Last Updated on September 9, 2023 by Verna Meachum

Washing hair might seem straightforward, but many curly-haired folks often wonder: “How often should I shampoo my curly hair?” Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

How often to shampoo curly hair varies based on its type and individual needs, and lifestyle, but generally, it’s recommended to wash curly hair once a week to maintain its health and prevent dryness.

To dive deeper into this topic, let’s first understand the unique characteristics of curly hair and why it requires specialized care.

How Often to Shampoo Curly Hair Conundrum

You might be tempted to think, “Why not just wash your hair every day?” Some people can get away with that, then there are others who end up with scalp irritation, dandruff, and other issues. It’s all about finding the right balance based on your hair type and lifestyle.

For example, I personally shampoo once twice a week, but that’s because I’m physically active in the gym. This routine works for me, but it might be different for you.

Understand Your Curl Type

Curly hair varies from loose waves to tight coils. While identifying your curl type isn’t the most crucial factor, as curly hair care can be unpredictable, it can assist in customizing your hair care routine.

Regardless of your curl pattern, the natural oils from your scalp struggle to navigate the curly hair shaft. This unique structure often results in curly hair being more susceptible to dryness.

• Type 2A: beachy wavy fine hair (often confused with straight hair).
• Type 2B: wavy medium with loose waves down the hair shaft.
• Type 2C: coarse mix of waves and curls with definite “S” pattern.
• Type 3A: loose large curls.
• Type 3B: medium to tight curls.
• Type 3C: corkscrew-like spirals.
• Type 4A: small shaped tight springy coils. Curls can be fragile and wiry.
• Type 4B: Z coil (crimpy) curls with tight vertical coils
• Type 4C: the tightest curl pattern that are zig-zagged. The most fragile of all curl types.

Hair Types and Shampoo Frequency

It’s important to note that every curl is unique. Thus, adjusting your wash cycle and keenly watching your hair’s response is of utmost importance.

A helpful guideline to remember: If your curls seem dry, consider washing them less often. Daily shampooing can strip your curls of their natural oils, making it harder for them to stay moisturized.

1. Loose Waves and Curls (Type 2 and Type 3 Hair): Can get away with shampooing two to four times a week. depending on your lifestyle. Check out these shampoos for curly hair.
2. Fine Curls and Waves (Oily Hair): Fine hair can get oily by the end of the day, especially if you’re using styling products. While co-washing might initially make hair appear oilier, it can balance out over time. If not, consider dry shampoos or limit washing to every 2-3 days. Check out these shampoos for oily hair.
3. Thick, Coarse Hair or Tight Curls and Coils (Type 3C – Type 4C Hair): With such hair, you can get away with co-washing weekly and shampooing once every 2-3 weeks. Daily washing can overly dry out your hair. Here is a list of co-washes.

Curly Hair Washing Guide

• Water Temperature:
  • Avoid hot water, which can strip essential oils.
  • Use lukewarm or room-temperature water.
  • Finish with a cool rinse.
• Shampoo Portioning:
  • Pour shampoo into palms, not directly onto hair.
  • Start with a golf-ball-sized amount.
  • Shampoo primarily on the scalp, not the full hair length.
  • Lather and rinse as many times as needed.
• Scalp Focus:
  • Begin by massaging shampoo into roots.
  • Build-up, dirt, and oil mainly settle on the scalp.
  • Use a back-and-forth motion to prevent tangling.
• Rinsing:
  • Rub hands from root to tip as water flows.
  • Ensure all shampoo is rinsed out before conditioner.
• Conditioning:
  • Apply conditioner, mainly focusing on mid-lengths to ends. If you have tighter curls, you may want to start at the roots.
  • Let it sit for 2-5 minutes before detangling.
  • Rinse thoroughly.
• Post-Wash Care:
  • Apply a leave-in conditioner based on hair needs (e.g., moisture, frizz control).
  • Dry curls with a soft cotton T-shirt, microfiber towel, blow-dryer with heat protectant, or simply air dry.

