Ever found yourself whispering, “How often am I supposed to wash my hair?” We’ve been there—and we’re putting an end to the second-guessing.
We dig into what actually drives wash frequency—hair type, scalp condition, and lifestyle—and translate it into simple routines you can follow. Fine and straight hair that gets oily fast? Learn why every other day or even daily is okay with the right gentle shampoo and a weekly clarify. Wavy or loose curls that crave light moisture without buildup? Get the two-to-three-times-a-week plan with sulfate-free formulas that keep definition. Coils and tight curls searching for lasting hydration? Use co-washing midweek and a gentle clarifying cycle every 7–10 days to reset without stripping. Wearing protective styles? We share exact ways to cleanse when you can reach your scalp—and what to do when you can’t. If flakes and itching show up, we explain how medicated shampoos like ketoconazole calm inflammation and why frequency matters more than a strict “less is more” mindset.
Ready to find your wash rhythm and drop the guilt? Hit play, subscribe for new episodes, share this one with a friend who’s stuck in wash-day limbo, and leave a review with your biggest wash myth—we might feature your question next.
My Amazon Storefront with my favorite shampoos
Don’t miss the Good Hair Energy Box! Only 100 Founders Boxes will be available. Join the waitlist at danisekeilitz.com/waitlist to get early access and be first to grab yours.
Ready for beautiful hair and better energy each month? Join the Good Hair Energy Box waitlist! Only 100 Founders Boxes. Sign up at danisekeilitz.com/waitlist
Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel as well!
Visit my Amazon Store for all my favorite products!
Website: www.danisekeilitz.com
Instagram: danisekeilitz
Shop my favorite Eufora Products.
Episode Transcript
You know that question we all secretly ask,
but feel kind of silly saying itout loud.
How often am I supposed to washmy hair?
I can't tell you how many timesclients whisper this to me,
thinking they're breaking someunspoken beauty rule.
I'll admit, even as a stylist,I've gone through phases of
(01:51):
overwashing, underwashing, andbelieving all the myths.
So today let's finally settle itwith real advice from
dermatologist, tricologist, andwhat I've seen behind the chair.
Welcome to All About Hair, wherewe talk shop, share stories, and
spill the secrets behind greathair and a great career.
(02:14):
I'm your host, Denise Keilitz, aformer salon owner, educator,
and a lifelong hair crusader.
Whether you're a new stylistbuilding your book, or just
someone who loves learning aboutall things hair, you're in the
right place.
(02:35):
Most of us have heard someversion of the less you wash,
the better.
Or you can train your scalp toproduce less oil.
But these sweeping statementsdon't work for everyone.
Some people end up with oilyroots and itchy buildup, while
others dry their hair out tryingto wash it every day.
(02:55):
The confusion leads tofrustration and sometimes scalp
issues.
Here's the truth.
Hair washing is not one sizefits all.
It depends on your hair type,scalp condition, and your
lifestyle.
The myths like if you washdaily, your scalp will make more
(03:16):
oil just aren't true foreveryone.
I had a client who forcedherself to stretch washes to
once a week because TikTok saidso, but her fine oily hair
looked limp and greasy by daytwo, and she ended up with scalp
acne.
On the other hand, mycurly-haired clients sometimes
overwash because they think theyhave to be clean only to strip
(03:39):
their natural moisture and endup with more breakage.
So what's the solution?
Here's what dermatologists andstylists recommend.
If you have fine or straighthair, oils move easily down
straighter strands.
Makes sense.
So wash every other day or evendaily if you're sweaty or oily.
(04:03):
Just use a gentle hydratingshampoo.
Keep one clarifying shampoo onhand for about once a week to
remove buildup.
Okay.
What if you've got wavy or loosecurls?
You need to wash two to threetimes a week to balance the oil
control with moisture retention.
(04:24):
Use a sulfate-free shampoo likeNot Your Mother's Curl Talk or a
gentle hydrating cleanser.
