Is It Bad to Wash Your Hair Every Day? Experts Explain

Close up of the side of woman's face as she washes her hair

Stocksy

It's one of many age-old questions that seems to never get a straight answer: "Is it bad to wash your hair every day?" While it isn't an exact science and we wouldn't expect you to track your hair-washing schedule as closely as you may track your macros, there are some helpful signs to look out for that can determine when it's time for you to wash or not wash.

"The frequency with which to use shampoo and condition varies from person to person based on their particular scalp skin and hair type," says board-certified dermatologist, Brendan Camp. "For example, those with oily scalp skin and hair may require shampooing more often than someone with dry hair or hair that is prone to dryness, such as tightly coiled hair."

To find out more, we spoke to dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, and trichologist Dominic Burg who shed some light on how often you should actually be washing your hair.

Meet the Expert

  • Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York.
  • Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
  • Dominic Burg is a trichologist, hair biologist, microbiologist, and the chief scientist at Évolis Professional.

Is It Bad to Wash Your Hair Every Day?

The short answer: yes. "For most, it is too frequent to wash your hair every day, says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "The exception is those with a very oily scalp may need to wash every day. So, it really comes down to hair type and your scalp. "If your hair does not get oily every day, but it gets sweaty from exercise, say, you can rinse with water and then apply conditioner to the ends, as needed for moisture or detangling," she adds.

Burg explains it further, saying that it's all about keeping our microbiome happy. "Your skin is covered in billions of good bacteria from about 1000 species. These bacteria are helpful, and the collection of them is called your microbiome, which helps to maintain the skin pH," he says. "Too frequent washing of the scalp with harsh cleansers can upset that microbiome, and an imbalance in the microbiome can lead to scalp problems." When this happens, bad bacteria and fungi take over and can cause things like overproduction of sebum and inflammation. Burg recommends gently cleansing your scalp two to three times per week to help remove excess sebum.

How Does Shampoo Actually Work?

Shampoo contains surfactants that come together with your skin's sebum (a substance that coats and protects follicles), and allow it to mix with water in order to cleanse the hair of any dirt and grease. It's similar to a facial cleanser loosening up dead skin, dirt, oil, etc.

Dr. Murphy-Rose says that your hair type and texture can determine the efficacy of your shampoo, which is why it may take some trial and error before you find one that works best for you. "Moisturizers, emollients, and fragrances may be added to shampoos as well, so be sure you're choosing one that suits your hair type," she says. "It is also perfectly fine to use a dry shampoo between wet washes. Just be sure to use a dry shampoo only once between wet washes and not to overuse this strategy." Using it as a shampoo replacement altogether isn't a smart idea and can lead to problems such as flaking, itching, and worse.

Could You Be Using the Wrong Products?

If you feel the need to wash your hair everyday, you could be using the wrong products for your hair type. "Everyone's skin and follicles will produce different levels of oils, which is normal and actually good for hair. The main challenge is finding the right balance with the right products for you to maintain your style without disrupting your natural microbiome, pH, and natural oils," says Burg.

He cautions against using shampoos with sulfates or silicones because they can be too drying or too heavy, respectively. "Look for a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that is balanced with essential oils so it won't strip out your hair's natural oils, and make sure you use silicone-free conditioners with natural essential oils and conditioning agents to ensure cuticle health," he says.

Byrdie Tip

People with more sensitive or eczema-prone skin may want to look for shampoos and conditioners that are free of ingredients that could irritate the skin, such as dyes, fragrances, and certain preservatives, says Dr. Camp.

Over-washing vs. Under-washing Hair

The key to washing your hair is finding a balance. According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, over-washing hair can cause it to become dry, brittle, damaged, and dull, while under-washing can cause an unwanted boost in sebum. "If you under-wash, oil, debris, and odor builds up on the hair and scalp, so your hair may appear greasy. This leads to the scalp developing microorganism overgrowth," she explains.

Reverse Washing and Co-washing

There are other ways to wash your hair. You may have heard the terms "reverse washing" and "co-washing," the latter is usually done by the natural hair community to keep natural hair hydrated. As you might assume, reverse washing involves using conditioner first and then shampoo.

Reverse washing "helps to limit the amount of conditioner residue on the hair shaft and may be helpful for people with fine or oily hair by reducing the likelihood that hair will be weighed down by conditioner," says Dr. Camp. While co-washing (conditioner washing) "involves using a conditioner as a shampoo. This approach is done to help hair retain natural moisture and oils on the surface of the hair shaft, which may help curly, textured, or damaged hair from becoming too dry."

According to Dr. Camp, reverse washing and co-washing can be done occasionally, but they should not replace normal hair care. "Reverse washing can cause increased hair dryness if done in excess. Co-washing can be done when hair feels dry to improve moisture levels and reduce frizz," he adds.

The Final Takeaway

The decision on when to wash your hair is individual to your hair type and scalp. If you feel the need to shampoo everyday and don't notice any residual effects of a daily wash, by all means continue your routine. However, if you notice that your hair is dry or brittle, or looks greasy right after a fresh wash, it might be time to switch up your products or wash your hair every few days.

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