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Frequent hair washing is important to keep hair fresh, clean and healthy. But how much is too often? And what happens if you wash your hair too much or not enough? This blog by our head of education Laura Elliott answers all these questions and gives her luxury shampoo recommendations to help you ensure you’re giving your hair the care it deserves.
When does your hair need washing?
For most people, washing your hair every other day or every two to three days is fine! But this isn’t always the case as hair type, oiliness, itchiness and flaking of the scalp, and lifestyle can all impact how much you wash your hair. Below, we’ve listed our hair washing advice for each of these factors:
1. Hair type
The type of hair you have can impact how often you should wash your hair. Thicker hair may need to be washed a lot less frequently than thin hair, which can sometimes need cleansing every day. This is because thin hair is much more prone to greasiness, whereas thick hair can usually go longer between washes. For more information on how to care for your hair type, read our blog: How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Your Hair Type
2. Oily hair
Hair that is more prone to excess oil often requires some extra TLC. This means that washing more often may be necessary! Natural oil is good for your hair, but letting this build up can cause hair to look and feel greasy. To ensure you’re keeping your hair as healthy as possible, we’d recommend using a hair treatment every other wash. Massage this through the hair for a few minutes, focussing on the mids and ends of the hair. Browse our solution: HARMONY Intensive Care Treatment
3. Dry and flaky scalp
If your scalp is dry and flaky to touch, your hair may need washing every one to two days. Leaving your hair too long between washes can make this condition worse, as dead cells can multiply and visibly appear in your locks. As dryness can impact your hair, we’d recommend using a nourishing hair mask every other wash. Apply a small amount to the mids of your hair, leave on for 10 minutes then rinse. View our product: HYDRATE Moisture Hair Mask
4. Lifestyle
There are various lifestyle factors that can impact how often you wash your hair. For example, if you are an avid swimmer then you will need to get the chlorine out of your hair afterwards, which may mean washing your hair more. In the same way, if you frequently go to the gym for an intense workout, you may wash your hair after. You might also find that you wash your hair more on holiday in hot countries or in summer, removing suncream that may have come into contact with your hair. For more advice on looking after your hair abroad, read our blog: Holiday Hair Care Tips
What happens if you wash your hair every day?
Do you wash your hair every day? As mentioned above, there are a few reasons why you might need to wash your hair every day. However, if none of these reasons apply to you then over-washing can damage your hair. Washing your hair too much can lead to faster colour fade, dull looking locks, dehydrated ends and excess frizz. Read on as we explore these factors in more detail.
1. Colour fade
Cleansing your hair too much can cause hair colour to wash out of your hair. This is because warm water causes the cuticle to open and lift, letting the colour bleed out. This can be partially prevented by washing hair with cool water, but this can be a problem in colder months! If you have lighter hair, cleansing with purple shampoo can protect, strengthen and enhance your colour. Simply massage from root to tip, leave in hair for a couple of minutes and then rinse. See our product: BLONDE Purple Brightening Shampoo
2. Dull hair
Too much natural oil can make your hair greasy, but not enough can make it dull! Over-washing your hair can remove these oils, ridding your hair of its natural shine. This makes your locks look muted and lacklustre, bringing down your overall look. We would recommend using products such as shine sprays to add a glossy sheen to your hair, leaving it gleaming. When your hair is dry, just spray evenly all over. Learn more: GLOW Super Shine Spray
3. Dry ends
If you’ve noticed lots of split ends in your locks, you probably have dry hair. This is another result of moisture being stripped from the hair due to over-washing. Dryness can give hair a straw-like texture, giving the appearance of being worn out. Choose a specialist shampoo for dry hair to revitalise and nourish your locks. Just massage through wet hair, rinse and repeat the process. View our solution: HYDRATE Moisture Shampoo
4. Frizz
Washing your hair too much is a leading cause of frizz. Frizz happens when your hair is dehydrated, so it can seem confusing that it can be caused by over-washing with water! But this is another result of the balance of natural oils being disrupted. Although these oils can’t be replaced, some bottled hair oils can leave hair looking smooth and healthy. Apply a small amount to clean, damp hair, or use on dry hair to complete a style. Find out more: VELVET Nourishing Hair Oil
What happens if you don’t wash your hair enough?
