E! Illustration/ NordstromWe hate to break it to you, but there’s a good chance you’re overwashing your hair. If you struggle with greasy hair, you might think consistent washing is the only way to prevent it from getting oily.
But Lead Scalp Health Expert and Board-Certified Trichologist at Nutrire, Nelida D’Alessandro, says frequent hair washing might be doing more harm than good.
- Shampoo for Weightless Hydration: Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Hydrating Shampoo (now $68.25, was $105)
- Breakage-Restoring Shampoo: Olaplex Every Wash, Everywhere Healthy Hair Set (now $64, was $96)
- Volume-Boosting Shampoo: Living proof Jumbo Full Shampoo (now $50, was $72)
Are you overwashing your hair?
Washing too frequently, especially with harsh formulas, can strip the scalp of its natural oils. When that happens, “the scalp often overcorrects by producing even more oil, which creates a frustrating cycle,” D’Alessandro explains.
Additionally, “Over washing can also lead to dryness, irritation, and a compromised scalp barrier over time,” she continues.
So if you feel like your hair feels greasy, even with frequent washing, it might be time to scale back your scheduled hair wash days.
How often should I wash my hair?
Naturally, it’s complicated. “The honest answer is that there’s no universal rule,” admits D’Alessandro.
While frequency depends on many factors, she says most people do well washing their hair two to three times per week, based on her expertise.
However, scalp type, lifestyle, and product usage can play a huge role in how often people should wash their hair.
In terms of scalp type, “An oilier scalp will need more frequent cleansing, while a drier scalp benefits from less,” notes D’Alessandro.
Similarly, “Hair texture is also relevant, as finer hair tends to show oil more quickly, while coarser or curlier textures can go longer between washes.”
If you’re very active (aka regularly breaking a sweat at the gym) or use a lot of heavy styling products, you’ll likely experience more buildup and therefore, need to wash more often.
Ultimately, “The goal is to keep the scalp clean and balanced without stripping it,” says D’Alessandro. These on-sale shampoos from Nordstrom do exactly that.
Are you overwashing your hair?
Washing too frequently, especially with harsh formulas, can strip the scalp of its natural oils. When that happens, “the scalp often overcorrects by producing even more oil, which creates a frustrating cycle,” D’Alessandro explains.
Additionally, “Over washing can also lead to dryness, irritation, and a compromised scalp barrier over time,” she continues.
So if you feel like your hair feels greasy, even with frequent washing, it might be time to scale back your scheduled hair wash days.
How often should I wash my hair?
Naturally, it’s complicated. “The honest answer is that there’s no universal rule,” admits D’Alessandro.
While frequency depends on many factors, she says most people do well washing their hair two to three times per week, based on her expertise.
However, scalp type, lifestyle, and product usage can play a huge role in how often people should wash their hair.
In terms of scalp type, “An oilier scalp will need more frequent cleansing, while a drier scalp benefits from less,” notes D’Alessandro.
Similarly, “Hair texture is also relevant, as finer hair tends to show oil more quickly, while coarser or curlier textures can go longer between washes.”
If you’re very active (aka regularly breaking a sweat at the gym) or use a lot of heavy styling products, you’ll likely experience more buildup and therefore, need to wash more often.
Ultimately, “The goal is to keep the scalp clean and balanced without stripping it,” says D’Alessandro. These on-sale shampoos from Nordstrom do exactly that.
Best Shampoos for dry, fine hair
Editor’s Pick
MOROCCANOIL Hydrating Shampoo
As a loyal patron, this amazing-smelling shampoo that hydrates and tames frizz is a must for fellow dry hair darlings, especially now that it’s over 30% off.
R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
Transform fine, flat hair into a bouncy blowout with this shampoo that boosts volume and strengthens strands from root to tip for a bouncy, thanks to ingredients including biotin and pro-vitamin B5.
Living proof Jumbo Full Shampoo
Achieve lasting body and fullness with this Nordstrom-exclusive jumbo-size bottle of Living proof shampoo, which gently cleanses and thickens hair.
Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo
Formulated with protein-rich amino acids and conditioning coconut oil, this shampoo is suitable for most hair types, particularly those who want weightless hydration.
Best shampoos for damaged hair
Sell-Out Risk
Olaplex Every Wash, Everywhere Healthy Hair Set
This unbeatably-priced Olaplex set includes full-size and travel-friendly version of their bond repairing shampoo and conditioner, which smooths frizz and restores breakage.
Oribe Gold Lust Set
Restore shine to damaged hair with this strand-strengthening and deeply hydrating shampoo and conditioner duo. The result is smooth, glass-like hair. The set includes full-size and travel-friendly versions.
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