How often to wash hair: ‘Ultimate goal’ for a happy and healthy scalp

When it comes to washing your hair, many of us have a routine, even if it’s not the right one for our hair texture, lifestyle and skin type.

Washing hair too often can strip the important oils from your hair which can make it duller and less shiny. Not washing hair enough can lead to greasy roots and unpleasant-smelling hair.

Express.co.uk has spoken to multiple experts to find out how often we should be washing our hair for our hair types.

How often should you wash your hair?

How often you wash your hair will depend on your hair type and texture, skin type, hair health and how often you exercise. For example, if you head to the gym every day you might wash your hair every evening to remove sweat and excess oils.

As a general rule, most experts recommend washing your hair every two to three days but if you have fine hair and a greasy scalp you may need to wash it more frequently.

Eva Proudman, a trichologist at Absolute Collagen exclusively told Express.co.uk that people should wash their hair either every day or every other day.

She explained: “For most people we recommend every day or every other day, this is to keep the scalp clean and well-balanced, we forget that the scalp is made of skin, just like our faces, it needs the same cleansing and care.”

However, Robbie Rushton, a clinical trichologist at The Rushton Clinic and expert for Goldster said “there is no right or wrong answer” when it comes to how often to wash your hair.

He explained: “Ultimately what makes a wash frequency routine ‘right’ for a particular person is an intricate balance that depends on multiple factors including one’s scalp condition, hair type, hair quality and the desired aesthetic look they want to achieve.

“At its core, when we talk about washing hair, we primarily want to address the health and cleanliness of the scalp skin, more than the hair strands themselves. The scalp, just like any other part of our skin, has a unique microbiome that needs to be balanced.

“Washing the hair and scalp too infrequently can allow for the build-up of dirt, sebum, and dead skin cells, and may create an unbalanced breeding ground for bacteria.”

Robbie explained that those with naturally oilier skin, or those prone to conditions such as flaking, acne, or irritation, may find they have to wash their hair more frequently.

If the scalp is excessively oily or if it’s regularly exposed to dirt and pollutants, washing hair daily can “work wonders”.

However, some people prefer to wash their hair less frequently, especially if they don’t have a lot of time.

Robbie also noted that certain hair types and scalps may need less washing. He said: “Those with drier scalps might also benefit from reduced washing to prevent excessive dryness and brittleness. So, by avoiding the removal of natural oils, we can maintain some of the body’s natural lubricative and protective characteristics.

“Additionally, the amount and type of products you use plays a pivotal role in how your scalp and hair feel. Some ingredients might exacerbate oiliness or lead to build-up. Cleaning these products from the hair more frequently, by washing the hair, will typically have a positive benefit to the scalp and the hair.

“There’s no universal answer to how often one should wash their hair. It’s essential to remember that we’re all unique, and our hair care routines should reflect our individual needs and aesthetic preferences.

“While some might thrive with frequent washing, others might benefit from a more relaxed approach. The ultimate goal is a happy, healthy scalp with a balanced microbiome.”