Shampooing is an important component of any haircare routine, but for the best results, it’s important to take the right approach. Finding the right shampoo for your needs is part of the equation, but so is determining how often you should shampoo—because different hair types often have very different needs. People with thick or coarse hair may be able to go several days between shampoos without spotting greasy roots. Those with fine, straight strands, meanwhile, often benefit from a more frequent wash schedule. Your lifestyle, environment, and haircare routine can play a role in determining how often you should wash your hair, too. Here, we’ll break down the different factors that can affect your ideal wash schedule and offer tips on building a haircare routine that suits your unique needs.

Are You Supposed to Wash Your Hair Every Day?

In general, no—it’s not typically necessary to wash your hair every single day. In fact, depending on your hair type, doing so could do more harm than good. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, and the best shampooing schedule for you depends on several factors, including your hair type, scalp condition, lifestyle, and environment. Keep reading as we explain how each factor can impact your shampoo schedule. 

 

Hair type

Your hair type is one of the first factors you should consider when seeking to determine how often to wash your hair. Hair is typically characterized by its texture (fine or coarse), density (thin or thick), and curl pattern (straight, wavy, curly, or coily). Those with finer, straighter strands typically need to suds up more frequently than those with thicker, coarser, or curlier hair. That’s because oil travels more easily throughout fine, straight strands than it does coarse or curly hair. Your hair’s density matters, too—the more hair you have, the longer it’ll typically take to get visibly oily. 

 

Scalp condition

In addition to your hair type, your scalp condition helps determine how often you should wash your hair. There are four different scalp conditions to keep in mind:

• Oily: Those with oilier scalps should lather up more often—you can wash your hair every day, or every other day. Excess oil can lead to a host of issues, including hair that’s greasy or limp, and may contribute to visible flaking.

• Dry: If you have a drier scalp, you may find that shampooing once or twice a week is sufficient to keep your hair clean and minimize greasiness. Take care not to overwash your hair, as doing so could dry out your scalp and leave it feeling tight or itchy.

• Sensitive: You may assume that if your scalp is sensitive, you should shampoo less often, but the reverse may be true. If you are experiencing flakes, redness and irritation, it’s best to speak with a board-certified dermatologist to determine what course of action is best for you.

• Dandruff: Dandruff isn’t always caused by dryness—sometimes, it’s caused by a yeast that feeds on sebum (the oil that your skin and scalp produce). So if you’re experiencing a lot of flaking, it may be a sign that you should lather up more frequently. When you do, reach for a shampoo and conditioner duo formulated specifically for dandruff control, like the CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo and CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Conditioner. The sulfate-free formulas were developed with the expertise of dermatologists and help eliminate up to 100% of visible flakes, as well as itch and irritation, without disrupting the scalp barrier.*

 

*with regular use as a system

 

Lifestyle and daily activities

Wondering how often you should wash your hair goes beyond knowing your scalp type and hair type. There are certain environmental and lifestyle choices that come into play, too.

• Exercise frequency: You don’t necessarily have to wash your hair more often if you exercise, experts say.² However, sweating heavily can contribute to odor. Consider scheduling your wash days around your workouts to help ensure your scalp stays clean (but not stripped) outside of the gym.

• Chemical processing: Coloring or chemically treating your hair (for example, with a perm) can dry out your strands. If your hair is dry, damaged, or brittle, it may be a good idea to adopt a less frequent shampooing schedule.

• Use of styling products: Using products like hair gels, pomades, waxes, and hairsprays can all lead to product buildup on your hair and scalp. Shampooing more frequently when using these products may help keep weighty buildup at bay.

 

Environmental factors

• The weather: The environment can have a big impact on your hair and scalp, especially as the seasons change. Your scalp may become oilier in hot, humid weather, and drier in cold or windy weather. And, as we explained above, the oilier your scalp is, the more often you’ll typically want to lather up. 
• Exposure to pollution: How much time you spend outdoors could impact your wash schedule. External stressors such as airborne pollution and pollen can build up on your scalp, causing it to appear dirty or greasy. 

 

How Often Should You Shampoo, Based on Your Hair Type?

Maybe you’re committed to your daily wash and you’re reading this wondering, “Is it bad to shampoo every day?” Depending on your hair type, the answer varies. Read on to find out how often you should pick up a shampoo bottle—and what can happen if you overdo it.

