How often should you wash your hair? : Experts Weigh In

The age old question that is still being asked by many is "How often should I wash my hair?"

I was just having a conversation last week regarding this with my hairstylist as I condition my hair daily yet use shampoo twice a week and wanted her opinion on my methodology! 

From women who insist on washing their hair every night to those who are immersing themselves in the “no-shampoo” or “co-washing” movements, who wins out? With numerous hair washing trends emerging and “How often should I wash my hair?” being one of Google’s top 10 beauty searches for 2014, we turn to NYC-dermatologist, Dr. Marnie Nussbaum and celebrity hair stylist, Naté Bova to save you (and your hair) a headache. 

Here is their easy-breezy guide to help you gauge the right routine for your locks:

Co-Washing. “Co-washing is extremely beneficial to those with dry, dehydrated or damaged hair, otherwise it will simply weigh down those the fine-haired. Since unshampooed hair retains more of its natural oils than shampooed hair, the conditioner’s moisturizing agents will now leave strands even smoother and silkier than usual,” says Bova.

Non-Foaming Shampoo and ‘No-Poo’. “The biggest problem with ‘no poo’ is many experience extremely oily and greasy looking strands in the beginning, because your scalp keeps producing natural oils at the same rate it did when you used a basic shampoo that stripped your hair. You can still get healthy hair results by opting for a shampoo that is made with natural or organic ingredients and one that doesn't contain sulfates, paraben or harsh chemicals like Aviva’s Hydracreme Shampoo. Formulated with an assortment of botanical extracts, the shampoo works to eliminate buildup without stripping your hair of the moisture it needs, leaving your locks nourished and your scalp soothed,” says Dr. Nussbaum.

Cleansing Conditioners. “Cleansing conditioners work well with thicker, wiry hair because they leave more humectants throughout the hair. It is also a frizz controller because the humectants in most of these products can give a 'weight' to the hair strands keeping unruly hair under control. Dry or dyed hair can also benefit from these products, because they leave your hair feeling conditioned. Those with finer hair can also use these products, but should alternate regularly with a regular shampoo” says Bova.

Scalp Washing. “Incorporating a soap and alkali-free scalp shampoo into your weekly regimen can help to stabilize you hairs structure, as well as treat sensitive and delicate scalp conditions while eliminating dandruff. I often recommend Sebamed Scalp Activating Shampoo to patients as it’s a pH balanced wash that naturally supports scalp circulation – which is essential for hair growth and thicker-looking hair” says Dr. Nussbaum

As far as to how often you should be washing your hair? Dr. Nussbaum says, “All of these routines allow your hair to retain its natural oils, which will prevent dryness of the scalp and strands. Depending on the texture and condition of your hair you shouldn’t wash your hair on a daily basis. The drier your hair, the less you should wash but I do recommend using a regular shampoo once or twice a week to cleanse the scalp and alleviate product buildup left behind from hairsprays, mousse or gels.”