The debate about how often to wash your hair is ongoing. Some experts say washing once a week is fine if you use a good shampoo and your hair responds well to that routine. Others argue that even if your hair feels clean, weekly washing may not be enough.

“Your hair might look clean, but pollution, sweat, and smoke can build up,” explains stylist Rosi Fernandez of Ananda Ferdi. If your hair is very dry and not washed often enough, it can lose moisture over time.

Most experts agree that going longer than a week without washing isn’t ideal. “Hair follicles get clogged and don’t get enough oxygen,” Fernandez says. Beyond that, the right frequency depends on your hair type and lifestyle.

### How often should you wash your hair?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. “Where you live and your daily habits matter,” says Fernandez. “City pollution, climate, exercise, water quality—all these affect how often you should wash.” Even if your hair is thick and dry, washing at least twice a week helps remove buildup that weakens hair. Fernandez also recommends emulsifying shampoo in your hands before applying it, especially with organic products. “A thorough rinse gives hair its shine,” she adds.

### Is daily washing okay?
Yes—experts say washing daily is fine if needed. Dermatologist Dr. Hadley King notes that people with oily scalps or fine hair may benefit from frequent washing to remove excess oil and buildup. Daily shampooing can also help with dandruff by removing the yeast that causes flakes. Just choose a gentle shampoo that cleanses without drying.

For those with dry scalps or coarse hair, dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick suggests washing less often to preserve natural oils.

### What affects how often you should wash?
Several factors play a role:

Hair Type
Fine hair may need more frequent washing to control oil, while thick or coarse hair can go longer between washes to avoid stripping natural oils.

Scalp Conditions
If you have dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, washing daily (or regularly) can help reduce oil and flakes.

Exercise
Sweat can clog pores and irritate the scalp, so washing after intense workouts is important.

Styling Products
Hairspray, gels, and other products cause buildup. Regular washing prevents irritation and other issues.

### How to go longer between washes
If you want to stretch time between washes, try:
– Using dry shampoo
– Opting for gentler shampoos
– Rinsing with water between washes

Ultimately, the best routine depends on your hair and lifestyle. Experiment to find what works for you.Here’s a more natural and fluent version of your text:

Tips for Extending Time Between Hair Washes

Dr. Garshick suggests using dry shampoo to absorb oils and prolong the time between washes. She also recommends an exfoliating serum with salicylic acid to remove excess oil from the scalp.

On wash days, a clarifying shampoo can help deeply cleanse buildup, oil, and dead skin. Be sure to apply conditioner only to the ends—avoiding the roots—to prevent weighing hair down or clogging pores. A clean scalp helps stretch out washes longer.

What Happens If You Don’t Wash Often Enough?

Fernandez warns that washing less than twice a week can clog follicles, leading to flaking, itching, dandruff, sensitivity, and even hair loss. Tiny particles (invisible to the eye) block oxygen from reaching the hair, making frequent washing important—even for thick or dry hair that may not seem oily.

Pollution’s impact on hair was studied as early as 1994 by the Industrial Toxicology Research Centre in Lucknow. Adolfo Remartínez, founder of Nuggela & Sulé, explains that pollutants like smoke and gases settle on the scalp, causing irritation, inflammation, and potential hair loss.

Recommended Shampoos:
– R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo – $34 (Amazon)
– Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo – $14 (Amazon) / $48 (Vegamour)
– Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo – $32 (Amazon, Revolve)
– Lolavie Restorative Shampoo – $29 (Lolavie)
– Pattern Hydration Shampoo – $21 (Nordstrom)
– Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo – $30 ($23 on Amazon, 23% off)
– Augustinus Bader The Shampoo – $57 (Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Sephora)
– Gisou Honey Infused Hair Wash – $37 ($22 on Amazon, 41% off) / $37 (Revolve)

Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!