I know it’s a pain to wash your hair and tbh, same. The struggle and amount of time it takes to dry and style it is way more than most of us are mentally (and physically) capable of in the mornings. However, unless you want an oily, smelly, itchy scalp or worse (like, hair loss), washing your hair every now and then is actually a necessity. How often you need to wash it is based on your scalp, hair type and what you do throughout the day. So before you join the “no-poo” movement (gross), here’s how often you really need to wash your hair so you don’t end up as hairless as a naked mole rat.
If You Have An Oily Scalp
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, how often you wash your hair should be based on how much oil your scalp produces. I know what you’re thinking: fucking duh, but it’s true. All of the dry shampoo in the world can’t cure a naturally oily scalp. Thus, those unlucky ones with greasy scalps may need to wash their hair as often as once a day.
If you were unfortunate enough to inherit an oily scalp, this means that your roots produce more sebum than the average person—if this is the case and you do need to wash your hair once a day, try reaching for a lightweight purifying shampoo like Christophe Robin’s Purifying Shampoo with Jujube Bark Extract. This way the shampoo works to soothe the scalp, reduce oil, and eliminate dandruff, but is light enough to cleanse your hair everyday and won’t cause buildup.
If You Have Thin Hair
Another group of people that may need to wash their hair pretty often are those with thin hair—especially the more active thin-haired people. If you have fine, straight hair and workout every day, suffice it to say you’ll probs have to cleanse your locks every day. The thinner your hair, the quicker it gets visibly dirty.
If You Have Thick Hair
The thicker, coarser your hair, the longer you’ll be able to get away without washing it. We’re talking like, once a week if you’re lucky. According to the geniuses at Columbia University, people with coarse, tightly coiled hair may only need to wash their hair once a week. One thing I do have to say to you lucky thick-haired betches is to grab a dry conditioner to keep your strands moisturized on those no-wash days.
If You Have Color-Treated Hair
For the betches that color their hair, you’ll only want to wash your hair 2-3 times a week to prevent fading. No matter how thick or fine your hair is, if you color your hair you should reach for a shampoo designed for color treated hair, like R+Co’s Gemstone Color Shampoo to help preserve and prolong the life of your shade.
If You’re Active
It may seem unfair that betches who take the time out of their schedule to work out also get double the punishment because they have to wash their hair more often, but it’s just the way it works. Every other day is the recommendation for people who work out every day, as excess sweat, oils and dry shampoo can cause major buildup.
Related: How To Get Away With Not Showering After A Workout
The Takeaway
In general, a good rule of thumb is that you can probably get away with washing your hair every 2-3 days unless you’re one of the unfortunate souls that has super oily and thin hair, OR you’re a psycho that works out everyday.
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
I think I speak for most of us lucky betches who have hair when I say, hair is life. If I’m not having a good hair day (which happens to be every day I run into someone I don’t want to fucking see), I know it’s going to be a day from hell. However, I will say that I’m v lucky to even have hair to begin with, so that’s why I spend hundreds at a hair salon take very good care of it. Having a hair stylist fuck up a dye job is one thing. It sucks, but you can ultimately fix it. Trusting your roomie with no experience whatsoever to trim your hair is alarming if she screws up. Although on the good side, your hair grows back eventually. However, seeing your hair shed on the floor like an animal every single time you wash/brush/straighten it?!?! That’s a heart attack waiting to happen. Because losing your hair before turning 50 is terrifying, here’s what to get that’ll make you let out a huge sigh of relief and have your roommates stop yelling at you for clogging the drain.
1. Keranique Scalp Stimulating Shampoo Deep Hydration For Dry Hair
If your hair is either super thin or in the process of thinning, this strengthening shampoo is infused with keratin to protect your hair’s surface. It especially focuses on your scalp—which is good because like, that’s where this problem fucking stems from—to cleanse clogged pores and encourage healthy hair growth. Use this with its companion, Keranique Volumizing Keratin Conditioner Deep Hydration for Dry Hair, which essentially does the same shit, but better because it is conditioner and conditioner is God.
2. Lee Stafford Hair Lengthening Treatment
This treatment is perf for people who get really pissed off when their hair falls out because they’ve been waiting like, an eternity for their hair to grow even a fucking half of an inch to begin with (this is personal issues). This in-shower treatment really soothes your scalp for extra bouncy, voluminous hair that doesn’t leave clumps of your hair everywhere and actually gives it a chance to grow. Use in between the shampoo and conditioner for like, five minutes.
3. Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Towel
So apparently towel-drying your hair like a psycho is really bad for your hair and is a huge indicator for why it sheds in the first place. Oops. Well, to cut your hair-drying time in half without pulling your fucking hair out, this towel is made from ~exclusive~ technology so that it locks in your hair’s keratin and quickly brings your hair to a semi-dry state without friction. Anddd, without friction, you have healthy defined hair that’s frizz-free and on your head, instead of the floor!!! BLESS.
4. Bumble And Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/Uv Protective Primer
Okay, this is the good stuff—the stuff that matters when you constantly fry the shit out of your hair and leave a shedding trail wherever you go. This is a multi-purpose mist that softens super fragile hair and protects it from every hair issue we all suffer from on a daily basis. It prevent hair breakage, as well as works as a heat protectant, de-frizzer, and moisturizer to keep your hair cooperative… for once. For first time users, use on damp hair for the first day of use and on the next, use on dry before styling as you wish.
5. Urban Outfitters Telephone Cord Hair Tie Set
YASSS betch, these are my fave. They replace that rude af hair tie you’re probs wearing on your wrist rn that rips out a fuck ton of your hair. These spiral plastic corded bands relieve the pressure, aka headache, from an up-do, keep your hairstyle stable and defined, and come off smoothly so you don’t literally yank your hair out. These come in fun colors, which also includes your everyday black. Just make sure you don’t let anyone borrow one because you sure as hell won’t get it back.
