Washing your hair is a routine most people follow, but how often should you really be doing it? With so many conflicting opinions from experts, it can be difficult to know if you’re washing your hair too frequently—or not enough. Some people swear by daily washing, while others hardly touch shampoo. But if you’re skipping too many washes, it could be harming your scalp and overall hair health.

Is Washing Your Hair Every Day Too Much?

Few things feel better than freshly washed hair, but doing it every day may actually be more harmful than beneficial. According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, washing too often can strip the scalp of its natural oils. These oils play a vital role in keeping both the hair and scalp hydrated.

“Over-washing can leave hair dry, brittle, and lead to scalp irritation,” Dr. Zeichner warns. When you remove too much of your natural oils, you disrupt the delicate balance your scalp needs to stay healthy. While washing daily might make your hair feel cleaner, it can gradually weaken the strands and cause long-term damage.

Why Skipping Washes Can Be Harmful

On the other hand, going too long without washing your hair has its own set of problems. Dr. Jenny Liu, a board-certified dermatologist, recently shared on TikTok that extended gaps between washes can lead to scalp issues. She states, “You should never go more than a few days without washing your hair.”

Many people believe they can train their hair to be less greasy by washing it less frequently. However, Dr. Liu warns that infrequent washing allows dead skin cells, excess oil, and environmental pollutants to accumulate, creating the perfect breeding ground for Malassezia yeast—a fungus linked to dandruff and inflammation.

“Sebum buildup on the scalp causes oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and an unhealthy environment for hair growth,” she adds. In other words, if you want strong, healthy hair, you need to keep your scalp clean.

The Dangers of Over-Washing

While keeping your scalp clean is important, there is such a thing as washing too frequently. Perry Romanowski, a cosmetic chemist and co-founder of The Beauty Brains, explains that wet hair becomes more vulnerable to damage. “The process of scrubbing with shampoo can weaken the outer layer of hair, making it more prone to breakage.”

Dr. Elizabeth Hughes, an integrative dermatologist, agrees, stating that some people with fragile hair may only need to wash every other week to avoid unnecessary damage. How often you should wash depends on your hair type, scalp condition, and lifestyle.

Finding the Right Washing Frequency

There’s no universal rule for how often you should wash your hair. The ideal routine varies based on your hair texture, scalp type, and daily activities. If you have an oily scalp or sweat frequently, you may need to wash your hair every day or every other day. But for those with drier scalps or curly hair, washing too often can strip essential moisture.

Kasey Bertucci, hairstylist and co-founder of Salon 120 West in Boston, recommends that individuals with oily scalps wash their hair every two to three days. Meanwhile, those with curly or textured hair can often wait five to seven days between washes. The American Academy of Dermatology even suggests that people with tight curls or textured hair wash only once a week or every other week to prevent excessive dryness.

The Importance of Scalp Health

The key to healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Whether you’re washing too often or not enough, neglecting your scalp can lead to issues such as hair loss, dryness, and irritation. Dr. Liu emphasizes the importance of keeping your scalp clean if you want strong, growing hair.

“If you’re noticing itching, flakiness, or excessive oil buildup, those are signs your scalp needs more attention,” she explains. On the other hand, if your scalp feels tight or overly dry after washing, you may need to shampoo less frequently.

Expert Tips for Different Hair Types

• Thin or Fine Hair – Fine hair tends to get oily faster, so washing every other day is ideal. Avoid heavy products with dimethicone, as they can weigh down your strands.
• Curly or Textured Hair – Curly hair benefits from less frequent washing to maintain natural oils. Use sulfate-free shampoos and deep conditioners to retain moisture.
• Color-Treated Hair – Over-washing can cause color to fade quickly. Stick to sulfate-free shampoos and limit washes to a few times per week.
• Dandruff-Prone Scalps – Anti-dandruff shampoos should be used two to three times per week to keep the scalp balanced without over-drying.

What Happens If You Don’t Wash Your Hair Enough?

Neglecting to wash your hair regularly can result in more than just greasy roots. The buildup of oil, sweat, and pollutants can clog hair follicles, leading to conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Over time, an inflamed scalp can disrupt hair growth, making it harder for healthy strands to thrive.

Dr. Zeichner explains, “Not washing frequently enough can cause scalp infections, odor, and excess buildup, which blocks hair follicles and negatively affects hair health.”

Striking the Right Balance

The secret to maintaining healthy hair is finding the perfect balance between washing enough to keep your scalp clean but not so often that your hair becomes dry and fragile. There is no one-size-fits-all routine—it takes some trial and error to find what works best for your hair type.

Pay attention to how your scalp reacts. If it gets oily quickly, wash more often. If your hair feels dry and brittle, consider spacing out your washes. And remember, scalp care is just as important as hair care—keeping it clean and balanced is the key to strong, beautiful hair.