The Best Science-Backed Way to Wash Your Hair

Keeping your hair clean is an important part of looking your best. However, there’s no single right way to wash it, as everyone’s hair is unique. Some people wash their hair every day with shampoo and conditioner, while others only wash it a few times a week. But which approach is actually better?

Healthy hair—hair that feels moisturized and strong—shows that both your scalp and the hair itself are in good condition, explains Dr. Kseniya Kobets, a dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. A healthy scalp shouldn’t be itchy, red, flaky, overly oily, dry, or painful. Dr. Kobets often tells her patients that when your scalp is calm and balanced, your hair is more likely to be healthy too.

Want to know the best way to wash your hair? Here’s a guide covering everything from keeping your scalp healthy to how often you should shampoo, plus other helpful tips.

How often should you wash your hair?

According to Dr. Carolyn Goh, a UCLA Health dermatologist specializing in hair and scalp issues, how often you wash your hair depends more on your scalp than your hair itself. Washing your hair less often can help prevent it from becoming dry due to frequent cleaning.

Your scalp naturally produces oils that keep your hair and skin hydrated, explains Calgary-based dermatologist Dr. Danny Guo. But everyone’s different – some people make more oil than others. Too much oil can leave hair looking greasy and may even irritate or inflame the scalp.

Okay, so as someone who loves a good on-screen look, let me tell you, keeping your scalp clean is key. Basically, when you wash your hair, you’re getting rid of all the gunk – oils, dead skin, product buildup, and everyday dirt. If you don’t, it can lead to yeast overgrowth, which is what causes those annoying flakes – dandruff! It’s all about a healthy scalp for healthy-looking hair, you know?

As a critic, I’m always looking for simple, practical advice, and the American Academy of Dermatology delivers with its hair-washing guidance. They suggest you should wash your hair based on when it actually needs it – when it gets dirty or oily. For most of us, that lands somewhere between every two to four days. But, if you have an oily scalp, you might need to wash daily. On the flip side, if your hair is dry or curly, you can probably stretch it out to once a week or even every two weeks. It’s really about listening to your hair and doing what works best for you.

According to Goh, oil can move more easily along straight hair, but curly hair doesn’t allow for the same distribution, which can lead to dryness and increased breakage.

According to experts, most people should wash their hair two or three times a week. Washing it too often can lead to dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation, causing tightness and itchiness.

If you don’t wash your hair regularly, it can become oily and unpleasant, potentially developing an odor, according to Guo. You might also experience a dry, itchy, and flaky scalp.

If you’re relying on dry shampoo to manage oily hair, it’s probably time for a proper wash with shampoo in the shower, according to Goh.

What type of shampoo and conditioner should you use?

This also depends on “what your scalp is telling you,” not hair type alone, Kobets says.

If you have oily hair and scalp, look for shampoos labeled “clarifying.” For dry scalps, choose gentle, moisturizing shampoos with ingredients like glycerin or ceramides, according to Guo. If you struggle with dandruff, Kobets recommends shampoos containing ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide. Goh suggests sulfate-free shampoos are best for curly or dry hair, as they’re gentler and don’t remove natural oils.

If you have sensitive skin, Guo suggests using shampoos without any added fragrance, as they’re less likely to cause irritation. Dr. Kobets notes that shampoos with silicones (like dimethicone, often advertised for smoothing or shine) or lots of heavy oils and butters can cause buildup, especially if you’re prone to folliculitis – inflammation of the hair follicles. She also adds that shampoos with a lot of sulfates can be harsh if you use them often.

Kobets explains that these ingredients aren’t necessarily harmful for everyone. The key is finding a formula that your scalp can handle.

According to Goh, most people find conditioner helpful after shampooing. It replenishes oils lost during washing, and Guo notes it can also make hair softer, smoother, and easier to comb.

If you have fine or straight hair, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying conditioner just to the ends. For curly or dry hair, they recommend applying it along the entire length.

Tips for healthy hair washing

Now that you’ve discovered the perfect shampoo and conditioner and figured out how often to wash your hair, here are a few more professional tips to help keep it healthy.

Don’t overdo it on shampoo

Most people apply too much shampoo, according to Kobets. She recommends using about the amount of a quarter, which is generally sufficient for cleaning your scalp and hair roots.

Focus on the scalp

To wash your hair, apply shampoo to the roots and gently massage your scalp. Let the suds naturally clean the rest of your hair as you rinse. Make sure to rinse all the shampoo out completely. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can irritate your scalp and potentially worsen conditions like eczema or dandruff.

Coat the ends in a conditioner

The amount of conditioner you need depends on your hair’s thickness and length, according to Goh. She recommends focusing application on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, and only applying to the scalp if it feels very dry. Be sure to rinse it all out completely.

Use lukewarm water

According to Guo, using cooler water is better for your skin and hair. Hot water can dry out your scalp by removing its natural oils, leading to irritation.

Pay attention to your scalp

If you notice persistent rashes, pimples, redness, or itching, Goh suggests seeing a dermatologist.

Sometimes, hair issues show up as problems with your scalp, explains Guo. If you notice bald spots or a sudden increase in hair loss, he recommends consulting a dermatologist.

To understand your hair loss, a dermatologist will likely check your scalp and may order blood tests to measure your thyroid function, iron, and vitamin D levels. They might also take a small skin sample (biopsy) of any irritated or flaky areas, explains Kobets.

Ultimately, having a healthy scalp is key to having healthy hair. Many people think washing frequency is the most important thing, but it’s actually about using products and a routine that are suited to your specific scalp and hair type.

2026-05-27 20:06