It is a common misconception that washing your hair too frequently causes hair loss. In fact, studies show that doing so can lead to a decrease in dandruff, scalp itchiness and dryness, strand greasiness and hair shedding [1]. So how often should you wash your hair to prevent hair loss and keep your scalp and hair healthy?
Dermatologists, hair specialists and influencers can dole out conflicting advice regarding the optimum frequency with which you should be cleaning your hair. But research reveals that hair quality satisfaction is highest among people who wash it 5-6 times a week [1].
However, there is no universal best hair washing frequency. It depends on your scalp and hair properties, on whether you have common scalp problems such as seborrheic dermatitis and on your lifestyle and preferences. While cleaning your hair regularly is generally recommended to avoid oil and dirt buildup, the optimal frequency is up to you.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about:
It is obvious to most people that washing your hair is necessary to remove the dust and dirt it collects from the environment. However, some believe that if they don’t leave the house, their hair doesn’t need cleaning, as it’s not exposed to much debris. That is not accurate because your scalp secretes its own oil, called sebum, which can build up if not washed off.
Sebum is very useful for coating, lubricating, and protecting your strands and moisturising your scalp, preventing dryness. However, excessive amounts that build up over time can make your scalp oily and clog your pores. This can lead to conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, acne, or scalp folliculitis. Thus, removing some of this oil with a gentle shampoo can preserve your scalp health.
A double-blind clinical trial [1] performed in 2021 on 1500 healthy men and women revealed some interesting findings. Based on patient self-reports, the authors concluded that washing your hair more frequently can:
The same study revealed that participants were most satisfied with the properties of their hair when washing it 5-6 times a week. Abstaining from doing so for over a week led not only to perceived dissatisfaction but also to documented negative effects on their hair greasiness.
Most dermatologists, trichologists, and hair stylists recommend washing your hair at least weekly. However, depending on your hair type, several times a week would be preferable. People with greasier hair normally need to clean it more frequently, so they can even do so daily if necessary.
A good rule of thumb to know when it’s time for a wash is to check for one or more of the following tell-tale signs:
You don’t need to wait for your hair to get very dirty to give it a rinse. If you simply enjoy a warm bath after a long day and treat your hair to the best shampoos for hair growth, you can safely do so daily. And it can even be beneficial for your hair health.
The origin of the hair loss treatment myth that washing your hair too frequently strips off its natural oils comes from a time when shampoos contained harsh surfactants, which made your hair dry and brittle with overuse [2]. However, nowadays, you can get gentle shampoo formulas and conditioners that will moisturise and nourish your hair and scalp instead of damaging it.
If you have dry hair but like to wash it daily, it is a good idea to use some additional moisturising products, such as hair growth oils or hydrating hair masks, for extra precaution.
As long as you wash your hair at least once per week, the frequency is up to you. You can do so as often as you want, up to daily. Just be sure to pay attention to the signals your hair and scalp are giving you. If unsure, you can always try several frequencies for a month and document the results to see which one works best for you.
No, washing your hair three times a week is not overdoing it. Your strands and scalp should be fine unless your trichologist recommends that you do things differently. In fact, cleaning your hair several times a week has been proven to be beneficial for most people.
If you have been washing your hair 3 times a week and have been unhappy with the results, you can always change your hair cleaning products to gentler ones or try a different frequency until you find the one that suits you best.
Washing your hair less than once per week can lead to dirt, oil and hair product buildup, which can clog your pores and hair follicles. That can lead to:
Yes, but perhaps not in the way you might expect. Many think that washing it too often can dry out your strands and make them brittle. Picking hair out of their bathtub drain can strengthen this conclusion. But some hair loss is normal in the shower – a healthy adult naturally sheds 100-150 strands each day. And washing your hair gently mostly removes the already loose hairs rather than causing healthy ones to fall out.
In fact, not washing your hair enough can cause hair loss, usually through the development of yeast infections on the scalp. They can cause inflammation which damages your hair follicles and at the same time, they make you want to rub or scratch the affected area, leading to hair breakage at the crown.
Any concerns related to hair loss caused by a dry scalp which was stripped of its natural oils by your shampoo can be easily addressed by using conditioners and moisturisers regularly. Moreover, if you are worried about hair thinning, you can always try some of the best shampoos for hair loss, which can both clean your strands and stimulate hair growth.
While some people think that dry shampoo can cause hair loss, there is no evidence that this is true. In most cases, this product is harmless if used appropriately, and it can help you out of a hair pinch when you’re in a morning rush.
However, dry shampoo does not really clean your scalp or hair. What it does is absorb the excess oil and give your strands some lift, making them look less greasy. It is not made to be used more than 2-3 days consecutively. So you still need to wash the dirt, oil and hair products off your scalp regularly if you want to have healthy hair.
There are some common mistakes people make when washing their hair that can lead to hair breakage. You may want to avoid the following practices:
The best shampoo and conditioner for hair growth depends on your hair type and any preexisting scalp conditions. Be sure to choose a gentle formula, avoiding substances that can dry out or damage your strands (and in some cases, harm your health), such as:
Once you have made sure that your shampoo is hair-friendly, you need to choose one that is appropriate for your hair type, which can be [2]:
If you are experiencing dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, you may want to try a medicated formula, such as Nizoral shampoo. The most helpful substances these shampoos can contain are as follows [3]:
If you have begun to notice what could be the first signs of hair thinning and balding, you may want to try a special hair growth shampoo. You should be aware that there are very few studies regarding the effect of hair loss treatments when in shampoo form. So they may not be as effective as the topical solutions used in clinical trials.
However, if you are interested in finding out for yourself, here are some of the best shampoos for thinning hair you can try:
Regardless of the shampoo option you choose, always remember to use conditioner and, if needed, a moisturising hair mask or essential oils for hair growth to keep your scalp and hair hydrated.
If you are looking for ways to change your hair cleaning routine because you are worried about hair shedding, it is best to book a consultation with one of our experienced trichologists. That is because while it is true that improper haircare can sometimes lead to hair breakage, there could be other, more serious causes.
Your hair may be falling out due to a type of alopecia such as male pattern baldness (or female pattern baldness), alopecia areata, telogen effluvium and more. While some of them resolve themselves in time, others require a timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent them from progressing.
A hair specialist can perform specific trichology tests (e.g a dermoscopy, a hair pull test, blood tests for hair loss, etc.) and reveal the exact cause of your problems. Then, according to their diagnosis, they can then recommend the most appropriate treatment for your condition, tailored to your hair type, needs and preferences.
If your hair thinning is mild or moderate, this can include medication, such as Minoxidil, Finasteride or steroid creams. Or various proven therapies such as derma-rolling for hair growth, PRP hair treatment or red-light therapy for hair growth.
However, if your hair loss progresses and becomes advanced, non-surgical hair restoration options may no longer be enough, and you may require a hair transplant. Getting a natural-looking hair transplant at one of the best hair clinics in the UK can be a great investment in your appearance since a hair transplant is permanent. However, it is best to identify the cause of your hair loss early on to keep your treatment options open.
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