The Wash Day Decision Guide

1. Wash When Hair is Dirty: Don’t fixate on a wash day schedule. Your hair might feel right with a wash anywhere between 1-2 weeks.
2. Wash When You Have Build-up: Product build-up isn’t necessarily dirt. If you notice your hair getting heavy with products, it’s time for a wash.
3. Experiment with Schedules: Everyone’s hair is unique. Try out different intervals to see what suits you best.

Other Factors to Consider

• Scalp Health: Dirt, sweat, and oil accumulation can cause scalp odor. Hence, regular cleansing is crucial, even if the hair doesn’t seem oily.
• Hair Dryness: If your hair tends to be dry, over-washing can exacerbate the issue. On the other hand, if you have an oily scalp, you might need more frequent washes.

The bottom line? Listen to your hair (and scalp). Consult a dermatologist or trichologist if you have scalp concerns.

Tips for Curly Hair Maintenance

Your hair care routine doesn’t stop once you shut off the water; the steps you take after washing can significantly impact your hair’s health.

• After Washing: Blot hair gently, avoid rubbing, and detangle with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. If using products, apply them while hair is wet.
• Towel Choice: Microfiber towels are best for curly hair. They are more gentle on the curls, help reduce frizz, and cut down on the drying time.
• Choosing the Right Shampoo: Opt for sulfate-free formulas. Look for sulfate-alternative surfactants such as, Amino acid derivatives, Decyl glucoside, Glucose-derived Coco glucoside, Lauryl glucoside, and Sodium lauryl glutamate. Also, look for moisturizing ingredients such as, betaine, glycerin, propanediol, etc. Emollients such as argan and jojobo oils are ideal as well.

Shampooing Curly Hair: Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Focus the lather on your scalp. A healthy scalp is the foundation to healthy hair.
• Wash when your hair feels dirty or has product build-up.
• Pay attention to how your hair responds to different routines.

Don’t:

• Shampoo in a circular motion as this can tangle curls.
• Stick to a strict regimen just out of habit.
• Neglect to consult professionals if you notice any scalp issues.

Optimal Conditioning for Curly Hair: Frequency and Techniques

After determining how often to wash curly hair, it’s natural to wonder about the right conditioning frequency. Conditioning is a pivotal step in maintaining the health and vibrancy of curly hair.

Given the spiral structure of curls, natural oils from the scalp struggle to travel the length of the hair shaft, making curly hair more susceptible to dryness. To counteract this, it’s crucial to use a conditioner every time you shampoo.

Everyone desires soft curls, but it’s possible to over-condition. I’ve experienced it firsthand, and it’s not a pleasant journey. Overuse of conditioner, prolonged co-washing without shampooing, repeated deep treatments (when your hair doesn’t need it, or re-conditioning before your hair is fully dry can lead to limp and fragile hair. If your curls lack shine or struggle to maintain a style, you might be over-conditioning. A protein-rich product can be the solution to bring back your hair’s natural balance.

The Mestiza Muse

For most individuals with curly hair, conditioning once a week is a general recommendation, though this can vary based on hair type and individual needs. Additionally, a deep conditioner or hair mask can be incorporated every 2-4 weeks to provide an extra boost of moisture and nourishment.

Conclusion

How often to shampoo curly hair varies among individuals. By understanding your hair type, its specific needs, and adjusting your routine as your lifestyle changes, you can maintain luscious, healthy curls. Experiment, listen to your hair, and most importantly, enjoy the beautiful curls you’ve been blessed with!

FAQs

How often should you wash your hair when exercising?