Skipped a wash day? You’ll probably be fine! But if you leave your hair very long periods without a cleanse, the results can be greasy, smelly locks and even hair loss. Below we’ve looked into some of these issues further:
1. Greasy hair
Leaving your hair for too long between washes can cause your natural oils to build up. This means that hair can become greasy and oily, appearing limp and lank. To further prevent this, we would recommend using a dry shampoo between washes to give hair a refresh. Simply shake well, hold 20-30cm away from the hair and spray in sections. For added dimension and volume, try our product: TEXTURE Dry Texture & Finishing Spray
Image Credit: Instagram @unbeweavablehairsalon
2. Odour
No one wants foul smelling hair! Over time, the mass of oil and dead skin cells can start to produce an odour. This takes a toll on your personal hygiene, as well as making you feel self-conscious. To keep your hair smelling nice all the time, be sure to stay on top of your washes and consider a hair fragrance. This can be spritzed all over the hair, staying with you for hours on end. Our AURA product uses a beautiful blend of orange blossom, white thyme, lily and vanilla. Find out more: AURA Hair & Body Fragrance
Video Credit: Instagram @ashtonpoolehairstudio
3. Hair loss
In extreme circumstances lack of hair washing can result in hair loss. This can be caused by matting of the hair, which occurs when your locks aren’t cared for. The main way to deal with matting is by cutting out the hair. In other cases, hair follicles can become blocked by the excess natural oils, causing hair to fall out. Ensure that you wash your hair frequently, but also consider using a dry shampoo between washes. Our product absorbs excess oils when left in the hair for two minutes after spraying evenly onto the hair. Learn more: Dry Shampoo
Video Credit: Instagram @nealandwolf
Should you wash your hair before dying it?
In most cases, we wouldn’t recommend washing your hair immediately before colouring your hair. Instead, we’d recommend washing your hair 24-48 hours before your appointment.
Your scalp naturally creates protective oils that shield it from potential irritation caused by hair dye chemicals, as well as helping colour to develop more evenly. Washing your hair too close to your appointment can strip these oils away, potentially leading to increased sensitivity, dryness and uneven results.
Should you wash your hair before you use bleach?
As with dying hair, we’d recommend allowing one to two days between washing and bleaching. Bleaching is a much more intense chemical process than standard colouring, so if your scalp is freshly washed, it could lead to itching, redness or a burning sensation.
Prior to bleaching, avoid using heavy styling products and scalp scrubs to allow hair to breathe. In your last wash, we’d recommend prepping locks with a solution like our HYDRATE Moisture Hair Mask. This colour-safe product leaves hair feeling soft and healthy, whilst also adding a glossy shine. It can be left on locks for as little as five minutes, or up to 10 for a more intensive result.
Should you wash your hair before a haircut?
If your haircut appointment includes a professional shampoo and wash as part of the service, there’s no need to wash your locks beforehand. At Neäl & Wølf salons, our stylists will choose a shampoo and conditioner duo that works for your hair type.
For cuts that need a little volume, like Shaggy Bobs or Wolf Cuts, we might wash your hair with our AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner. Whereas for straight and sleek styles, we may use our HYDRATE Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. Read on for more information on our shampoo recommendations.
Can you wash your hair with cold water?
Cold hair doesn’t effectively wash your hair when you use shampoo and conditioner, because warm water is needed to open and cleanse the cuticle. However, rinsing with cold water after your hair is washed can help seal the cuticle, locking in moisture, keeping hair smooth, and promoting shine. Just 10-20 seconds of cool water at the end of your shower is enough to refresh and revitalise.
How do you correctly wash your hair?
Washing your hair might be simple, but doing it correctly makes all the difference. For a fully effective cleanse, follow the below steps:
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Rinse thoroughly before applying shampoo
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Use a small amount of shampoo
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Rinse and repeat - add shampoo again
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Rinse your hair thoroughly
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Add conditioner on the end of your tresses
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Rinse - then have a shot of cold water
For more details on how to wash your hair best, read our blog: How to Wash Your Hair Properly: Our Ultimate Guide
Video Credit: Instagram @nealandwolf
Which shampoo is right for you?
No matter how often you wash your hair, you should use a shampoo that brings out the best in your locks. Whether you’re adding volume, boosting hydration, protecting colour or restoring strength, we’ve got a solution for you. Discover your perfect match below:
HYDRATE Moisture Shampoo
HYDRATE transforms tired, dehydrated strands with intense moisture. Infused with nourishing ingredients, it replenishes softness and restores manageability, leaving hair feeling silky, smooth and full of life. Find out more: HYDRATE Moisture Shampoo
AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo
Weightlessly boosts body and fullness without drying or build-up. AMPLIFY adds volume at the roots while maintaining softness and shine - perfect for creating effortlessly lifted, fuller-looking hair. Browse today: AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo
BLONDE Purple Brightening Shampoo
This violet-toned shampoo neutralises brassy tones while brightening and enhancing cool hues. BLONDE gently cleanses and tones in one step, leaving coloured hair beautifully radiant and salon-fresh between appointments. Find out more: BLONDE Purple Brightening Shampoo
DAILY Cleansing Shampoo
This shampoo uses a gentle, sulphate-free formula designed for everyday cleansing without stripping away natural oils. DAILY leaves hair soft, fresh and fragranced - your ideal essential for balanced, healthy hair. Learn more: DAILY Cleansing Shampoo
HARMONY Intensive Care Shampoo
HARMONY is a restorative treatment shampoo that helps repair, strengthen and revitalise hair from within. Its luxurious formula deeply nourishes each strand, making it ideal for post-colour or heat-stressed hair in need of care. See more: HARMONY Intensive Care Shampoo
Now you know all about washing your hair, it’s time to grab the right products! Each Neäl & Wølf shampoo is crafted to deliver salon-quality results at home. For personalised advice, speak to your stylist or explore the full collection: Shampoo & Conditioner
