This is one of the most common hair questions ever because everyone has heard different rules:
“Never wash your hair everyday”
“Training your hair is a thing”
“Washing is bad for color”
Here’s the honest answer:
How often you should wash your hair depends on your scalp, lifestyle, and hair type. Not a TikTok rule!
Let’s break it down.
First: Scalp and hair are different
Your scalp produces oil. Your hair ends do not.
So you can have an oily scalp and dry ends at the same time ( super common).
Your wash schedule should support your scalp health without frying your ends.
If your scalp gets oily fast: A typical sweet spot is every 2 days, sometimes every day.
Wash more often if: your scalp feels very itchy or greasy quickly. You work out a lot. You use styling products that build up. You’re prone to flakes.
If your scalp is normal: A typical sweet spot for you is every 2-4 days
As long as you are cleansing well, rinsing well and not using a lot of dry shampoo to soak up oils.
If your scalp is dry or sensitive: The typical sweet spot for you is 3-5 days.
BUT if you’re flaky, it might not be “dry”. It could be a buildup or irritation. If flakes get in the way we recommend Milbons’ Scalp Care line to balance out your scalp.
If you have color treated hair: Your sweet spot is 2-4 days. To keep color looking fresh:
Use a salon professional product, specifically for color treated hair.
Keep water temp as cool as you can take it.
Use a hair mask weekly. Always use a heat protectant!
If you have extensions: We recommend 3-6 days, depending on your scalps oiliness.
Extensions do not get the oils from your scalp like your bio-hair.
Is’ training’ your hair real? Kindof but not the way people think.
You can train your habits and product use. You can get better at styling and managing oil. Your scalp’s oil production is basically driven by genetics, hormones and environment.
Always fully dry your roots for longer styling. Leaving your hair/scalp to air dry throws off the microbiom and can lead to oilyer hair/faster
Dry shampoo: helpful but don’t abuse it. Dry shampoo is a tool; not a lifestyle.
Want the perfect wash schedule for your hair? At your next appointment, tell us:
- how often you currently wash
- if you work out
- if you need dry shampoo
As always we are here for you and all your questions.
We’ll see you in the chair!
.
