How Frequently Should You Wash Your Hair – Expert Advice

Ageless Beauty, a regular column from The Telegraph, beauty experts Annabel Jones and Lisa Armstrong explore timeless questions they've been exploring for years, sharing the tried-and-true tips, tricks, and product picks that keep their routines refined. This week's topic: How often should you really wash your hair? The answer may surprise you. 

Have a beauty question of your own? Ask Annabel and Lisa below.

A recent survey by Atomik Research, involving over 2,000 women, revealed that nearly half wash their hair just two to three times a week. Even more striking: 44% spend no more than 30 seconds shampooing.

Despite this, I've yet to meet a trichologist who doesn't advocate for daily hair washing. Interestingly, it's often men who stick to that routine—mainly because for women, especially those with long, thick, curly, or unruly hair, the process can be both time-consuming and labor-intensive.

As someone who fits that description, I've found myself wavering between both camps, trying to balance what's ideal in theory with what's practical in daily life.

As someone who bleaches her hair every eight weeks, I know all too well the dryness that can follow. It's tempting to skip washes in an effort to "preserve the hair's natural oils"—a belief I clung to for years. But after speaking with trichologist Anabel Kingsley, I've come to realize that this is, in fact, a myth.

Kingsley is unequivocal: daily washing is vital for scalp health, and skipping it offers no real benefit. In her view, the focus should be on maintaining a clean, balanced scalp—just as you would care for your face with a regular cleansing routine.

She recommends selecting a shampoo tailored to your hair type and spending at least a full minute massaging it into your scalp. Rather than piling on product (which can actually dull the hair), she advises using a 50 pence-sized amount and adding water—not more shampoo—to build lather. This technique not only boosts effectiveness but also reduces unnecessary residue.

Oil isn't all bad

Oily hair often gets a bad reputation, but the natural sebum produced by your scalp is actually essential for healthy, shiny hair. Contrary to what shampoo advertisements suggest, over-washing is one of the biggest culprits behind a bad hair day. When hair is stripped of its natural oils, it can feel coarse, look dull, and become more challenging to manage.

In American culture, there's a strong emphasis on cleanliness, and it's not unusual for people to shampoo daily using harsh, astringent products. However, this routine can backfire—leading to dry, brittle, and damaged hair. That mindset is beginning to shift. An increasing number of people are rethinking their approach to hair care, embracing gentler routines, and exploring alternatives like conditioning cleansers that don't contain detergents.

This movement—often referred to as "no poo"—has pushed shampoo-free hair care into the spotlight. More individuals are choosing to let their scalp's natural oils regulate themselves, using water or mild alternatives in place of traditional shampoo.

And they might be onto something. For most people, daily washing isn't necessary. In fact, you may not need to wash your hair every other day. The proper washing schedule depends on a variety of personal factors. According to Seattle-based integrative dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Hughes, the most straightforward guideline is this: wash your hair when it feels oily and unclean to the touch.

Since adopting this daily routine, I've seen a noticeable improvement. My hair feels thicker, shinier, and far more manageable. Another important tip from Kingsley: avoid scrubbing your hair by rubbing it into a soapy pile on top of your head. Instead, focus the massage on the scalp and let the shower water carry the shampoo down the lengths. This gentle approach helps prevent tangling and breakage—common culprits in compromised hair health.

Alternatives to Daily Washing

I used to apply conditioner and then detangle in the shower—something I've since learned is a cardinal sin. The better approach? Gently detangle before stepping into the shower, starting at the ends and working your way up to avoid unnecessary breakage.

The single biggest game-changer for my hair's condition has been replacing traditional conditioner with a nourishing hair mask. I take time to work it through evenly, ensuring each strand is coated. While a rich mask may be too heavy for those with fine hair, my wiry tresses have responded with renewed shine and buoyancy.

When it comes to shampoo, I'm not loyal to a specific brand, but I always look for formulas that are hydrating and silicone-free. There's a significant difference between the superficial gloss of silicone-coated hair and the natural radiance that comes from proper hydration.

As someone who is perpetually highlighted, I also need to combat brassiness, which results from oxidation, pollutants, and mineral buildup from hard water. While there are plenty of purple-toned shampoos formulated for blondes, I prefer to brighten my color with a detox or clarifying shampoo every couple of weeks. Overusing purple shampoo tends to leave my hair looking dull and murky rather than fresh and luminous.

On the rare occasions I run out of shampoo—or when my hair feels especially parched—I'll co-wash with conditioner for a day or two. It doesn't deliver that squeaky-clean sensation, but it does gently refresh the scalp and soften the strands without stripping away moisture.

It's been six months since I became more intentional about my shampooing routine, and I've never looked back. At my last coloring appointment, my colorist actually remarked on the improved condition of my hair—a moment that felt oddly satisfying, like receiving an A-star on an assignment I didn't know was being graded.

Can You Wash Your Hair Too Much?

Beyond the physical benefits, the ritual itself has become a small but meaningful act of self-care—a few peaceful minutes carved out each morning before stepping into the day.

I've done a complete 180 when it comes to hair washing. In my 20s, with oily roots and finer hair, daily washing was a must. Styling products were bareback then, and washing was the most reliable way to give my hair some volume. Plus—let's be honest—everyone smoked. A night out at a party meant waking up with hair that smelled like an ashtray. Cleansing wasn't optional; it was survival.

Things changed in my late 30s. Life became more hectic with young children, fewer social events, and self-care naturally took a back seat. Washing my hair every day became less of a priority and more of a luxury.

But in my 40s, on the advice of renowned trichologist Philip Kingsley, I returned to daily washing. And this time, with more knowledge, better products, and a greater understanding of what my hair actually needs, it's become less of a chore and more of a ritual.

