How Often Should You Wash Your Hair? Experts Weigh In

Korab’s go-to shampoo? “My favorite shampoo and condition is Pureology Hydrate,” she says. “I love this, as it is good for all hair types.”

For another Glamour-editor favorite, try Rōz Foundation Shampoo.

How often to wash thick or dry hair

“Those with thick and dry hair can often go longer between washes, sometimes even a week or more,” says Kim. “Their hair doesn’t get oily quickly, and frequent washing can strip the hair of its natural oils, making it even drier.” Kim recommends L’Oréal’s Metal Detox for most hair lengths and textures, and Glamour editors with thick hair swear by Better Not Younger Bounce Back Super Moisturizing Shampoo.

How often to wash hair with dandruff

If you suffer from dandruff, it’s not about how often you wash, but more so about the shampoo you’re using. After all, dandruff is one of the leading causes of a dry scalp. “Dandruff is caused by a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis, which has been linked to a yeast called malessezia that is naturally present on the skin,” says Iris Rubin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Seen Hair Care. “For dryness and flaking caused by seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff shampoos, which include ingredients such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, or zinc pyrithione, can be a big help.”

That being said, washing your hair less could be helpful. Caroline Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatolopgist, adds that if you’re over- and under-washing, switching up how often you wash could help too, “depending on your hair type,” she says. “Dry scalp can be managed by using an exfoliating shampoo that’s gentle enough to use every hair-wash day or an extra-strength exfoliating shampoo once every two weeks.”

While there’s no “cure” for seborrheic dermatitis, there are some ways to manage the scalp condition. Chief among them: a quality dandruff shampoo. There are a number of over-the-counter shampoos available at any drugstore that contain effective antifungal ingredients to decrease the malassezia and thereby decrease the inflammatory response, says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC.

“While we do not completely understand all of the causes of dandruff, we do know that the oils on our skin [sebum], a friendly yeast that lives there [malassezia], and our sensitivity to the interaction between the two can all play a role in how likely we are to get dandruff,” says Caroline Robinson, MD, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist. “Areas of high sebum production such as the scalp, parts of the face, and the center of the chest are the most common areas where we see dandruff.”

How often to wash textured or curly hair

Hairstylist Nubia Rëzo recommends washing hair just once a week for optimum health, making sure to thoroughly cleanse and exfoliate the scalp to prevent excess buildup.

“Don’t shampoo your hair more than once a week because this can strip natural oils away that keep hair hydrated and healthy,” she says. “A good technique to keep in mind while shampooing is to gently apply pressure using the balls of your fingers to massage the scalp and really get the blood flow pumping.”