How often should you wash your hair?

For years, daily hair washing was seen as "the right thing to do." But most hairstylists and trichologists now agree: washing your hair less often is healthier for both your hair and scalp.

Hair produces natural oil (technical term: sebum) that protects strands, maintains moisture, and adds shine. When you wash too frequently, you strip these oils away, which can trigger your scalp to overproduce oil—creating a cycle of greasy roots and dry ends. For many people, this leads to more washing, not better hair.

So how often should you wash your hair?
For most hair types, 2–3 times per week is ideal. Curly, textured, or color-treated hair often thrives with even fewer washes, while very fine or oily hair may need slightly more frequent cleansing. What you're up to throughout the day matters too—exercise, environment, and styling habits all play a role.

The key is balance. Washing less allows your scalp to regulate itself, reduces breakage, and helps hairstyles last longer. On non-wash days, protecting your hair from water in the shower will make your life easier. Steam and water exposure can undo your style even if you don’t use shampoo. Consider using a shower cap to cover your hair on days you're skipping hair washing but still showering.

It can take some time to get used to less hair washing. See our tips for making the transition here. And if you need a shower cap, Skipper's better than the rest!