How often should you wash curly hair?
How often to wash curly hair is a question that many people have.
Generally speaking, curly hair needs to be washed less frequently than straight hair, because the natural oils from the scalp are slower to travel down the hair shaft. This means that you can go longer between washes without your hair looking greasy.
In this blog post, we will discuss shampooing tips from trichologists and give you advice on how often to wash curly hair.
Table of Contents
What’s a Trichologist?
Trichologists are experts in the field of hair and scalp health. They recommend that people with curly hair shampoo every two to three days, or every other day if your hair is very oily. If you have dry hair, you can go even longer between washes – perhaps once a week.
Should you stretch your wash as long as possible?
No, says Dr. Kari Williams, a trichologist in Los Angeles: “Dirt, sebum and sweat can accumulate on the scalp and lead to scalp odour.” Even if your hair is dry you should avoid going as long as possible between washes; your scalp will still need cleansing even if your hair doesn’t seem greasy.
On the other hand, if you have dry hair, washing too frequently could further dry it out. “If your main goal is to prevent dehydration of the hair, then washing every other day or every third day is ideal,” Dr. Williams says.
If you have oily hair, on the other hand, more frequent shampooing may be necessary to prevent buildup. “The sebaceous glands are more active on some people and produce more oil,” she says. “Those with very oily skin may need to shampoo every day or every other day.”
The bottom line: “Listen to your hair,” Dr. Williams says. “If it feels oily or dirty, then wash it.”
If you have any concerns about your scalp health you should consult a dermatologist or trichologist.
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Should I go sulphate-free for my curly hair?
When you do shampoo, it is important to use a product that is gentle on your hair and scalp.
Sulphate-free shampoos are a good option, as they will not strip the natural oils from your hair.
You should also avoid using very hot water when washing your hair. Did you know that super-hot water can sap your hair of moisture and leave your curls feeling parched? Hot water lifts the hair cuticle, allowing vital moisture to escape, which is the last thing your curls need. Instead, opt for lukewarm water—it cleanses effectively without causing unnecessary dryness.
Pro Tip: Check the label for ingredients like “Sodium Lauryl Sulphate” (SLS) or “Sodium Laureth Sulphate” (SLES) and steer clear.
Looking for a sulphate-free shampoo? Try these:
Sulphate-free shampoo recommendations.
What about co-washing? Can I do it and how often?
Co-washing is when you only use one product; namely a conditioner or a conditioning cleanser to wash your hair.
This method is becoming increasingly popular as it can help to preserve the natural oils in the scalp and prevent the hair from becoming too dry.
How often should you wash curly hair with a co-wash? You can use a co-wash with the same frequency that you would usually shampoo although you may occasionally with to swap out the co-wash for a shampoo.
If you do decide to co-wash your hair, be sure to use a product that is designed for curly hair and make sure to rinse it out thoroughly.
The ingredients in co-washes can build up on the hair and scalp if they aren’t thoroughly rinsed out. You may also find you want to use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month to remove any residue.
If you are considering co-washing you might find this post helpful:
Co-wash, Low-poo or Shampoo? A Revealing Guide to the Best Cleanser
Hope this post was helpful!
Speak soon,
Lauren xx
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