash once a week. Maybe twice sometimes

Comments

@sennit thanks for weighing in!  

Answer 39

Try Hairstory shampoo/conditioner. I wash my hair approx. every 5 days, never felt healthier and I’ve had a lot of comments lately that my hair looks nice  
https://www.hairstory.com

Comments

@racer29 thanks so much! I saw your profile pic and agree your hair looks fab!  

Answer 40

I go every 3 days or so

Answer 41

2-3 times a week.  

Answer 42

Long hair, 2x week most of the time unless l do hard workout or hot in the summer and sweat

Answer 43

I have thin fine strait hair (natural blonde) and it’s completely oily every morning. I’ve tried to do every other day and it’s disgusting looking If I don’t. Dry shampoo will help some but it gives my hair a weird texture (normally it’s so soft so it’s hard to accept the gritty feeling I get using it! ) so I just wash daily. I’d be up for trying different shampoos if it would give me another day.  

Comments

@benedick50614 try sprinkling in baby powder (or plain corn starch) let it sit for a few min then tip your head upside down and shake the powder out

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Try putting coconut oil in scalp 2 hours before washing - you will se difference when you do it 1 or 2 times!  

Answer 44

What about short straight thin hair that gets oily easily?  

Comments

@vaudeville9095 see my comment above^^

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Not a fan of the smell of baby powder and it leaves a residue on mine.  

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@vaudeville9095 try putting coconut oil in scalp 2 hours before washing - you will se difference when you do it 1 or 2 times!  

Answer 45

2-3x per week max.  

Answer 46

About very 4-5 days unless, hot summer days

Answer 47

Your scalp is like the rest of your skin, when you over wash you dry it out, that signals your body to produce more oil. By letting it get oily it will tell your body to stop making so much. It can take time and getting used to but it will happen. Dry shampoo can feel yucky but I’ve come across some that aren’t as bad as others, they’re all gonna feel a little different than your natural hair regardless. You can wash and wear down day one, dry shampoo day two, put it up day three and then wash after that. I end up just wearing mine up for a few days to take me to a week

Answer 48

2-4 days.  

Answer 49

Twice a week, but naturally curly so wet and use product daily.  

Answer 50

I shampoo and condition Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. The other days I just rinse with water and condition.  

Answer 51

Pull your hair up before you get in the shower. You’re not going anywhere anyway lol! I only wash once or twice a week. It’s true the more you wash the quicker it gets oily. I also find that if I blow dry my hair-as in blow it out with a round brush-it lasts longer. Air drying doesn’t work for me. Also, avoid clarifying shampoos as they will strip out more oil and amp up oil production. For non-wash days, sprinkle in some baby powder or plain corn starch at your roots. Let it sit for 5 min then tip your head upside down and shake it out.  

Comments

@washboard agreed! The round brush blow dry really makes a difference.  

Answer 52

Every day! If you could see the dust and germs that clings to hair you would be washing every hour! And I do hair for a living. With the right shampoos and conditioners you should be washing your hair everyday.  

Comments

@wilsey Arnhold Gudgeon germs, bacteria, and dust are everywhere all the time ‍♀️ I’ve yet to infect anyone in my family from my dirty hair. It’s one thing when a client comes from a hot yoga class, but it’s her own hair

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@wilsey Arnhold Gudgeon I do see all the residue on my hair from my brush and it's surely gross.  

Answer 53

Hello I’m hairstylist usually once or two times a week it’s good for fuller non oily hair  

Answer 54

Twice a week. Find a good shampoo that will help with oily roots and drier ends and same with styling cream and you will be totally good washing it every 4 days or so

Answer 55

My hair gets oily after 48 hours. I wash it every 2-3 days. Shampoo & conditioner. Hair mask once a week. I do not get it wet in between.  

Answer 56

I washed 5-6 times per week pre covid. I’m down to 2 times per week now. I thought this is the perfect time to train my hair to not be washed as often. For now, I’m not using dry shampoo often but just ordered some that is brown to cover my gray. Good luck with the training!  

Comments

@gunnery thanks and you too! Tell Evan hi from us!  

Answer 57

2 times a week

Answer 58

And not get it wet at all. The rest of the week

Answer 59

I shampoo it about once every 4/5 days. And I only shampoo my roots, not my ends. Leave the conditioner on my hair for a good 10-15 mins. and that’s how I am able to have super long and healthy hair

Comments

@calderon thanks friend! Your hair is the best!  

Answer 60

Two times a week shampoo

Answer 61

Every other day

Answer 62

Every 2-3 days

Answer 63

I have oily hair and my head starts itching after 3 days. My hair stylist contacted me a few weeks ago to suggest I try to stretch the tine in between washings and lay off of heat (hair dryer, etc. )

Answer 64

When in lock down I only shampoo once a week , when I do yoga then 3/week .  

Answer 65

Over shampooing (daily) strips essential oils from scalp which causes dryness which leads to more oil production in scalp to fight dryness, making you want to shampoo more. You need to rebalance the ph in the scalp so you can shampoo less (and use dry shampoo in between)  I swear by Malibu C Un-Do-Goo > pH 9 Shampoo. Better than any clarifying shampoo, it completely de-gunks your scalp. I use 2x a month as well as a monthly ACV rinse by DPHUE to keep scalp ph in check  

Answer 66

2-3 days apart unless I work out then I shampoo.  

Answer 67

Every other day or I will scratch my head to death. I have been told that you should only shampoo the top half of your hair and let it run down the ends. And every time you get your hair wet you should at least be using conditioner.  

Comments

I never rub shampoo on my ends. Unless they actually get dirty there’s definitely no reason to be shampooing more than your scalp

Answer 68

Two times a week. It took awhile to get to that because my hair was used to being washed daily. Now i use dry shampoo if i need it