Here’s how often should you wash your hair, according to a dermatologist

There’s no single magic number, but dermatologists provide clear guidelines based on scalp and hair type, lifestyle, and personal preference.

The most common dermatologist recommendation is: Wash your hair 1 to 3 times per week, on average. However, this is a starting point that needs personalization.

Here’s a breakdown of the key factors dermatologists say you should consider:

1. By Hair and Scalp Type (The Most Important Factor)

• Oily Scalp / Fine, Straight Hair: Every day or every other day. Fine hair gets oily faster because sebum (oil) travels easily down the straight hair shaft. Frequent washing prevents a greasy, weighed-down look.

• Dry Scalp / Coarse, Curly, or Coily Hair: Once a week or every other week. Natural oils take much longer to travel down curly or coiled hair shafts. Washing too often strips these essential oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage. Many people with this hair type follow a “co-wash” (conditioner-only wash) routine between shampoos.

• Normal Scalp / Medium-Texture, Wavy Hair: 2 to 3 times per week. This is the “sweet spot” for balancing cleanliness and natural oil retention.

2. By Lifestyle & Activity Level

• Intense Exercise / Heavy Sweating: Wash after sweaty workouts. Sweat can mix with oils and bacteria, potentially irritating the scalp and making hair look dirty.

• Exposure to Dirt, Pollution, or Chlorine: Wash after exposure. These elements can build up and damage hair.

• Use of Heavy Styling Products: Wash as needed to remove buildup. Clarifying shampoo can be used occasionally (once a month).

3. By Age & Hormonal Factors

• Teenagers / Hormonal Fluctuations: Often need to wash more frequently due to increased oil production.

• Older Adults: May need to wash less frequently as sebum production naturally decreases with age.

The Dermatologist’s “Goldilocks” Principle: Don’t Overwash or Underwash

• Overwashing (too often) can strip your scalp of its natural, protective oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and your scalp overcompensating by producing more oil.

• Underwashing (too infrequently) can lead to a buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and product residue. This can clog hair follicles, cause scalp irritation (dandruff, itching), and even hinder hair growth.

How to Find Your Perfect Schedule: The Dermatologist’s Advice

1. Start with the 2-3 times per week baseline and adjust based on how your hair looks and feels.

2. Listen to Your Scalp: Is it itchy, flaky, or does it feel tight? You might be overwashing. Is it greasy, heavy, or do you see buildup? You might be underwashing.

3. Extend Time Between Washes Gradually: If you want to train your hair to be less oily, try stretching washes by an extra day and using dry shampoo at the roots as a bridge.

4. Use the Right Products:

   • Clarifying Shampoo: Use once a month to remove hard water minerals and product buildup.

   • Dry Shampoo: A great tool for absorbing oil between washes, but don’t let it replace washing for extended periods.

   • Scalp Care: Consider a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo if you have a sensitive scalp.

The Bottom Line

According to dermatologists, the correct frequency is the one that leaves your scalp feeling clean (not itchy or greasy) and your hair looking healthy (not dry or flat).

When to See a Dermatologist: If you experience persistent scalp issues like severe dandruff, itching, pain, hair loss, or sores, it’s time for a professional evaluation, as these can be signs of conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.