How Often Should You Really Shampoo Your Hair?

The “no-poo” movement is in full swing. It seems like just about everyone is raving about the benefits of cutting shampoo out of their regimen. But is there really any science to back it up? Is it something that can benefit everybody?

First off, while everyone’s hair is different and requires different care, no one should need to wash their hair every single day. Washing too often can actually do more harm than good because it can dry out your scalp causing it to produce excess oil.
There are several factors which will affect how oily your hair will get whether or not you’re washing with shampoo:

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• Skin type: If your skin and hair are normal to dry (think about which moisturizer you use), you probably only need to wash it a couple times a week. If you have a greasy scalp, you likely need to wash your hair more often.
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• Hair texture: Texture affects how quickly sebum coats your hair. Coarse or curly hair slows down the spread of oil, so if you have hair like this you may only need to shampoo once a week. On the other hand, people with fine, straight hair will likely need to shampoo twice a week or more.
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• Styling: Another thing to consider is amount of styling and treating your hair goes through. Processed or damaged hair doesn’t need to be washed as often.
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• Age: As we grow older, our hair changes and makes care a little more complicated. Grey or curly hair need moisture. Oily hair, doesn’t need much. Thinning hair can be caused by clogged pores, so washing becomes more necessary to prevent further loss.

It may also be the case that you prefer your hair when it’s freshly washed or has a few days to thicken up. Since the optimal system will be different for everybody, the best practice is to try out different washing routines or check with a haircare specialist to settle on one that’s right for you