Should I wash my hair every day?

This is one question that comes up time and time again, and one that even some experts differ in opinion on.

Firstly, your sebaceous glands are responsible for secreting sebum, the natural oils that moisturise and waterproof your skin and hair. Each time you shampoo your hair, you strip it of these essential oils. This causes the body to produce additional sebum to replace that which has been washed out.

Frequently washing the hair can lead to the overproduction of sebum in order to compensate for its constant removal. This is why your hair may appear to be greasy the day after washing. The body knows that the oils are going to be washed out, and so they play catch up. Furthermore, washing your hair on a daily basis causes it to lose moisture and become dry and brittle.

Those who only wash their hair every two to three days have caused the body to produce sebum at a much slower pace, as the body knows that it will not be washed straight away. Hair that is washed less regularly will not get as greasy or oily as quick as hair that is washed on a daily basis.

More questions

Is it safe to dye, perm or straighten my hair during pregnancy?

It's not known whether the chemicals used in hair dyeing, perming or straightening are completely safe for you to use during pregnancy. One study suggested that it could cause the foetus to develop the...

Is it normal to lose hair after giving birth?

Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, your hair goes through a longer “resting” phase than normal. This means it doesn't fall out as soon as before. Your hair will feel thicker during...

My hair has become thin and limp, are there any products you would recommend?

Having fine and thin hair can be very frustrating. However, there are tonnes of hair care products that can make things a little easier. Firstly, stay away from products that are recommended for normal hair...

Should I be using hair masks/treatments on a regular basis?

Hair masks are not a necessity. However, if you have colour treated hair, hair that is damaged from styling or simply want to give your hair a pick me up; a monthly hair treatment will do it wonders. Hair masks...

Should I wash my hair every day?

This is one question that comes up time and time again, and one that even some experts differ in opinion on. Firstly, your sebaceous glands are responsible for secreting sebum, the natural oils that moisturise...

I am worried my freshly coloured blonde hair will turn green on holiday. How can I prevent this?

The sun, sea and pool can all have an undesirable affect on your hair while on holiday, or even at home (when the weather is good). For those with blonde hair, these effects are far more noticeable as the...

What is a good hair style for fine hair?

When you have fine hair, finding a hair style that does not accentuate the problem can be tricky. Lack of volume can cause the hair to look limp and flat and this look is hard to pull off. If you have fine...

How do I create the perfect bun?

The bun is one hairstyle that never seems to go out of fashion, and this summer was no exception. The high wide bun made a triumphant appearance on every red carpet and it looks like it’s here to stay. To...

How can I get a professional looking hair colour at home?

The right hair colour can transform your appearance by brightening up your skin tone, covering those unwanted grey strands and making your eye colour pop. However, a visit to the hairdresser can put a big dent...

What is the best way to grow out a short pixie cut to shoulder length?

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to grow out any hair style, especially a drastic cut like the pixie cut. It is important to remember, however, that it takes time, and a lot of patience to do this...