How often should you wash hair? An expert explains.

Nothing can ruin your day more than having greasy hair.

Especially when it’s the special kind of greasiness that no amount of dry shampoo can remedy.

OK – so let’s be real, there probably are other things that can ruin your day more, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who doesn’t feel “on my game” when I head to work having opted for an extra few minutes of sleep over my morning hair wash.

Yes – I’m one of those people who washes my hair daily, unless I really, truly can’t be bothered.

I’ve often thought myself washing daily is excessive, but in truth, my very fine, very straight hair gets greasy every day, so why wouldn’t I?

For many years I’ve been told by friends that I should stop, and let my hair’s natural oils “do their thing”. Some have even suggested I should go a week without washing at all to regulate the cycle – that while oil will over-produce over the week, my hair won’t need to be washed as often in the long run (or something ¯\_(ツ)_/¯).

Sorry – but I just don’t…want to.

That sounds…gross.

Well, according to certified trichologist David Salinger from the Australian Trichology Centre, I don’t have to.

David says there’s nothing wrong with washing your hair daily. In fact, he says we probably all should be doing so.

Ha!

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“If one uses the right shampoo, frequent shampooing is not a problem,” he says.

“Ideally, (you should wash your hair) daily and also after working up a sweat from exercise.”

“Frequent shampooing with the appropriate pH is also good in that it helps reduce the chance of scalp infections by preventing the accumulation of oil (sebum) on the scalp and maintains the appropriate pH for the scalp to keep microorganisms under control.”

“Don’t forget that shampooing is to cleanse the scalp, not just the hair.”

He says the most important aspect to consider when it comes to washing your hair is not the frequency, but the pH level of your shampoo.

“The most important point is to use a shampoo with a pH of about 5.5. Unfortunately, the pH is often not indicated on the packaging. At pH 5.5, the hair is at its strongest and the cuticle is at its most compact (so the hair looks good).”

“If you use a conditioner, ensure the pH is about 5.5. Conditioners help to reduce static and so make the hair easier to comb.”

He said when you wash your hair frequently with shampoo which has the optimal pH level, it’ll ultimately reduce the chance of scalp infections.

“Shampoos cleanse the hair and scalp by removing accumulated sebum, skin debris, dirt and residues of hair grooming preparations. Shampoos should be carefully formulated to avoid the excessive removal of sebum and, ideally, they should leave the hair soft, shiny and easy to comb and style.”

In other words – shampoo’s job is not only to ensure you don’t look like you’ve been standing next to the fryer at McDonald’s, but to keep your scalp healthy and happy.

David added that if you don’t wash your hair daily, or just don’t want to (maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who can go days without looking like a drowned rat), you should at least be shampooing after exercise.

He also said a good way to measure when you should be washing is judging by the itchiness of your scalp.

“If you don’t want to shampoo daily, then shampoo the day before your scalp starts to itch. So if your scalp starts to itch after three days, shampoo every second day.”

Noted.

He added that another myth surrounding daily hair washing includes that frequent shampooing increases hair loss, which is simply untrue.

So why does our hair get greasy, and why do some people get greasier hair than others?

“Sebum produced from the sebaceous glands into the hair follicles makes the hair greasy,” David explained.

“The production of sebum is mainly influenced by sex hormones; male hormones increase oiliness, female hormones decrease oiliness. Oral contraceptives with androgenic progestogens will increase oiliness, those with estrogenic progestogens will decrease oiliness.”

One more myth we asked David to bust surrounding hair washing?

Is dry shampoo really as bad as people say it is?

“No, it’s not bad but it does not cleanse the hair or scalp sufficiently.”

Noted.

So, dear readers, go forth and wash your hair daily, or if you can’t be bothered, at least until your scalp starts to itch.

And if anyone ever tries to tell you washing your hair daily is bad.

Tell ’em they’re wrong.

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'I wash my hair everyday and busted one of the biggest haircare myths.'

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