For some people, hair washing is a daily ritual, while others only shampoo and conditioner in the shower once or twice a week. How often you should lather and rinse depends on numerous factors. To keep locks clean, below are a few points to think about when determining a shampooing schedule. 

3 Considerations When Deciding How Often to Wash Hair

1. Condition of the Scalp

Sebum is a natural moisturizer for your mane. The oil is secreted from sebaceous glands in the scalp and slides down the hair shaft to form a protective coating. Excessive sebum production; however, can cause dandruff. That’s because Malassezia yeast found in hair follicles consumes the oily residue, creating the oleic acid that contributes to dandruff. The acid can also leave the scalp itchy and irritated.

To curb dandruff and irritation, people with oily scalps should shampoo every other day. Washing daily would only prompt glands to produce even more sebum to replenish the oil washed away—fueling yeast even more. As dry scalps produce less sebum, shampooing no more than two times a week with a glycerin-based, moisturizing shampoo will keep locks hydrated. 

2. Exercise Routine

If workouts are part of your regular routine, consider shampooing after exercise. When the scalp sweats, the residue can coat hair. Sweat contains salt that could dry out your tresses. A good shampoo—free of surfactants that irritate the scalp and parabens (preservatives that erupt estrogen levels that could cause breast cancer)—will strip away the grime to prevent brittle locks. 

3. Hair Thickness

Fine hair will also get greasier faster between washings than thick locks. Fine tresses are not as porous as thick hair, which means a lot of oil rests on top of the strands instead of being absorbed by them. If you have thin hair, you might have to shampoo daily or every other day to keep it from looking greasy and flat. It’s hard for sebum to slide down kinky wave patterns, so you can get away with washing a couple of times a week if you have thick, curly hair.

Cabs La Vie Professional in Mineola, NY, carries a full line of shampoos, hair masks, and conditioners to keep your locks clean, healthy, and hydrated. The inventory includes hair products with nourishing and restorative properties and ingredients to protect dye jobs. Shop the selection online or call (833) 528-4333 to ask merchandise questions.