 

Straight hair

If you have straight hair, you’ll typically want to lather up daily or every other day. As mentioned above, straight hair transports sebum well—so the straighter your strands, the quicker your hair is likely to get greasy. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to hop in the shower, dry shampoo can help mask oiliness. Just note that this isn’t a daily fix, and you should aim to wash your hair regularly to keep oiliness and product buildup under control.

 

Wavy or curly hair

Those with wavy and curly hair can adopt a less frequent washing schedule—depending on your scalp condition, one to two times per week is generally ideal. Waves and curls tend to be drier than straight hair, and over-washing may leave it dry, brittle, or frizzy. When you do lather up, consider opting for a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for your natural texture. 

 

Coily hair

Coily hair—also known as type 4 hair—tends to be prone to dryness and breakage. If this describes your hair, you may want to wash it less frequently (as in, once per week or less).³ Even if your hair doesn’t get visibly greasy, though, you’ll want to wash your hair at least once every two to three weeks to remove buildup and other debris. 

 

Top Hair Washing Tips

Knowing how to wash your hair—and with what—is as important as knowing how often to wash it. Ahead, we’re sharing some of our top tips for keeping your strands hydrated and healthy-looking. 

 

1. Choose the right shampoo and conditioner

Whether you need to wash your hair every day or can go a full week between washes, there’s still one major thing you need to do—and that’s picking the shampoo and conditioner that are right for your hair and scalp. 

 

In general, everyone can benefit from a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. However, these formulas are especially beneficial for those prone to dry hair. To keep your strands sufficiently moisturized on—and after—wash day, consider reaching for the CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo. The sulfate-free formula contains hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides and gently cleanses without stripping away moisture. Pair it with the coordinating CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Conditioner to leave your hair looking nourished, shiny, and healthy. 

 

If you have an oily scalp or frequently deal with dandruff, meanwhile, we suggest opting for formulas specifically designed for these concerns. The CeraVe 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner contains 1% pyrithione zinc and helps eliminate up to 100 percent of visible flakes—along with the itching, irritation, and discomfort that can come with dandruff—when used regularly and at least twice weekly. Alternatively, swap out your go-to shampoo and conditioner for the CeraVe Hydrating Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and CeraVe Hydrating Anti-Dandruff Conditioner, which are suitable for daily use. We recommend continuing use even if you stop seeing flakes, as consistency is key for maintaining healthy-looking hair.

 

2. Use the proper washing technique

Should you shampoo every day? Perhaps. Are you also supposed to make sure you do it properly? Absolutely. That means paying attention to the entire washing process. 

 

Start with the correct water temperature, which should never be overly hot, no matter your hair type, texture, or scalp condition. Washing with super-hot, scalding water can lead to scalp dryness, so it’s best to set the water temperature to lukewarm.

 

While working your shampoo into your scalp, be gentle. Lathering too aggressively could put unnecessary friction on your hair and potentially lead to damage or breakage. 

 

Finally, don’t forget to rinse thoroughly. You don’t want any shampoo or conditioner residue lingering on your scalp and strands since product buildup can leave your strands feeling heavy, limp, or greasy.

 

3. Keep the care going beyond the wash

Shampooing your strands is only part of the equation when determining how to keep your hair looking and feeling its best. How you care for your hair between washes matters, too. 

 

If your hair is dry, consider bolstering your routine with a leave-in conditioner designed to boost hydration. When selecting a formula, be sure to keep your hair type and texture in mind—anything too heavy could weigh down your strands. Also, remember that the more styling products you use, the more often you’ll need to lather up. 

 

It’s also a good idea to keep heat styling to a minimum to help prevent unnecessary damage. Frequently using hot tools, like blow dryers or hair straighteners, can dry out the hair, leaving it weak, fragile, or brittle. If you do plan to use a hot tool, be sure to protect your tresses with a heat protectant first. 

 

4. Listen to your hair’s needs

Even if you follow a shampoo routine based on your hair type and scalp condition, you still need to pay attention to what’s happening in between washes. If you notice increased dryness, oily skin, or scalp irritation, that could be a sign that you’re either over-washing or under-washing your hair. Washing your hair too much can lead to hair that’s dry, brittle, or breaks easily, or a scalp that’s dry, irritated, or itchy. Conversely, under-washing may lead to dandruff. If you’ve noticed any of these concerns and need help determining how to proceed, we suggest consulting with a board-certified dermatologist. They can help get to the root of the problem (pun intended) and work with you to develop a routine that addresses your needs. 

 

Once you master your haircare routine, start on your skincare routine. For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use our Find My Skincare Solution tool.