How, and when to shampoo your hair is crucial to ensure you look fresh from the first day of wash, to the last - however long that is! Now this golden window of timing differs for everyone depending on your hair type. While some people are in a regular everyday routine to ensure light and grease-free locks, others can go up to a week or even longer, without lathering up.
If there was ever a million dollar question it would be the perennial one of: How often should I wash my hair? And is there even a definitive answer? Whether you’re a daily devotee or a weekly washer, there’s a way to find the perfect balance that maintains healthy, clean tresses. If you want to gain a day or two between washes or look for a way to keep your roots fresh for longer, we have a tip or two for you too!
What happens if you don't wash your hair?
Washing your hair is an important part of the hair care routine. It helps to remove dirt, oil and product build-up from the scalp and hair strands. But what happens if you don't wash your hair?
If you don't wash your hair for a week, you'll start to notice some pretty gross things. Your scalp will start to produce oil more quickly, which will make your hair greasy and smelly. Your scalp will also start to sweat more, so you'll find that the sweat has a really bad smell too. This can lead to breakouts on the scalp and even dandruff.
How many times a week should you wash your hair
How often should I wash my hair?
As a general rule, most experts recommend washing your hair every two to three days, though this will, of course, vary depending on your hair type. Generally speaking, finer hair types are more likely to get greasy more quickly and should be washed more regularly; once hair loses volume and looks lank or dull it’s time to lather up, while those with thicker, curly or Afro-Caribbean type hair tends to be drier and can go longer without being washed (e.g. 1+ times a week).
Even oily hair, which tends to get greasy in double-quick time, can benefit from an extra day or two between washes. As always, your choice of product is key. If you have greasy hair it doesn’t necessarily mean you should shower more often. Pantene Micellar Cleanse & Nourish Shampoo is a silicone-free formula that cleanses hair from impurities, without harshness, nourishing and revitalising hair at the same.
At the other end of the spectrum, drier hair types can benefit from extended periods between washes in order to allow the natural conditioning effect of the hair oils to give their parched locks some much needed moisture. Coloured, over-processed and curly and Afro hair types, can also benefit from less washing, opting for once or twice per week to encourage natural moisture back into their locks.
Lifestyle factors will also impact how often should you shampoo your hair, for example if you do tough and sweaty workouts, use a lot of styling product or work in polluted environments, you may need or want to wash your hair more often. The answer is different for everyone and hence also the products to use and how often.
Is it bad to wash your hair every day?
While washing your hair every day under water might feel like the healthiest thing to do for our locks, and our looks, it can be counterproductive as washing too often, can in fact, do more harm than good. It's paradoxical, but people who wash their hair a lot to get rid of excess oil are more likely to be drying out their scalp and that, in turn, produces more oil, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break.
Is it ok to wash hair once a week?
This all depends on your hair type. Washing your hair less often could buy you a few more minutes in bed so what’s not to love? For some hair types, a once a week regime gives their hair sufficient time to settle into its style - natural texture can improve the look of a day 1 preened and perfect blow dry – while also giving more options for styling. Those natural oils can enhance the texture and give a boost of shine and moisture.
Is dry shampoo good or bad for my hair?
It’s not a bad idea give hair a rest from time to time and refresh it without using water. Headlining Pantene’s new Waterless collection is Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam with Pro-V complex and orchid flower, which works without water to cleanse and refresh hair from the roots. Containing the active ingredient tapioca, this foaming dry shampoo melts when you touch it and soaks up dirt and grease in your hair from your roots. It leaves no visible residue and boasts 0% alcohol, with no added sulfates. Perfectly sized for your gym bag or desk drawer, Pantene Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam Mini 50ml is ideal for on the go touch ups, absorbing excess oil and giving added life to a couple of days’ old blowout. You can use it as often as you like and as much as you like.
How often should you condition your hair
Once your shampooing regime is in place, don’t forgo the most vital part of the equation, conditioner. Those with greasier hair may avoid conditioner for fear of adding more moisture to the hair, but with a light, type specific conditioner even oily hair can get the nourishment it needs to give hair moisture, shine and protection without making it oily or weighed down. If you want to have the maximum lift and volume at the roots, focus on applying the conditioner to your lengths and your ends specifically.
Can I condition between washes?
It’s now possible to get instantly smooth hair - in-between washes - with a quick spritz of Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist. This moisturizing, lightweight, leave-in mist battles flyaways and frizzy hair, and detangle even the thickest hair. Now you can easily touch up and go, whether you’re in the office, at home, in the care or out with friends. Made with a Pro-V complex, Omega-9, aloe vera, and jojoba oil, it leaves your hair looking healthy and nourished for a full 24 hours. Go ahead and cheat your way to a great hair day with the Pantene Waterless Collection.
How to wash hair properly
It’s important to know how to wash your hair properly and what products are best for it.
Pantene has created a list of tips and tricks to help you out.
Wash your hair every other day or every day, depending on your scalp's needs.
Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that's appropriate for your hair type.
Avoid using too much shampoo or conditioner, which can leave residue on the scalp.
Use a comb or brush while washing to help remove tangles from the hair shaft.
Be sure to rinse all of the shampoo from the hair to avoid product buildup on the scalp over time
Looking for more tips on how to prevent greasy hair? We’ve got that covered, too!
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