Now that my hair is cropped short and saturated with highlights, I've adopted a (non) washing routine that would likely make a germophobe twitch.

Thankfully, I'm not one of them. These days, I've embraced styling products in a big way, and I've grown accustomed to the feel of hair that's not freshly washed—and I'm perfectly fine with it. In fact, when your hair is ultra-fine and soft, a touch of texture and product buildup isn't a bad thing. Hairdressers call it "guts"—that elusive grip and volume that freshly washed hair often lacks.

So, I typically wash my hair about twice a week. If I'm in the countryside, where the air is cleaner and gentler on the strands, I might stretch that to a full seven days. On the flip side, if I've been heavy-handed with the styling cream or just stepped off a long-haul flight (cabin air has a distinct funk), I'll wash it sooner. But generally, I go by how it looks and feels. Annabel, I'm genuinely intrigued by your conditioner-only cleanse—your hair is looking fantastic.

While I may be relaxed about when I wash, I'm meticulous about how. Before shampooing, I slather on nourishing hair oil and sleep in it overnight—Fushi's Really Good Hair Oil is a personal favorite (£22.50 for 100ml). On other nights, when no one's around, I slip on a silk turban. Admittedly, it might be overkill since I already use silk pillowcases, and yes—it's a definite passion killer—but all in the name of healthy hair.

After washing, Garnier's Ultimate Blends One Minute Smoothing Hair Food is a go-to for quick de-frizzing (£5.50). I also swear by a gentle detangling brush—Hersheson's is excellent, with a handle that makes it feel like a proper styling tool rather than a gimmick.

When it comes to shampoo, I have a few non-negotiables: no animal testing, no harsh sulfates, and no silicones. I want to see a difference. For travel, I pack Bertioli's solid hair and body wash and conditioner bar (£16.50), which is perfect for hand luggage and lasts ages. For everyday use, Living Proof earns top marks across the board. Their Full Shampoo, No Frizz, Clarifying Detox, and Restore ranges are all excellent. Yes, they're on the pricier side, but a little goes a long way—and right now, they're on offer at Amazon (£20.58 for 236ml).

How Long Is Too Long?

If your hair is styled, you can stretch the time between washes without issue.

"When you're doing a blowout or using heated styling tools, the key is to start with immaculate hair," says Webb. "It helps the style last longer, looks better, and reduces the need for frequent heat styling."

Lamb agrees that how often you wash your hair depends on several factors, including how it's styled and the amount of prep involved.

"It varies based on cultural norms, your hair's natural texture and thickness, how much you sweat or work out, and your styling routine," she explains. "If you've had a keratin treatment or a blowout, you may only need to wash once a week to avoid over-processing your hair."

Ultimately, listen to your preferences—within reason. "No matter how your hair feels, don't go more than 14 days without washing," Lamb cautions, noting she's not a fan of the total 'no shampoo' trend.

From a medical standpoint, Goh says that many of her patients wash their hair just once a week—and if they don't have scalp issues, that's usually fine. "I don't typically encourage them to wash more often unless there's a medical reason to do so," she adds.

What happens if you don't wash your hair?

Your scalp naturally produces an oil called sebum, which plays a vital role in moisturizing and protecting both the scalp and hair. Shampoo acts as an emulsifier, helping to lift away excess oil, dirt, and product buildup so they can be rinsed out. While it's beneficial to retain some natural oils for hair health, neglecting to wash your hair can allow oil, grime, and debris to accumulate. This can lead to a greasy appearance, unpleasant odors, and scalp issues like dandruff and itchiness.

Excessive buildup on the scalp may also clog hair follicles, potentially hindering healthy hair growth and increasing the likelihood of ingrown hairs.

That said, skipping unnecessary washes can offer real benefits. Overwashing strips the scalp of its protective oils, which can leave hair looking dull and feeling dry or brittle. Striking the right balance is key—cleaning your hair enough to maintain scalp health while preserving its natural moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it bad to wash my hair every day?

Washing daily can strip natural oils, especially for those with dry or curly hair. However, if you have an oily scalp, sweat often, or use heavy styling products, daily washing with a gentle shampoo may be necessary.

What happens if I don't wash my hair enough?

Infrequent washing can lead to product buildup, clogged pores, dandruff, and a greasy appearance. It may also contribute to scalp odor and irritation.

Can overwashing damage my hair?

Yes. Overwashing can dry out your scalp and hair, causing breakage, frizz, and irritation. It can also trigger your scalp to produce more oil, creating a cycle of greasiness.

Does scalp health affect how often I should wash my hair?

Absolutely. A healthy scalp is key to healthy hair. If you have conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis, you may need medicated shampoos and a customized washing schedule.

Is dry shampoo a good alternative to washing?

Dry shampoo can extend the time between washes by absorbing oil and refreshing your scalp. However, it's not a substitute for actual washing and should not be used daily over long periods.

How should I adjust my hair-washing routine after working out?

If you sweat heavily, you may need to rinse or co-wash (conditioner-only wash) after workouts. Use a mild shampoo or just water to avoid stripping natural oils.

Conclusion

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to how frequently you should wash your hair—it all depends on your hair type, scalp condition, lifestyle, and personal preferences. While oily or fine hair may need more frequent washing, dry, curly, or color-treated hair thrives with less. Listening to your hair and scalp is key. Start by understanding your hair's unique needs and adjust your routine accordingly. With the right balance, you can maintain a healthy scalp, luscious locks, and an overall fresh appearance. Remember, when it comes to hair care, consistency, and gentle products are just as important as frequency.