You know I'm gonna leave linksin the show notes.
I always do, and I make it easybecause I just put a one link to
my Amazon storefront and thisone I'm probably link a few, so
because there's different typesof hair.
(04:47):
What if you've got tight curlsor coils?
Well, your natural oils don'ttravel so easily down your
strands, so you can usually washonce a week or even every 10
days.
Many people co-wash, meaningthat they use a conditioner to
cleanse midweek and then they doa gentle clarifying shampoo
(05:07):
every seven to ten days to avoidbuildup.
What about protective styles?
Yes, yes, you need to cleanse.
If you have braids, twists, orextensions where you can access
your scalp, wash and rinsegently about every two to three
weeks.
If you can't reach your scalplike with crochet style braids,
(05:30):
use scalp sprays or dilutedshampoo to keep things fresh.
Yeah, but Denise, what if I havedandruff or sebaric dermatitis
or itchy scalp?
Well, you need to wash moreoften, up to three times a week
with a medicated shampoo, uh,like niserol, that's a good one,
(05:51):
I have to tell you.
I I recommend that one a lot,and I have it in my shower.
So consistency keeps flaking andinflammation under control.
What about your daily washers?
It's fine to wash daily if yourhair and your scalp needs it.
Just make sure to use a gentlecleanser and follow with a
(06:12):
conditioner or a light leave-into keep it moisture balanced.
Throw in a clarifying shampooonly once a week or so and avoid
daily heat styling.
Let your hair air dry or styleit without the high heat.
What if what about those likehair training myths that we all
hear about?
(06:33):
Sorry.
You can't really train yourscalp to make less oil.
Oil production is mostly geneticand hormonal.
Washing less doesn't magicallychange that.
And don't go too long.
Pushing past your hair's needscan backfire.
Buildup of oil products and deadskin cells can clog follicles.
(06:56):
It can cause irritation,breakouts, and even contribute
to hair loss.
And we we don't want that.
I used to believe that washingless was always healthier.
That's what we always talkedabout in the salon.
I once went two weeks withoutwashing my hair during a
training experiment and ended upwith itchy, flaky scalp and dull
(07:18):
hair that refused to style.
Lesson learned.
Your scalp is skin.
You wouldn't skip washing yourface for two weeks, right?
So finding the right washschedule is about listening to
your scalp and your lifestyle.
Not a strict internet rule.
(07:39):
Once you find that rhythm thatworks for you, your hair feels
cleaner, healthier, and it'seasier to style.
And you're gonna stop feelingguilty for washing too much or
too little.
Look, I'd love to answer yourhair washing questions in a
future episode.
You might be wondering, can Iwash every day if I work out a
lot?
Hmm, how do I know if my shampoois gentle enough for daily use?
(08:03):
How do you know?
What's the best way to cleanseunder protective styles?
Do clarifying shampoos damagecolor-treated hair?
Hmm, all these are really goodquestions.
Send me your questions by emailor um message me on Instagram at
DeniseKeilet's and I may featureyour question on an upcoming
(08:25):
show if you'd like.
I hope this clears up some ofthe mystery and the guilt around
hair washing.
And remember, it's about whatyour hair and your scalp need,
not what the internet says.
Okay, for more pro tips,subscribe to my All About Hair
with Denise YouTube channel andmake sure you follow us wherever
you listen to podcasts.
(08:47):
And make sure you go over on mywebsite.
I've got lots of freebies overthere.
Grab something that you mightfind enjoyable and interesting,
and remember, when you knowbetter, you do better.
Thanks for tuning in to AllAbout Hair.
If you loved this episode, hitsubscribe, leave us a review,
and share it with a fellowstylist or hair-loving friend.
(09:09):
You want more tips, tools, andbehind the scenes goodness?
Follow me on YouTube or head tomy website at deniseKeilitz.com.
Yes, I know it's hard to spell,so don't worry, the link is in
the show notes.
Until next time, keep learning,keep creating, and keep loving
what you do.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.