Can washing your hair frequently lead to hair growth? Learn what experts have to say

Hair growth depends mainly on nutritional factors; frequency of washing hair seldom comes into play.

New Delhi | Updated: August 11, 2024 07:19 PM IST

If your scalp produces excess sebum, you'll need to wash it more often, making hair training unsuitable. (Source: Freepik)

With social media inundating us with haircare trends, hair aficionados are struggling to keep up. Whether it’s scrubbing your scalp clean, using moisturising masks, or training your hair to control oil production, your tresses need some guided advice.

Indianexpress.com consulted an expert on how often to clean your hair in hot, humid months, especially if your sweat glands love working overtime!

“You should wash your hair ideally three times a week, or every alternate day. If your scalp produces excess sebum, you’ll need to wash it more often, making hair training unsuitable,” said Dr. Shareefa Chause, dermatologist and cosmetologist at Shareefa’s Skin Care Clinic.

Chause said hair growth depends mainly on nutritional factors, and hence, the frequency of washing hair seldom comes into play. However, she does not recommend washing every day either.

For people with an oily scalp and dry lengths, balancing hydration between the scalp and the ends is key. (Source: Freepik)

When should you wash hair more often?

“For people suffering from dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, hair fall results from frizziness and breakage. Sweat glands on the scalp produce excess sebum, so keeping the scalp clean by washing it often is key to preventing hair fall,” Chause said.

ALSO READ | Five expert-approved tips to prevent seasonal hair loss

For people with an oily scalp and dry lengths, balancing hydration between the scalp and the ends is key. In summer, the scalp may secrete more sebum due to hot and dry air. “People with combination hair tend to wash their scalp more often, not realising that it makes their ends dry. The oils at the top of the head do not reach the ends,” said Chause.

She advised using chemical and sulfate free gentle formulations to clean the scalp and hydrating and moisturising products for the lengths of the hair. Washing every alternate day, rather than daily, is recommended.

From the homepage