Scheduling hair wash day can feel like trying to solve a math equation. But the real question isn’t when I should wash my hair, it’s how often.
To answer the age-old question, E! connected with Lead Scalp Health Expert and Board-Certified Trichologist at Nutrire, Nelida D’Alessandro.
How often should I wash my hair?
Naturally, it’s complicated. “The honest answer is that there’s no universal rule,” admits D’Alessandro.
While frequency depends on many factors, she says most people do well washing their hair two to three times per week, based on her expertise.
However, scalp type, lifestyle, and product usage can play a huge role in how often people should wash their hair.
In terms of scalp type, “An oilier scalp will need more frequent cleansing, while a drier scalp benefits from less,” notes D’Alessandro.
Similarly, “Hair texture is also relevant, as finer hair tends to show oil more quickly, while coarser or curlier textures can go longer between washes.”
If you’re very active (aka regularly breaking a sweat at the gym) or use a lot of heavy styling products, you’ll likely experience more buildup and therefore, need to wash more often.
Ultimately, “The goal is to keep the scalp clean and balanced without stripping it,” says D’Alessandro.