How Often Should I Really Wash My Hair?

We’ve all asked it — sometimes silently, sometimes in frustration when our hair looks great one day and “meh” the next. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for hair washing. The right schedule depends on your scalp, your hair type, your lifestyle, and your texture.

Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense — so you can make a plan that keeps your hair healthy, shiny, and happy, without over-washing or letting things swing the other way.

Know Your Scalp — That’s Step One

Your scalp has its own ecosystem. Some people get oily quickly, while others are naturally dry. Understanding this makes all the difference.

Oily Scalp → Every 1–2 Days

If your roots get greasy, feel slick or flat, or if your scalp gets itchy or smells after one day — you’re likely an oily scalp type.

Normal/Combination → Every 2–3 Days

This is the most common rhythm — where hair feels fresh for a couple of days but isn’t oily at the roots or dry everywhere else.

Dry or Curly Hair → Every 3–5 Days (or Less)

Curly hair tends to thrive with less frequent washing because it’s naturally drier and benefits from its own oils.

Lifestyle Matters

Your activity level affects wash frequency too.

• Workouts / Sweat / Heat styling: you may wash more often

• Sedentary / low-sweat: you might go longer between washes

• Kids, pets, pollen, city pollution: these can make hair feel “dirty” even if it’s not oily

How to Refresh Without Washing

Frequent washing can strip oils and dry hair over time — especially curly or chemically treated hair. Here’s how to keep it fresh between washes:

✨ Brush through with a boar-bristle or wide-tooth brush✨ Use a dry shampoo at the roots✨ Wear hair in loose styles to minimize frizz✨ Scrunch in a light leave-in conditioner for curls

Best Professional Products for Your Wash Routine

For Every Wash

IDHAIR Loo Poo Shampoo is my go-to everyday wash. It’s a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser designed for

frequent use, making it ideal for guests who wash daily or every other day. It cleans the scalp effectively without stripping moisture, helping hair stay balanced, soft, and healthy.

For Occasional Deeper Cleanse or Build-Up

Malibu C Un-Do-Goo is a gentle clarifying shampoo designed to remove product buildup, excess oils, and environmental residue without stripping the hair. Ideal for weekly use or anytime hair feels heavy, dull, or coated.

Wash Frequency Cheat Sheet

Hair Type	Suggested Washing Frequency
Oily/straight	1–2 days
Normal	2–3 days
Dry/curly	3–5 days
Thick/coarse	3–4 days
Fine + oily	Every 1–2 days

Final Tip for Healthier Hair Between Washes

One simple change that makes a big difference? How you dry your hair.I recommend using a Turbie Twist microfiber hair towel after washing. It gently absorbs excess water without roughing up the cuticle, which helps reduce frizz, breakage, and drying time—especially if you wash frequently.

It’s an easy swap that supports healthier hair with zero extra effort.

👉 You can find the one I use and recommend linked here.

Final Thought

Washing your hair isn’t about rigid rules — it’s about balance. Listen to your scalp, respect your texture, and use professional products that clean without stripping. Over time, your hair will tell you the rhythm that makes it look and feel its best.