What determines how often you should wash your hair?

The amount most people need to wash their hair is once or twice per week. But the fact is, we’re all different, and the factors that determine the ideal frequency of hair washing varies for everyone. Oil, sweat, hair texture and hair type are the main considerations when deciding how regularly to wash your hair:

1. Oil (sebum): Some of us naturally produce more oil on our scalp than others. This mostly comes down to genetics but can also be influenced by our environment and age. Generally, oiler scalps require more frequent washing.

2. Sweat: Everyone sweats differently, depending on genetics and lifestyle. Some of us return from a jog looking unaffected, while others experience more perspiration. The amount and how often we sweat will help determine how often hair needs a refresh.

3. Hair type and texture: The general rule of thumb is that the thicker or coarser your hair is, the less you need to wash it. This is because it takes more time for excess oil to travel down your hair fibre. For this reason, fine hair will likely require more regular shampooing to keep oiliness at bay.

4. Environment: Those living in the city may find their hair needs washing more often as airborne pollutants like dust and dirt can affect your hair’s appearance. So, if you’re in a new environment and notice your hair feels rough or your scalp become itchy, it’s a sign you may need to wash it more frequently.

Is it bad to wash your hair every day?

It’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t wash your hair every day. In fact, it’s recommended for a variety of hair types and lifestyles. Those with fine or oily hair may benefit from washing their hair every day. Even if your hair is thicker, it can be beneficial to wash your hair more regularly (more than 1-2 times a week). Your hair washing routine should strike a balance between reducing the buildup of sebum while avoiding over-washing hair – which can lead to dryness and breakage.

How many times a week should you wash your hair?

As we’ve already discussed, your hair washing schedule is specific to you and your hair type. But we’ll provide specific times and reasoning for your hair care regimen:

Oily hair: 5+ times a week. If your hair is oily and thin, washing hair every day or every other day may be ideal for you.

Dry or damaged hair: 1-2 times a week. Damaged or dry hair can be a result of over washing. Give your natural oils time to flow by sticking to washing twice per week.

Curly hair: 1-2 times a week. If your hair is thick and curly, once a week should be suitable. If your hair is curly but less dense, lean towards twice a week.

Coily hair: once a week. Coily hair is thick and often prone to dryness, so washing once a week should be enough to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.

Dandruff-prone hair: 3-4 times a week. If you’re experiencing dandruff, washing your hair 3-4 times a week is recommended to achieve a balance between addressing the dandruff and not drying out your scalp. Seek advice from your healthcare professional if you need support with managing dandruff.

Do you need to adjust your hair washing schedule for the weather?

Changes in weather, especially abrupt changes in temperature and dryness, can call for changes to your hair washing regimen.

The cold: during the long winter months there is typically less moisture in the air, which can increase scalp dryness and the likelihood of dandruff. If your scalp is feeling drier in the chill, it’s recommended you shampoo and condition more often. The Symbiose Crème Hydrating Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Quality has a moisturising formula that soothes your scalp while removing dandruff during any dry or cold periods.

The heat: on the other hand, the heat can also result in dry scalp. When the temperature rises, our scalp produces more oil and sweat to keep cool. During this period we can alter our hair care routine to accommodate more frequent washing. To regulate sebum overproduction and maintain a clean healthy scalp in the summer, consider our Spécifique Balancing Shampoo for Oily Scalp, Dry Ends.

How to wash your hair properly

Now that you understand how often you should wash your hair, you need to find the right products for your regimen. Kérastase has formulated a collection of quality shampoos and conditioners for a variety of hair concerns. If your mane is feeling brittle, unruly or damaged, complete your routine with additional hair treatment for added moisture. To further nourish and fortify your strands, finish with a hair mask.

• Tip 1: remember to lather shampoo twice: once to remove surface-level impurities and a second time to deeply cleanse and impart your chosen shampoo’s benefits.

• Tip 2: use circular motions to apply the shampoo, gently massaging into your hair and scalp.

• Tip 3: condition once, applying the conditioner to the mid lengths of your hair and massaging inward. Ensure each strand is covered before rinsing. We highly recommend selecting a conditioner designed to complement your shampoo.

• Tip 4: your hair is at its most vulnerable when it’s wet. Avoid rubbing your hair, this can lead to damage and tangling. Instead, pat dry as much as possible and leave the rest to time.