Between work, exercise, hobbies, and general exhaustion, sticking to a regular hair-washing routine can feel like a challenge. While how often you should wash your hair is often debated, another important consideration is the time of day you choose to shampoo. Whether you rely on a morning shower to wake up and start the day, or you prefer a nighttime rinse to unwind and get more sleep, the best time to wash your hair really depends on your hair type. Here’s what experts say.
How does my hair type affect when I should wash my hair?
A key factor in deciding when to wash your hair is its thickness—meaning the diameter of individual strands, which you can judge by touch and sight. For example, if your strands feel coarse and look opaque, you have thick hair. If they’re harder to feel and less visible, you have fine hair.
With that in mind, fine hair tends to get oily faster than thick hair. Since friction with your pillow can stimulate the scalp’s oil glands, it’s better to wash fine hair in the morning to help keep it clean throughout the day, says Jose Sanchez, a hair master at Oramai Hair Salon in Madrid. Morning washes also help fine hair maintain volume, adds María Baras, hairstylist and director of Salon Cheska in Madrid. Those with fine hair should wash more frequently to prevent oil buildup, according to board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD.
On the other hand, people with thick hair can usually handle washing at night and benefit from washing less often, which helps avoid stripping their hair of its natural oils.
If I wash my hair at night, is it okay to sleep with it wet?
One thing to keep in mind with nighttime washing is that you shouldn’t make a habit of sleeping with wet hair, especially if your hair is straight or wavy.
“Wet hair is more fragile because water temporarily breaks down the protein structure in hair strands,” NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, told Vogue. “This increases elasticity, making hair more prone to breakage.” While curly and textured hair reacts differently to elasticity and breakage, it’s still not recommended to sleep with wet hair regularly, as it can disrupt your scalp’s microbiome, encourage bacterial growth, and lead to breakouts or scalp issues.
If you know you won’t have time to dry your hair before bed, experts suggest using a satin or silk pillowcase, applying nourishing products, and choosing styles that prevent tangles and allow airflow to the scalp—like plaits, braids, or a pineapple bun, depending on your hair texture.
So, while the time you wash your hair ultimately comes down to personal preference, these factors can help you make more informed choices about your hair care routine.
Our favorites for a good wash
– Dr. Groot Hair Thickening Shampoo, $33 at Amazon
– Oribe Supershine Hydrating Shampoo, $49 at Nordstrom
– Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, $38 at Amazon
– Aromatica Rosemary Scalp Scaling Shampoo, $25 at Amazon
– Nexxus Therappe Moisturizing Shampoo, $22 (27% off) at Amazon
– Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hydrating Shampoo, $27 at Amazon
Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? Let us know! Email Vogue’s senior beauty & wellness editor at beauty@vogue.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs The Best Time to Wash Your Hair for Your Hair Type
Beginner Questions
Q Does it really matter when I wash my hair
A Yes it can The timing can affect your hairs natural oil production scalp health and how your style holds Its especially important for managing specific hair types and textures
Q Whats the most common recommendation for washing hair
A For most people washing in the evening is generally recommended It allows your scalps natural oils to distribute overnight and gives you more styling time in the morning
Q I have oily hair Should I wash it more often
A Possibly but washing too frequently can sometimes signal your scalp to produce more oil Those with very oily hair might benefit from a morning wash to remove overnight buildup and feel fresh
Q My hair is dry and brittle When should I wash
A Evening is usually best This limits washing to every 23 days and the overnight period allows hydrating products to work without weighing down your style during the day
Q Is it bad to go to bed with wet hair
A It can be It may lead to breakage fungal scalp issues or bedhead If you wash at night try to dry your hair at least 8090 before sleeping using a microfiber towel or a lowheat blow dryer
Advanced Practical Questions
Q How does workout timing affect when I should wash
A If you exercise in the morning a quick rinse or cowash postworkout may be needed Evening exercisers can simply wash after their workout as part of their nightly routine
Q Does hair porosity influence washing time
A Yes Lowporosity hair benefits from evening washes as the longer damp time helps products absorb Highporosity hair may prefer morning washes to better control hydration levels throughout the day
Q I have curly or coily hair Whats the ideal washing schedule
A Curlycoily hair tends to be drier Washing in the evening 12 times a week is often ideal