How often should I wash my hair?

Advice - 10 November 2022

◴ Read time - 4 mins

How often should I wash my hair?

It can be tricky to refine the perfect hair-wash routine; if you wash your hair too much, it can become dry and damaged, but if you don’t wash it enough, it can become dirty and lifeless.

The biggest factor in this decision is actually the type of products you are using and whether they are suitable for your hair type and texture. 

There are many factors at play when considering how often you should wash your hair; your hair type, your lifestyle and the products you are using. We’re here to cover all your frequently asked hair washing questions!

What causes greasy hair?

Your hair becomes greasy due to the build-up of sebum: an oil which emanates from the sebaceous glands present everywhere except from the palms and the soles of the feet. The build-up of sebum in the hair allows dirt to cling to it, and shampoo is used to wash this build-up away. That’s how shampoo does its job, but how often you need to use it depends on your style and hair type.

What’s your hair type?

Your hair is as unique as your fingerprint and that is why there are so many different products for different hair types. Each individual hair type requires specific attention and your hair wash routine is no different. Hair with thinner strands can need washing more frequently, while thicker strands tend to get oily less quickly and require less frequent washing.

The key here is to have the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair type; to ensure that your hair is getting the correct formulation of nutrients and moisture for optimum hair health and condition.

What shampoo should I use?

Your hair care routine should be completely bespoke to your hair and address any hair needs or concerns. For example, if you have greasy roots, but very dry ends you might want to consider a deep cleansing shampoo for your scalp and roots, in combination with an intensive moisturising conditioner to treat the ends of your hair.

All our clients receive a personalised consultation and are given a tailor-made homecare prescription to keep your hair in the best possible condition between salon visits. Ensuring you’re using the correct hair care products is the most important aspect of a hair wash routine.

Should I wash my hair after exercise?

Your lifestyle plays a big part in dictating your hair routine. If you wash, blow-dry and style your hair in the morning, but you go to the gym in the evening, your hair will be a sweaty mess and you will have to wash your hair again. When sweat piles up, it blocks your pores and dirties your scalp and roots quicker. A clogged pore stops healthy hair growth and in some cases, the pore can become completely blocked. The more active you are, the more frequently you should wash your hair.

What about shampoo for coloured hair?

Shampooing brunette and red hair too frequently can make it lose some of its pigments, resulting in a faded, mousey colour and for blondes, frequent washing can lead to loss of tone and brassy locks. It goes without saying that a shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for coloured hair, whatever your shade, should be an essential part of your routine to help protect and enhance your colour for longer

Your hair care routine should be as personalised to you as your skincare routine!

What is Co Washing?

If you have curly, textured or very dry hair, co-washing is a great option and involves conditioning your hair only. Many shampoos can contain sulphates which can strip your hair of its natural oils. To co-wash, find your perfect conditioner, wet hair, then take a small amount of conditioner and massage your entire scalp. The conditioner coupled with the friction of your fingertips will loosen any dirt and residue on your scalp without stripping away naturally beneficial oils. Rinse and then apply your regular amount of conditioner as normal, spreading evenly throughout your hair.

There’s a lot more to hair washing than a quick lather and rinse in the shower!

Depending on your hair type and life-style, the average recommendation is to wash your hair every 2-3 days.

However, your hair care routine should be as personalised to you as your skincare routine.

What’s most important is finding the right products and routine that work for you!