It’s 9 in the morning, and you are already late for office. You run to the shower, turn it on, lather some shampoo, and apply it using quick circular motions on your hair. You wash it off and towel-dry your hair. You get into the outfit you picked last night, gobble a bite of breakfast, grab your handbag, and rush outside so that you are not late (again) to the office! Sounds familiar? Do you notice that during all of these activities, you haven’t paid your hair the attention it needs? Do you realize that you’ve forgotten to treat it with the care it requires? If you continue to attend to your hair in a hurry every morning, in the long run, it might become brittle and thinner. Washing your hair properly and treating it the right way is an important part of your haircare routine. Let’s now discuss how to wash your hair the right way so that you do need not to worry about hair loss in the future!
How Frequently Can You Wash Your Hair?
This is a billion-dollar question that swarms in the minds of many women. And, this is the right time to find out the answer!
Experts say that you should not wash your hair every day. But lots of women have been doing this for years! If you wash your hair daily, it can eliminate the essential oils from your scalp and hair, which might lead to dull, lifeless hair. So how many times should you wash your hair in a week?
If the natural oil production on your scalp is high, you may have to wash your hair more frequently. In case you have thin and short hair, you can wash it on alternate days. If your hair is colored or processed, it requires less frequent washing. Generally, washing your hair twice or thrice a week is pretty normal. However, if you have the habit of doing it every other day, opt for a milder shampoo that is gentle on the scalp and hair.
Therefore, the frequency of hair washing depends on your hair type and texture. It also varies according to your health, occupation, etc. For instance, if you suffer from wheezing or asthma, your doctor might strictly recommend a hair wash just once a week. Likewise, if your work involves a lot of traveling, dust, and dirt can build up on your scalp and hair. So you might need more frequent washes.
Also Read: Homemade Hair Mask for Silky Hair!
Should You Use Hot/Cold Water?
The exact temperature of water that should be used for a hair wash is not known. However, you must not use super-hot water. Continuous hot water usage can make your hair too brittle. But warm or lukewarm water is good for your hair. It opens up your cuticles and washes off the built-up dirt particles and debris from the hair.
After a wash, before you step out of the shower, you can have a round of rinsing with cold water. While warm water opens up your hair cuticles, cold water will seal them shut and make your hair look glossy.
What Type of Shampoo Should You Use?
The type and amount of shampoo you use is of paramount importance. Avoid shampoos and hair products that contain silicones and sulfates. They can strip your hair off the natural oils. Some people might also be allergic to these two ingredients.
Choose a shampoo that suits your hair type, texture, and porosity. Don’t pick a shampoo just because it smells nice!
- For Fine Straight Hair:
Use shampoos containing “naturally derived” ingredients. For example, rosemary oil and caffeine are excellent natural ingredients. Did you know that caffeine helps stimulate your hair follicles, resulting in better hair growth?
- For Curly Hair:
Select shampoos that reduce frizz. You can opt for a hydrating and non-stripping shampoo. Creamier formulas containing amino acids are also a great choice for curly hair.
How to Wash Hair Correctly: Quick Reference Guide
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
| Pre-wet | Rinse hair for 30–60 seconds | Loosens dirt and oil before shampoo |
| Shampoo amount | Coin-sized for short, quarter-sized for long | Prevents buildup and dryness |
| Massage time | 30–60 seconds | Stimulates scalp, removes buildup |
| Rinse time | At least 1 minute | Prevents residue and dullness |
| Conditioning | Mid-lengths to ends only | Avoids greasy roots |
| Final rinse | Cool or lukewarm water | Seals cuticles for shine |
How to Properly Wash Your Hair?
Are you thinking of the best way to wash your hair? Here are some simple steps to follow. Read along to learn more about how to wash your hair!
1. Comb!
Yes, you heard it right! Use a comb/hair brush to get rid of the tangles in your hair. If your hair already has lots of knots, it will become more tangled while washing. Therefore, try to get rid of the knots before you step into the shower. You can even comb and plait the hair at night so that it will be free of tangles the next morning (before you wash your hair).
A hairbrush is more effective than a comb, so investing in one paves the way for better locks!
