Finding the right frequency to wash your hair is not always straightforward. Washing too often can make the hair brittle and dry. On the other hand, if they are not washed enough, they become greasy and dull. Therefore, it's important that you find the right balance to keep your hair clean, strong, and healthy.
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How often should you wash your hair each week?
Summary
- Why is it important to find the right frequency for washing your hair?
- A number of washes to adhere to?
- Source
Published August 2, 2023,
updated on May 29, 2024,
by
Manon, Scientific Editor
—
4 min read
Why is it important to find the right frequency for washing your hair?
As a general rule, washing your hair daily is not recommended as it could potentially damage it. Indeed, our hair produces a lipid fluid, known as sebum, which protects the scalp and hair from external aggressions. Shampoo is an emulsifying product that captures and eliminates excess oil, dirt, and hair product residues. By frequently using this type of product, you will remove this sebum, which will prompt your hair to produce more to compensate for the loss. The result is that your hair will quickly become oilier.
The frequency of hair washing is not subject to strict rules. Instead, it depends on factors such as your hair type, its texture, your lifestyle, etc. Therefore, the frequency of washing your hair is a personal decision based on your own comfort, perception, and well-being. However, be aware that if you do not wash your hair enough, excess sebum, dirt, pollution particles, dust, and dead skin cells can accumulate, just like on the skin of the face. This can cause itching and irritation, as well as visible flakes.
A number of washes to adhere to?
The frequency of hair washing is a recurring question that has been the subject of scientific studies. Indeed, an initial study examined the effects on the scalp of infrequent hair washing. They observed that the level of fungi Malassezia increased over time following the last shampoo. This fungus feeds on sebum, transforming it into fatty acids which then convert into prostaglandins, thus triggering an inflammatory response and itching. It is also attributed to Malassezia the appearance of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, frequently observed in individuals who wash their hair infrequently.
It was observed that the severity of itching significantly increased for 72 hours after shampooing, coinciding with an increase in sebum accumulation and promoting the proliferation of Malassezia. By increasing the washing frequency again, they were able to observe a decrease in flaking, redness, itching, the amount of Malassezia and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The same study showed that daily hair washing did not damage the hair fiber and helped to reduce problems with itching, dandruff, or redness.
However, keep in mind thatthere is no general recommendation regarding the frequency of washing your hair. If your hair is visibly oily, if your scalp itches or if there is flaking, these are signs that it's time to wash it. For certain hair types, like curly, dry, or kinky hair, daily washing may not be necessary, as they tend to be dry and sometimes brittle. The crucial element lies in the choice of care products suitable for your scalp type.
Source
PUNYANI S. & al. The impact of shampoo wash frequency on scalp and hair conditions. Skin Appendage Disorders (2021).
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