How often should I wash my hair?
There’s not really a single answer to how often you should wash your hair, but for guidance, you need to think about your hair type and styling choices. If you exercise or sweat a lot, have very fine hair, or live in humid conditions, you may be one of the few who needs to shampoo every day. Dry hair should be washed up to twice a week with shampoos containing moisturizing ingredients like honey, argan and jojoba oils. Normal hair should be washed up to two or three times a week with a formula also containing moderate levels of moisturizing agents.
Can I wash my hair too often?
Yes, and an important thing to note is that washing your hair too often can actually make your strands more oily. Some people shampoo so often that they end up stripping too much of the natural oil from their hair, so it becomes wiry and frizzy. Also, just as plants can be overwatered, over washing your hair can also cause damage. This phenomenon is called hygral fatigue. This occurs when your hair cuticle is damaged due to excessive moisture entering and exiting the cuticle. Coating your hair with a polar oil, such as coconut or castor oil, as a pre-shampoo on dry hair will reduce the symptoms of hygral fatigue.
What happens if I don’t wash my hair enough?
Just like how washing your hair too often can be damaging, shampooing too little can also have negative effects. If you’re under-washing your hair, the roots can start to feel sore from the build-up of excess dead skin cells. This can lead to a dry, itchy scalp, redness, and a flaky scalp.
When can I get away with washing less?
The thicker and less oily your hair is, the less you need to wash it. How processed or curly your hair is also has an impact because the oils in your scalp won’t travel down the hair lengths as quickly. Some people with more dry hair can shampoo less often without issues, too.
Should I use dry shampoo between washes?
Using too much dry shampoo too often won’t do your hair any favors, in that it can lead to build up on your scalp. However, it is completely fine to use between washes to refresh your roots when you’re in a pinch. Don’t completely replace wash days with dry shampoo, however, because if your hair isn’t clean, this creates the perfect environment for yeast to grow and this is how you can get a flaky scalp.
What should I look for from my regular shampoo?
All hair cleansers are not created equally and they’re certainly not formulated for all hair types. The trick is to find a shampoo that balances your scalp and hair, so that you can wash up to two or three times a week. This is where searching for the right ingredients comes into play. For instance, if you have an irritated scalp, you’ll want to search for ingredients like fermented rice water that will soothe your delicate scalp skin. Just like everyone’s routine is different, so are our strands.
Interested in a custom hair care routine that’s made to fit your specific hair needs? Take the Prose consultation here.
Comments [7]
I just received my customized hair products. I have very dry hair and only wash it once every 10 days. I Just read that Prose products only last 6-8 weeks. Can I store them in the refrigerator to help them last longer? I go through very little product only washing my hair 4 times a month. thanks!
Thanks for this question! While we do not proactively recommend putting hair care products in the fridge, this method does help keep the actives potent for longer. You may experience changes to the texture/sensoriality of the formula but there is no risk of adverse effects. Please let us know if you have any other questions—we’re happy to help!
I have washed my hair with Prose for the first time and im amazed!! You see, im a frontliNe er rn and have to wash my hair Daily while working and my hair is completely covered. That results in itchy scalp and very, very dry hair!
Back today, one time with prose Has my gair and scalp happy and my curls have come back!!
Thank you!
Hi Donna! First off, thank you so much for the work you’re doing as a Frontline ER RN! Secondly, we’re so glad to hear that you’re loving your Prose! Keep us updated on your hair journey 🙂
I’ve started using prose, but worry about my scalp. It’s sensitive, and i have prescription Cream for croWn-area psoriAsis. Since starting my prose system, It is staying quite itchy and reActive. Also, sInce using prose, my roots are really oily. My curl definition is glorious, but i don’t want to sacrifice my scalp heAlth for it. I’m washing my hair roughly Every two or three days. Any suggestions?
I LOVE my prose hair products! I want to use them more often…is 3 times a week too much? Can i use the hair mask that often as well? My hair is soooo dry and these products feel and make my hair feel sooooo good! Please advise thx
Hi Leelee! It’s totally fine to use your products (including your Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask) 3x per week 🙂 So glad to hear you’re enjoying your products!
-Keely, Prose Senior Manager, Social Media + Community