GOOD/BAD IDEA?
Good or bad idea: washing your hair every day?
Having perfectly clean, shiny, and light hair every day... It's a pressure many people feel, especially during adolescence. Between hygiene regulations, the image they project to others, and hair that quickly gets greasy, it may seem natural to wash it daily. But is it really a good idea? Spoiler: not always.
Why overwashing can weaken the scalp
The scalp is a living area that naturally produces sebum—an essential oily substance for protecting hair and maintaining its balance. Washing too frequently, especially with harsh shampoos, can disrupt this production, creating a vicious cycle: the more you wash, the more sebum the scalp produces to compensate.
The result? Hair that gets greasy even faster, an irritated scalp, sometimes dandruff, and hair that dries out.
“The scalp naturally produces sebum, which protects the hair. Washing too frequently can disrupt this production.”
– Dr Nina Roos, dermatologist, specializing in dermo-cosmetics (source: Doctissimo, Marie Claire)
Everyone has their own washing rhythm
The right frequency depends primarily on your hair type and lifestyle:
- Oily hair: 2 to 3 times a week, with a gentle rebalancing shampoo.
- Dry, curly or textured hair: Once a week or less, to preserve natural moisture.
- Normal hair: 2 times a week is generally sufficient.Normal hair: 2 times a week is generally sufficient.
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Special cases: intense sport every day, dusty environment, scalp - prone to acne... may justify more frequent washing, provided you choose your products carefully.
💡 Selective Home Tip: Softness above all
At Maison Sélective, we believe in a gentle and sustainable approach to hair care. Rather than damaging your scalp, why not alternate washes with alternative treatments?
- Co-washing (washing with a mild, silicone-free conditioner) allows you to clean without stripping.
- Rinsing with clean water may be sufficient between two shampoos.
- Natural dry shampoos, made with clay or cornstarch, are perfect for refreshing roots without rinsing.
In summary:
Yes, you can wash your hair every day if you feel the need—as long as you have a gentle, tailored routine and use products that are kind to your scalp. The key is to listen to your hair, because it knows what's right for it.
What science says:
According to most dermatologists and trichologists (hair specialists), it's not necessary to wash your hair every day. Overwashing can even be detrimental to your hair health. It's better to focus on a balanced routine that's tailored to your actual needs.
Sources:
Dr. Nina Roos (Doctissimo, Marie Claire), Dr. Susan Bard (Healthline, Allure), Cleveland Clinic, Journal of Cosmetic Science, Innersense Organic Beauty, The Truth About Cosmetics – Rita Stiens