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Washing our hair seems like a simple task, but there's a fine balance between feeling clean and over-washing. So, how often should you wash your hair? Well, it’s not that simple… “Factors like hair type, lifestyle, and personal preference all play a role in this,” explains Salon HER founder, Michael Kelly.
But first, let’s go back to basics and understand what washing our hair is actually doing. “Washing your hair has two main purposes,” says MK. “To cleanse (remove impurities, oil, dirt and build up) as well as to treat (nourish the hair once it’s had all the impurities removed).”
With that in mind, the first question you should ask yourself is: how dirty is your hair? “The more you are active the higher the chance of buildup on your scalp. We work hard, work out a lot and are surrounded by the most polluted environment that the planet has ever seen. All of this builds up and needs to be purified.”
So the simple answer? “If your hair is dirty, wash it,” says MK.
Now let’s address that pesky misconception that hair should be washed daily. Washing too frequently can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation.
For those with fine or oily hair, daily washing might feel like the best option to maintain freshness, but it’s important to ask yourself: is your hair actually dirty? If the answer is no, even those with fine or oily hair should try to push it to every second day.
For those with thicker, curlier or drier hair (or those with damage) washing less frequently can help to preserve those oh-so important natural oils and prevent dryness. If that’s you, washing your hair should take place maximum 1-2 times a week.
As for coily hair? Washing once a week should be enough to keep your hair clean while retaining hydration.
- “Natural oils are imperative to a well balanced scalp,” MK reminds us. “Our scalp thrives with a little oil but not too much.” Excess oil can contribute to discoloration of colour, make your blow dry drop and even cause breakouts where your skin meets your hairline.
Ultimately, only you will know the answer to how frequently you should be washing your hair. Start to pay attention to how your hair looks, feels, and behaves and experiment with different routines until you find what works best for your hair type and lifestyle.
Finding the right shampoo will also pay off. “Using the wrong shampoo, or harsh styling products, can strip away those natural oils and cause dryness, tricking us into feeling like we need more frequent washing. At Salon HER, we’re here to help guide you in the right direction and I’ve included three of my current favourites below.”
MK’s Top 3:
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo, $47, SHOP NOW
