How Often Should You Wash Your Hair? Experts Set the Record Straight

“If your hair is average oiliness, I recommend washing typically every two to three days,” says celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab. “I suggest you determine the amount of times you shampoo and condition by the texture and feel of your hair.”

Korab's go-to shampoo? “My favorite shampoo and condition is Pureology Hydrate,” she says. “I love this, as it is good for all hair types.”

For another Glamour-editor favorite, try Roz Foundation Shampoo.

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo for Dry, Color-Treated Hair

Roz Foundation Shampoo

How often to wash thick and/or dry hair:

“Those with thick and dry hair can often go longer between washes, sometimes even a week or more,” says Kim. “Their hair doesn't get oily quickly, and frequent washing can strip the hair of its natural oils, making it even drier.” Kim recommends L'Oréal's Metal Detox for most hair lengths and textures, and Glamour editors with thick hair swear by Better Not Younger Bounce Back Super Moisturizing Shampoo.

L'Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Better Not Younger Bounce Back Super Moisturizing Shampoo

How often to wash textured and/or curly hair:

“Textured or curly hair is often drier than straight hair,” Kim explains. “It's generally recommended to wash it once a week or even less frequently. Overwashing can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to frizz and dryness.”

One of Kim's favorite options for this hair type is L'Oréal Professionnel Curl Expression Anti Buildup Shampoo. “L’Oréal Professionnel Curl Expression for curly or coily hair has an amazing clarifying shampoo that can be used for all hair types and textures,” she says. Another Glamour favorite is Briogeo's Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo.

L'Oréal Professionnel Curl Expression Anti Buildup Shampoo

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo

How often to wash protective styles:

For those wearing their hair in protective styles, experts suggest washing their hair every other week refreshing the scalp every seven days. It's also advised you use a co-wash, which is short for conditioner washing, as opposed to other types of shampoo.

“Shampoo can be too stripping for the mid-shaft to end, so interchanging and putting them in between your conditioners might be a kinder alternative,” says Renee Kadar, global artistic director of texture for Aveda. Glamour recommends Function of Beauty Coily Hair Co-Wash, as well as Pattern Beauty's Deep Scalp Detox as a weekly refresh in between wash days and/or preshampoo treatment. Another option is an apple cider vinegar rinse.

Function of Beauty Coily Hair Co-Wash Base

Pattern Deep Scalp Detox 2-in-1 Hair Serum Cleanser

How to wash your hair properly:

Yes, there is a right way to do it. “When shampooing, you should focus on massaging the scalp to prevent product buildup, excess oil, and dirt from clogging hair follicles,” says Green.

Other shampooing rules to follow? “Choose the right products. It's essential to select a shampoo and conditioner tailored to your hair type and concerns,” adds Kim, who also says to focus on the scalp. “The suds will cleanse the lengths as they're rinsed out.”

Something else to consider is that temperature matters in the shower. “Rinse your hair with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness,” Kim says, advising to shampooing with care. “Avoid aggressive scrubbing or wringing. Instead, pat your hair dry with a towel.” Showering with water that's too hot can also cause split ends and breakage.