How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

The ideal hair washing frequency varies greatly from person to person, primarily depending on your hair type, scalp oiliness, and lifestyle. While there's no universal rule, most experts suggest washing your hair every 2-3 days, though those with very oily or fine hair may benefit from daily washing, and those with dry, thick, or curly hair might wash less frequently.

Below, we’ll explore how often you should wash based on different hair types and needs, and give you tips on the best washing practices.

How to Properly Wash Your Hair?

No matter how often you wash, doing it properly is key to keeping your hair healthy. Here’s how to wash your hair the right way:

• Wet thoroughly with lukewarm water. Hot water can strip natural oils, leading to dryness.

• Use the right amount of shampoo—about a coin size. Concentrate on the scalp to remove dirt and oil.

• Massage gently with your fingertips, not your nails, to avoid irritating the scalp.

• Rinse thoroughly, making sure no shampoo residue is left.

• Apply conditioner mainly to the ends, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water to seal the cuticle. 

How Often Should You Wash Dyed Hair? 

Coloured hair requires extra care, as dyeing can make strands more porous and prone to dryness. To keep your colour vibrant and your hair in top condition, try washing it every three to four days. Opt for a sulphate-free shampoo designed for coloured hair and use cooler water when rinsing, as this can help the colour last longer.

How Often Should You Wash Wavy Hair

Wavy hair often strikes a balance between straight and curly textures, which means it can be prone to frizz without being overly dry. Typically, washing every three to four days works well, allowing the natural oils to keep waves defined without becoming limp. A lightweight, hydrating shampoo and conditioner can help maintain bounce without weighing the hair down.

How Often Should You Wash Thick Hair 

If your hair is thick, you’ll likely find that it doesn’t get oily as quickly. That’s because it takes longer for the scalp’s natural oils to travel down each strand. Many people with thick hair can comfortably wash it every three to five days, or even once a week, without it looking greasy. In between washes, a touch of dry shampoo can refresh your roots.

How Often Should You Wash Curly Hair 

Curly hair tends to be the driest of all hair types since its natural twists and coils make it harder for oils to travel from the scalp down to the ends. Because of this, washing once a week, or even less often, is usually ideal. Some people also use the “co-wash” method—washing with conditioner instead of shampoo—to cleanse without stripping away essential moisture.

How Often Should You Wash Damaged Hair? 

If your hair is damaged from heat styling, bleaching, or other chemical treatments, it’s wise to wash it less frequently to preserve what natural moisture remains. Limiting washing to twice a week helps prevent additional dryness. Pair this with a nourishing hair mask once a week to help repair and strengthen your strands over time.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair if You Want to Make it Grow Faster? 

Washing your hair won’t directly influence how quickly it grows, but keeping your scalp clean and healthy does create a better environment for growth. For most people trying to grow their hair out, washing every two to three days is sufficient. 

During washing, taking time to massage your scalp gently can stimulate blood flow, which supports healthy hair follicles.

How Often Should Men Wash Their Hair? 

Men’s hair is often shorter, meaning oils travel more quickly from scalp to tips. Many men find that washing every other day or every three days keeps their hair feeling fresh without overdrying the scalp. If your hair is cropped very short and you exercise or sweat frequently, you might rinse daily, but you don’t always need to shampoo each time.

Hair Washing FAQs

How to stimulate hair growth when washing it?

Try massaging your scalp for a few minutes during each wash. This boosts circulation and can support hair growth over time. Using shampoos with ingredients like rosemary or peppermint oil may also help invigorate the scalp.

How to wash your hair to get longer hair?

Be gentle—avoid rough scrubbing, and detangle carefully with a wide-tooth comb after conditioning. Always rinse with lukewarm or cool water to help keep the cuticle smooth and reduce breakage.

Why is my hair greasy after washing?

This can happen if you’re over-washing, causing your scalp to compensate by producing more oil. It might also mean you’re not rinsing out shampoo or conditioner completely.

Should you wash your hair before getting it dyed?

Yes, but ideally one to two days beforehand. This allows your scalp’s natural oils to form a protective layer that helps reduce irritation during the dyeing process.

At the end of the day, how often you should wash your hair comes down to understanding your hair type and listening to what your scalp and strands need. If your roots get oily quickly, you might shampoo more often. If your hair is naturally dry, spacing out washes and using moisturising products can make all the difference.