How often you should wash your hair after exercising depends on several factors, including your hair type, the intensity of your workout, and personal preferences. Here’s a general guideline:

1. Light to Moderate Exercise: If you engage in light activities where you don’t sweat profusely, you might not need to wash your hair every time. Instead, use a dry shampoo to refresh your hair.
2. Intense Exercise: If you sweat heavily during your workouts, it’s a good idea to wash your hair to remove the sweat and prevent scalp irritations. However, if you’re concerned about over-washing, especially if you exercise daily, you might consider alternating between using shampoo, dry shampoo, or just rinsing with water.
3. Curly or Dry Hair: People with curly or naturally dry hair might find that shampooing less frequently, even after heavy workouts, is beneficial to prevent excessive dryness. Co-washing (using conditioner only) can be an alternative to keep the hair hydrated.
4. Fine or Oily Hair: Those with fine or oily hair might feel the need to shampoo more often, as sweat and oil can weigh down the hair and make it look greasy.
5. Personal Preference: Some people feel refreshed and clean by shampooing after every workout, while others are comfortable with just a rinse.

Always remember to listen to your hair and scalp. If your scalp feels itchy or your hair seems weighed down, it might be time for a wash. On the other hand, if your hair feels stripped or dry, consider spacing out your shampoos or using a milder shampoo.

Is washing curly hair 3 times a week too much?

Whether washing curly hair three times a week is too much depends on various factors, including the specific type of curls, individual hair health, the environment, lifestyle, and the products used. Here are some considerations:

1. Curl Type: Tighter curls and coils generally retain less moisture than looser curls or waves. For very tight curls or coily hair, washing three times a week might be excessive, as it could strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness.
2. Hair Health: If your curly hair is damaged, dry, or chemically treated (e.g., dyed or permed), it might benefit from less frequent washing to prevent further dryness or breakage.
3. Environment: If you live in a dry climate or expose your hair to harsh conditions (e.g., swimming in chlorinated water), frequent washing might exacerbate dryness. Conversely, in a humid environment, washing might be more frequent if the hair becomes frizzy or feels unclean faster.
4. Lifestyle: If you exercise heavily and sweat a lot, you might feel the need to wash your hair more frequently. In such cases, it could be beneficial to alternate between full shampoos and co-washes or simply rinsing with water.
5. Product Choice: Using gentle, sulfate-free shampoos or co-washes can allow for more frequent washing without excessively stripping the hair of its natural oils.
6. Scalp Health: If you have a scalp condition like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or an oily scalp, your washing routine might differ based on treatment and management needs.

In general, the key is to observe how your hair and scalp respond. If your hair remains moisturized, maintains its elasticity, and doesn’t feel brittle, washing three times a week might be fine for you. If, however, you notice increased dryness, breakage, or a lack of definition in your curls, you might consider reducing the frequency or adjusting your hair care products.

How often should hair be conditioned?

The frequency of hair conditioning depends on hair type, health, and individual needs. However, here are some general guidelines:

1. Normal Hair: If your hair is generally healthy and doesn’t have any specific issues, you should condition every time you shampoo. This helps maintain the natural moisture balance and keeps your hair smooth and manageable.
2. Dry or Damaged Hair: Hair that’s dry, damaged, or chemically treated benefits from more frequent conditioning. You might even consider deep conditioning treatments once a week to help restore moisture and vitality.
3. Oily Hair: While you might think to skip conditioner if your hair is oily, it can still benefit from it. However, you might want to focus on conditioning the mid-lengths to ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp. Lightweight conditioners are generally suitable for oily hair.
4. Fine Hair: If you have fine hair that tends to get weighed down easily, choose a lightweight conditioner. While you should still condition every time you shampoo, you might opt for a lighter formula or even a leave-in spray conditioner.
5. Curly or Coily Hair: Many individuals with curly hair condition every time they wet their hair, and they might even condition more frequently than they shampoo.
6. Co-Washing: Some people, especially those with curly or coily hair, opt for co-washing, which is using a cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo. This method helps to clean the hair while retaining more of its natural moisture.
7. Environment and Lifestyle: If you live in a place with a dry climate, or if you often expose your hair to elements like sun or chlorine, you might need to condition more frequently. Similarly, if you work out and sweat regularly, while you might rinse or shampoo often, you’d also benefit from frequent conditioning.

Ultimately, the best way to determine how often you should condition is to listen to your hair. Adjust your conditioning routine based on how your hair feels and reacts, and always choose a conditioner that’s suitable for your specific hair type and needs.