Should you shampoo your hair daily?

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Experts reveal the effects of washing your hair everyday. Photo / 123RF
Over-shampooing can dry out hair. But failing to wash your hair and scalp enough can lead to inflammation that may contribute to dandruff and even hair loss.
The age-old dermatologic debate over daily hair washing has been playing out on social media.

Many users are discussing the benefits
of alternating between regular shampooing and “no-pooing” – rinsing hair with shampoo alternatives such as apple cider vinegar, conditioner or plain water to help maintain natural oils.

United States dermatologists say it’s important to wash hair with shampoo, but there’s a balance.
Over-shampooing can dry out hair and make it more susceptible to breakage.
Failing to wash your hair and scalp well can allow dead skin, oil and styling products to accumulate and irritate the scalp, causing inflammation that may contribute to dandruff and even hair loss, said Carolyn Goh, a clinical associate professor of dermatology and founder of the Hair and Scalp Disorder Clinic at the University of California in Los Angeles.
Read more: A Definitive Guide To Scalp Care
On average, wash your hair with shampoo every day to at least every two to three weeks, but it comes down to hair type, texture, age, and whether you use hairstyling products, dermatologists said. Here are their generalised recommendations:

Choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and hair-care needs, dermatologists said.
Volumising shampoos may be helpful for people with fine, thin hair. Clarifying shampoos can help remove buildup from hairstyling products or hard water but, when used too frequently, can be drying. Shampoos designed for dry or damaged hair may help repair hair but may not be best for those with oily scalps.
And people with scalp conditions such as dandruff may require over-the-counter or prescription shampoos. “Using the wrong shampoo for your hair type can be too much or not enough for your hair needs,” Zeichner said.
Here’s how dermatologists recommend caring for your hair.
While the recommended frequency of hair washing is highly variable, in general, dermatologists suggest washing hair every day to every two to three weeks depending on hair type, texture, age, and other factors.

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