How Often to Wash Your Hair: Expert Guide for Dry, Oily & Combination Scalps

As scalp care specialists, we often receive questions from clients about the ideal shampoo frequency for various scalp types. Below is a summary of our expert perspective, designed to help your clients maintain a balanced and healthy scalp:

Dry Scalp: Wash Once Every 3 Days (or Less)

Why: If a client’s scalp never feels greasy, even after 2-3 days without shampooing, they likely have a dry scalp, which produces less sebum (natural oil). Overwashing can strip the scalp of its already limited oil supply, causing dryness, itching, flaking, and irritation. To prevent these issues, it’s best to wash hair no more than once every three days—or even less frequently—allowing the scalp to preserve its natural moisture balance.

Greasy Scalp: Shampoo Daily

Why: If the client’s scalp tends to feel oily or greasy within a day of washing, this is often a sign of more active sebum production. Daily washing helps remove excess oils and prevents product buildup. Using a gentle shampoo designed for oily scalps can help regulate oil production without causing scalp dryness.

Combination or “In-Between” Scalp: Adjust as Needed

Why: For those who fall somewhere between dry and oily scalps, the key is to pay close attention to how quickly your hair becomes greasy. If you notice your scalp getting oily by the second or third day, it’s time to wash. If it stays relatively fresh for longer, you can extend the gap between shampoos. Listening to your scalp’s natural cues helps maintain optimal moisture and cleanliness levels.

Seasonal Changes: Shampoo Frequency may Shift with the Seasons. 

Why: During colder, drier months, you might need to reduce washing to preserve natural oils and combat dryness. In warmer, more humid conditions, increased sweating and oil production might require more frequent washes. Adapting the routine to the climate ensures your scalp remains healthy year-round.

Avoid Overwashing

Why: While cleanliness is important, overwashing can strip away the scalp’s protective barrier of natural oils. This can lead to a cycle of overcompensation, where the scalp produces more oil in response to dryness, resulting in further imbalance. Striking the right balance between cleanliness and maintaining natural moisture is key.

4 Tips for Selecting the Right Shampoo

• pH5.5 Shampoo

Why: The scalp has a naturally slightly acidic pH, which plays a key role in maintaining its balance and health. Using a shampoo with a similar pH level helps preserve this balance, preventing irritation and dryness. For the gentlest care, choose shampoos labeled “pH balanced”, ensuring they complement your scalp’s natural chemistry.

• Amino Acid-Based Formula

  Why: Amino acid-based shampoos are gentle and help retain moisture without irritating sensitive scalps. They cleanse effectively while maintaining the scalp’s natural proteins and lipids—ideal for all scalp types, especially dry or sensitive scalp.

• Free from Harsh Chemicals (SLS/SLES/Paraben-Free)

  Why: Harsh sulfates like SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) can strip the scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness, itchiness, or even increased oil production as a rebound effect. Parabens, commonly used as preservatives, can sometimes irritate sensitive scalps in some clients. A clean, gentle formula supports scalp health in the long term.

• Silicone-Free

  Why: Silicones can give hair strands a smooth, shiny finish, but over time, they may accumulate on the scalp, potentially clogging pores and leaving hair feeling heavy. Switching to a silicone-free shampoo helps keep the scalp clean, promotes better breathability, and minimizes the risk of product buildup.

By understanding your client’s specific scalp type and suggesting the shampoo frequency accordingly, their scalp can maintain a balanced environment that encourages healthy hair growth.