How often should you wash your hair?

There is no single right number. The American Academy of Dermatology says washing frequency should depend on how oily your scalp gets and what kind of hair you have. Straight, oily hair may need shampoo every day, while dry, textured, curly, or thick hair can often go much longer and should be washed only when needed.

AAD’s guidance is especially useful because it focuses on the scalp, not just the ends. If hair is dry or curly, shampooing too often can strip it; if the scalp is oily, waiting too long can leave buildup and flakes. For many curly or textured hair types, the AAD says washing every 2 to 3 weeks can still be reasonable.

A reliable shampoo is a small investment that makes this easier: shampoo.