There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should wash your hair. It depends on how much oil your scalp produces. Sebum oils produced by sebaceous glands on the scalp are responsible for keeping the scalp and hair protected and moisturized. People with oily hair may wash their hair as often as every other day, while every two or three days may be sufficient for those with drier hair. This is your guide to the factors that influence sebaceous oil production and how often you should wash your hair.
Hair Length
Oil-producing sebaceous glands located on the scalp are responsible for keeping hair moisturized. The longer the strands of hair, the harder it is for the sebaceous oils to reach the ends. Longer hair tends to be drier and needs less frequent shampooing.
Type of Hair
Fine, straight hair tends to be less dry than coarse, curly hair. The main reason is that sebaceous oils have a much harder time traveling down the twists and turns of curly hair than they do straight hair. Those with straight hair typically need to shampoo more frequently than people with curly hair.
Age
Age plays a part in how active the oil glands on your scalp are. Younger people tend to have more active glands, while older people have less active glands. Oil glands are controlled by hormones, androgens, to be more precise. Androgen levels naturally decrease as you age, leading to less productive oil glands. For this reason, younger people often need to wash their hair more frequently than older people.
Activity & Exercise
High levels of exercise and activity that cause sweating, especially in the summer, may mean you need to increase the frequency that you wash your hair. It depends largely on how dry your hair is, to begin with.
Minimum Times Per Week You Should Wash Your Hair
How often you wash your hair depends on how much sebum your scalp produces. Those with drier hair should wash it less frequently than those with well-moisturized hair. However, it’s also important to understand that shampooing your hair is crucial to removing dirt and debris, eliminating product build-up, minimizing inflammation, and preventing yeast overgrowth on your scalp. Regardless of how dry your hair is, you should shampoo a minimum of twice a week to ensure a healthy scalp.
How To Know You Are Shampooing Too Often
Natural oils are stripped from your hair and scalp every time you wash your hair. This isn’t necessarily good because you need healthy amounts of oil to protect and moisturize your hair and scalp. If you experience the following signs, you may be washing your hair too often.
- Dry, itchy scalp
- Dry hair
- Brittle hair
- Hair breakage
When It's Time to Consult a Professional
If you’ve tried everything and your hair or scalp is still not feeling and looking its best, it’s time to seek professional treatment. LH Hair is here to help you achieve the head of hair you’ve always wanted. Our trichological treatments are designed to address underlying scalp conditions that may be causing unhealthy hair, thinning, or even hair loss. We offer products that are clinically tested and proven safe and effective.
As the most trusted hair restoration studio in Charlotte, North Carolina, LH Hair has a solution to fit your lifestyle and budget. Don’t waste another minute struggling with your hair’s health. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
