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Dr. Chacon reports that some people can go for days without washing their hair and not notice any negative effects or long-term consequences. Frequency can also depend on factors like the consistency of your hair and your ethnic background—for example, individuals with Afro-textured hair often wash less frequently to preserve natural oils and maintain hair health. However, she doesn’t recommend never, ever washing your hair (or skipping washes beyond a frequency that works for your mane)."Not washing your hair can affect the body in many different ways because hair health is absolutely related to scalp health," she explains.Here's what can happen when you don't wash your hair enough.
2. Your hair may feel heavy
Excess sebum is more than a look—it can leave your hair feeling off (and your head and neck may feel like they are getting a mild strength workout). "Sebum...can become an issue when in excess...weighing hair down," points out Alexia Donovan, the director of client services at Barber Surgeons Guild.
4. You may notice irritation
Dr. Chacon says that irritation is the most common issue she notices when people don't wash their hair often enough, saying the scalp can become itchy or inflamed. Another haircare pro agrees.
Emmanuel notes this drawback of not washing your hair enough applies to people with physically or chemically processed hair or au-natural curls. One of the benefits of cleansing the hair is that it gives the scalp breathing room from buildup, regardless of hair type.
6. Your scalp may start to flake
You may notice literal flakes on your scalp and shoulders anytime you wear a dark top. "Many patients have come in with an itchy, flaky scalp, or seborrheic dermatitis, due to excess yeast or sebum on the scalp," Donovan says.Dandruff is a specific and mild (but not fun) type of seborrheic dermatitis that occurs on the scalp, and not washing your hair enough can sometimes trigger it."Though not as common, dandruff and flakiness can also erupt from a lack of washing," Dr. Chacon says. "Some people experience dandruff and flakes when too much time goes by between washes. This is sometimes caused by aggressive itching, but can also be the scalp's way of sloughing off dead cells on its own."
8. You may experience hair loss
In more severe cases, you might start noticing you're losing hair. "Clogged hair follicles can cause the hair to fall out," warns Gretchen Friese, a BosleyMD trichologist.Sometimes, trichologists find that individuals who do not wash their hair frequently enough have a condition called folliculitis, can contribute to hair loss.
9. You might start to smell (no offense)
Not washing your hair can become a multi-sensory experience (especially for people around you). "Oil and sweat can cause our hair to smell bad," Friese says.Related: You're Undoing All Your Shower Benefits When You Skip This Important Step
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
Emmanuel says people with processed or natural hair should cleanse it about once weekly."When your hair is chemically processed, it's best to avoid over-shampooing, as this can cause your hair to become dry, leading to breakage," she explains. "If you have an oily scalp and textured hair, consider shampooing your hair twice a week."However, Wright notes that you may be able to get away with washing it about every other week."Most people avoid or loathe cleansing their textured hair because it is typically time-consuming, painful and sometimes not effective, especially at the scalp," Wright explains. "Textured hair varies in density—fiber count, from the hairline back. It is technically called terminal hair."As a result, Wright points out that the hairline (AKA "vellus hair) can vary in texture."This unique combination of degrees of density and varying textures around the hairline requires a specific technique and the use of a uniquely formulated shampoo to effectively cleanse the scalp and hair," Wright notes. "These two factors are very important and often overlooked. Paying attention to the details of textured hair yields an effective, tangle-free and pain-free cleansing experience."
OK, you know the importance of shampooing at least a couple of times a week, but should you apply conditioner afterward? "Conditioners are necessary for most people, but choosing the proper formula for your specific needs is important," Dr. Chacon says. "For example, someone with oily hair may require a lighter conditioner, whereas someone with drier hair may need something ultra-hydrating with heavier oil content to protect dry strands."Either way, Dr. Chacon suggests applying conditioner any time you shampoo. Wright and Emmanuel agree that this advise applies to people with processed or natural hair too.
Related: Do You Use This Common Shower Item? Doctors Say It Could Be Making You Sick
Sources:
Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologistJess Poynter, a certified clinical trichologist and the founder of Scalp Haven Hair StudioAlexia Donovan, the director of client services at Barber Surgeons GuildSeborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology.Gretchen Friese, a Bosley MD trichologistSophia Emmanuel, a trichologist, cosmetologist and V&Co. beauty brand ambassadorLadosha Wright, a trichologist, salon owner and RevAir’s resident expert Read More Details
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