Even though you may have heard shampooing less often is better for your hair, or perhaps you’re curious to dispose your shampoo and join the ‘no-poo’ campaign in search of a healthier, thicker, and better-looking hair you should still consider your scalp and hair type which require unique needs and preferences. 

Distinction matters, because depending on your hair type, not washing your hair frequently triggers dandruff, irritation, clogged pores, and even hair loss, while washing your hair too often can contribute to straw-like hair, stripped, increased oil production, and scalp inflammation.

Though washing your hair won’t cause hair loss, it might be helpful to look for a qualified dermatologist in Singapore if you’re particularly concerned about the state of your hair so that they can give you a piece of proper advice on how to take care of it and find the cause of your hair loss.

How shampoo works

The shampoo contains molecules called surfactants that are formulated to cleanse your hair and removes surface debris from your scalp and hair. Most shampoos also contain compounds called sulfates which produce a rich lather that absorbs oil from the hair to make it look cleaner but can also damage your hair during the process. Maintaining at least some oil on the hair is necessary to protect the hair from damage, as some people use sulfate-free or moisturizing shampoos to keep their hair healthy, while there is little evidence that sulfate-free is less harmful than regular products. According to dermatologists, shampoo collects oil, so if you do it very often, it can dry your hair and scalp, making it vulnerable to hair breakage, just keep in mind that your hair needs to be moisturized in order to protect your hair. 

Who should shampoo daily

Most of the decisions usually depend on your own personal styling preferences, some individuals dislike their hair feeling a little oily, while some find it harder to manage their hair several days after washing. Dermatologists believe that only a certain number of people are required to shampoo daily, such as those with very fine hair, someone who exercises a lot, or someone who lives in a very humid place. We sometimes assume that because we have dandruff because of a dry scalp, but in such cases, regular washing can be helpful, please note if you have an oily scalp, then you may need to wash your hair every day to look healthy.

Who can go a few days without washing

People who have dry or curly hair can survive a few days without washing without causing any problems to their hair and scalp. Because based on studies the thicker your hair the less oil it produces, meaning the less you need to shampoo, but for some individuals with specific hair and scalp conditions, they should discuss it with their dermatologist and seek advice on their ideal hair care regimen. On the other hand, some hair disorders or conditions may get worse with frequent washing. Daily shampooing can irritate eczema, very dry skin, and cause dandruff.

How much should you wash

Generally speaking, it depends based on the person’s hair. For instance, dry hair types should wash their hair up to two times a week, while oily hair types should be washed daily. When you have an average hair that does not suffer from dryness and oiliness, you have the option of shampooing your hair whenever you need to. A dermatologist has confirmed that there is no accurate recommendation on how much you should wash your hair that really depends on your hair type.

How long is “too long”

When using a blowout or using heated styling tools on your hair, make sure your hair is super-clean before you start, to ensure that your hair lasts longer and looks even better. Dermatologists also confirmed that there’s a lot of variation that we should take into account before you choose an overall hair care preparation, e.g. keratin hair treatment may suggest that you don’t wash your hair more than once a week to reduce the risk of stress on your hair. From a hair specialist point of view, some people have admitted that they only wash their hair once a week but have not experienced any scalp problems, so at the end of the day, we do not require them to wash more often and just wash it depending on their preference.

How to Go Longer Between Washes

In recent years, more and more products have been able to extend the number of days you can go between washes. And people come up with different ways to keep their hair healthy and looking good. For the most part, it’s a personal preference for how long it takes before you wash your hair. Each individual has a different threshold to maintain his or her hairstyle. So how do we know when it’s time for us to wash our hair? if your hairstyle starts to fall apart, do something fun like changing your style, like part your hair in a different place, go for a side braid, or go for a bun.

The bottom line

In the end, there is no correct number of times a person should wash their hair every week. Each person has their own personal preference regarding this subject but always keep in mind that you should wash your hair depending on your hair type, in order to take care of your overall hair and scalp health.