2. Wet the Hair
Wetting the hair completely before shampooing is crucial. Let the water run through all parts of the scalp and hair for at least a minute. You can run your fingers through the hair to confirm that even the ends are completely wet.
3. Apply the Shampoo
This is the most significant part of knowing how to wash your hair.
Avoid using too little or too much of the shampoo. Before applying, squeeze some shampoo into the palm of your hand and dilute it with some water. By doing this, the direct impact of the shampoo on the scalp is reduced.
Here are some things to keep in mind while applying the shampoo:
- Apply the shampoo on the scalp and crown. The hair ends don’t need too much shampoo.
- Avoid using circular motions while shampooing.
- Don’t be hard on your scalp. Gently massage the scalp and roots. This increases blood flow to the scalp, thereby stimulating hair growth.
- Refrain from using fingernails to remove the dirt from the scalp.
4. Rinse!
Many women don’t rinse their hair completely, which results in minute shampoo deposits. It can even result in scalp buildup. So rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
5. Use the Conditioner
Your scalp doesn’t need conditioning. So begin applying the conditioner from your mid-shaft and proceed to the hair ends.
Avoid letting the conditioner sit for too long. This time varies, depending on the type of conditioner you use. Once it has stayed for a few minutes, wash it off with water.
6. Dry Your Hair
It’s best to use a microfiber towel to dry your hair. Cotton towels are abrasive, which might break hair follicles and cause frizzy hair. Instead of rubbing your hair, gently squeeze or pat it dry.
After towel drying, allow your hair to air-dry for a few minutes. This will help you get rid of the remaining moisture from your hair.
Should You Wash Your Hair Before a Haircut?
Just like all things in life, there are some merits and demerits of washing your hair before a haircut. Let’s first look at the merits!
a. Merits of Washing Hair Before a Cut
- First and foremost, if you wash your hair, your stylist at the beauty salon will be happy because they can work on clean hair. If you go with a head full of dirty hair, it’s going to be challenging for them to work on it.
- Secondly, the stylist will be able to assess your hair type and texture better when it’s cleaner.
- Thirdly, the dirt, dust, and grease from your dirty hair will land on the comb and scissors they use for cutting.
Therefore, you can avoid the above hassles if you wash your hair before going for a cut.
b. Demerits of Washing Hair Before a Cut
Some like to wash their hair after a cut (and not before) due to the following reasons:
- You might already be late for your haircut appointment, so you don’t want to spend another 10-15 minutes washing your hair.
- The tools your stylist uses would have already been used on other people’s hair. So you can clean your hair with a quick wash once you reach home after your cut, thus getting rid of the germs and dirt from the salon tools.
We see that the advantages of a hair wash before a cut outweigh the disadvantages. So plan and try to wash your hair before going to your beauty salon.
Must Read: 7 Secrets to Flawless Hair in Summer!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wash my hair each time?
About 30–60 seconds of scalp massage is enough for effective cleansing.
Is it bad to wash hair every day?
Daily washing can dry out hair for many people, but oily scalps may tolerate it better.
Should I shampoo twice?
Double shampooing helps remove heavy buildup but isn’t necessary for every wash.
Can I wash hair with cold water only?
Cold water adds shine but may not cleanse oil effectively on its own.
Is conditioner necessary every wash?
Yes, conditioning helps restore moisture and reduce breakage, especially on lengths.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
There’s no fixed rule. Oily scalps may need frequent washing, while dry or textured hair benefits from fewer washes. Pay attention to how your scalp feels rather than following trends.
Does Water Temperature Affect Hair Health?
Yes. Lukewarm water cleans without stripping natural oils. Hot water can cause dryness and frizz, while a cool final rinse helps smooth cuticles and boost shine.
How Long Should You Wash Your Hair?
Shampoo for 30–60 seconds, focusing on the scalp. Gentle circular motions clean effectively without irritation or buildup.
What Is the Best Time to Wash Your Hair?
Wash when your scalp needs it. Morning washes remove overnight oil, while evening washes suit active days. Always allow hair to dry fully before sleeping.
Treat Your Tresses Well!
You’ve now learned how to wash your hair the right way. If you pay attention to your tresses, they will shine and add to your beauty. And, a good wash is the foundation for well-groomed hair.
