Should I wash my hair every day?

This is one question that comes up time and time again, and one that even some experts differ in opinion on.

Firstly, your sebaceous glands are responsible for secreting sebum, the natural oils that moisturise and waterproof your skin and hair. Each time you shampoo your hair, you strip it of these essential oils. This causes the body to produce additional sebum to replace that which has been washed out.

Frequently washing the hair can lead to the overproduction of sebum in order to compensate for its constant removal. This is why your hair may appear to be greasy the day after washing. The body knows that the oils are going to be washed out, and so they play catch up. Furthermore, washing your hair on a daily basis causes it to lose moisture and become dry and brittle.

Those who only wash their hair every two to three days have caused the body to produce sebum at a much slower pace, as the body knows that it will not be washed straight away. Hair that is washed less regularly will not get as greasy or oily as quick as hair that is washed on a daily basis.

More questions

How do I look after human hair extensions?

Human hair extension can give great results making your hair look thicker, and longer. However, they are expensive, so you need to know how to look after them. We’ve outlined some simple ways to help keep...

What causes dandruff?

Many of us suffer from dandruff on a daily basis. It can be embarrassing and itchy and often mean you have an irritated scalp. You may find that even regular washing of your hair doesn’t get rid of it and...

Are all hair brushes as good as each other? How do I find the best one?

Using the right hair brush can have a better effect on your hair than using the wrong one will. It’s something most of us don’t give much thought to. A good brush will make your hair shine more and...

What causes dandruff and can it be cured?

Dandruff is a common complaint and one that is surrounded by many myths. In this article we address some of the common queries we hear about dandruff and attempt to answer any questions you might have...

Hair salon straightening treatments, what's involved?

Many of us spend a lot of time straightening our hair every morning with flat irons. Wouldn’t it be great to wake up with sleek and straight hair that you didn’t need to spend so much time working...

What can women do about losing their hair?

When we think of hair loss, we usually think of it happening to men. But unfortunately, women lose it too, which can be utterly devastating for them. Hair is often a very identifiable part of a woman and losing...

What is the best way to grow out a short pixie cut to shoulder length?

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to grow out any hair style, especially a drastic cut like the pixie cut. It is important to remember, however, that it takes time, and a lot of patience to do this...

I have bad dandruff, how can I get rid of it?

Dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp causing flakes of skin to appear. This is a very common condition that can occur chronically or as a result of certain triggers and can cause redness...

What is a good hair style for fine hair?

When you have fine hair, finding a hair style that does not accentuate the problem can be tricky.

Should I wash my hair every day?

This is one question that comes up time and time again, and one that even some experts differ in opinion on. Firstly, your sebaceous glands are responsible for secreting sebum, the natural oils that moisturise...