Hair care experts debate optimal shampooing frequency

Expert advice regarding hair washing frequency suggests that daily washing is acceptable under specific conditions, though opinions on optimal frequency vary based on lifestyle and hair type.

One perspective, supported by a study in the journal ‘Skin Appendage Disorders’ involving 1,500 participants, indicates that washing five to six times per week can be optimal for satisfaction without signs of over-washing. To prevent damage, it is recommended to use gentle formulas and apply foam only to the roots to manage sweat and salt residue, which can cause itching and odor.

Conversely, Olivia Provost, Managing Director of Niwel Beauty, warns that washing too frequently may overstimulate sebaceous glands and increase sebum production. She suggests that one to two washes per week may be sufficient for some, noting that sweating during exercise does not necessarily mean hair is dirty. She advises against simple water rinses due to the dehydrating effects of hard water and suggests ‘cowashing’ or double-shampooing as alternative methods for effective cleansing and hydration.