How Often Should You Shampoo?

Let’s cut right to the chase — most people are washing their hair either too often, not enough, or in a way that throws the whole routine off balance. After 39 years behind the chair, I’ve seen it all: dry scalps, greasy mids, tangled ends, and clients confused because every influencer on the internet says something different.

Here’s the truth from someone who has done this for nearly four decades:

How often you should shampoo depends on your scalp — not your hair length, not the latest trend, and definitely not a one-size-fits-all rule.

Let’s break this down in a way that finally makes sense.

1. Your Scalp Decides Your Shampoo Schedule — Period.

Your scalp is skin. Just like your face, it produces oil at its own pace.

Here’s the insider rule most people don’t know:

✔ Oily Scalp = Wash More Often

✔ Dry Scalp = Wash Less Often

✔ Balanced Scalp = Every 2–3 Days

If your scalp feels greasy within 24 hours?

 Wash daily or every other day.

If your scalp is tight, flaky, or itchy?

 Your natural oils are already low — shampooing daily will make things worse.

If your scalp feels normal most days?

 You’re good with a 2–3 day routine.

Simple. Predictable. No more confusion.

2. Hair Type Matters — But Only After Scalp Health

Here’s the part almost everyone gets wrong:

Your scalp tells you when to wash.

 Your hair type tells you how to wash.

✔ Fine hair

Gets oily faster because oil travels quickly.

Wash more frequently — but with lightweight formulas.

✔ Thick or coarse hair

Oil spreads slowly.

Wash less often — use moisturizing shampoos.

✔ Curly hair

Oil barely travels down curls.

Wash less often — focus on hydration and co-washing when needed.

✔ Color-treated hair

Needs gentler products and fewer washes.

2–3 days is the sweet spot for longevity.

3. Signs You’re Washing Too Often

If any of these sound familiar, your routine needs adjustment:

• Scalp feels tight or itchy

• Hair gets greasy faster after washing

• Ends look dry or brittle

• You constantly feel “producty”

• Breakage after brushing wet hair

Over-washing strips natural oils — and your scalp compensates by producing more oil. It’s a vicious cycle.

4. Signs You’re Not Washing Enough

You might need to increase shampoo frequency if you notice:

• Heavy roots

• Flat, lifeless volume

• Itchy scalp buildup

• Flakes

• A waxy or coated feeling

• Curls losing shape or definition

A healthy scalp = Healthy Hair. Don’t let build up sabotage you.

5. The Routine I Recommend to Most Clients

After decades of doing this, here’s the balanced schedule that works for 90% of people:

Every 2–3 days: Shampoo + rinse-out conditioner

Use gentle, sulfate-conscious shampoos unless your hair needs a clarifying boost.

Once a week: Deep conditioning or hair mask

Especially for dry, damaged, or color-treated hair.

Once a month: Clarifying shampoo

This resets your scalp and removes buildup from oils, dry shampoo, and styling products.

This routine brings balance back to MOST scalps — and it prevents the “greasy roots, dry ends” battle that so many people fight.

6. Product Recommendations (Stylist-Approved)

These are products I trust after nearly 40 years behind the chair.

👉 Find it here: Click Hair Products

Click Me

7. Download: Hair Wash Routine Tracker (Etsy)

To make this even easier, I created a simple printable you can use to track:

✔ your wash days

✔ scalp condition

✔ product performance

✔ what’s actually working

👉 Find it here: 

Click Me