Claim: We should shampoo our hair every day for healthy hair and scalp.

Fact: Not necessarily. The scientific consensus and expert recommendations do not universally support daily shampooing for everyone. The ideal frequency depends on individual hair type, scalp condition, and lifestyle.

A viral reel on social media and advice from many influencers claim that daily shampooing is essential for maintaining clean, healthy hair and scalp.

 “In my childhood I heard from my parents that if you wash your hair everyday then your hair will turn white or they will fall out. That is not true. You can shampoo everyday … I feel you should shampoo your hair 4-5 times a week,” says the expert in the video.

She stresses the need to remove oil, sweat, and environmental pollutants, and say that skipping days can lead to scalp issues or poor hair health.

But does the science back this up? We investigate 

Dr Vijay Sharma, a dermatologist and cosmetology expert with over 40 years of experience, says that the frequency of shampooing should be tailored to the individual needs. 

“People with very oily scalps, and those who sweat heavily, or use many styling products may benefit from more frequent washing,” he told First Check. “However, for many people, especially those with dry, curly, or textured hair, daily shampooing can strip the scalp and hair of natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and increased breakage.”

Dr Sharma recommends shampooing hair 2-3 times per week for the average person. Those with dry or curly hair may wash even less often, while those with fine, oily hair or who exercise daily may need to shampoo more frequently. 

“The key is to listen to your hair and scalp’s needs rather than follow a blanket rule,” he said.

Clinical guidelines tell us that over-washing disrupts the scalp’s natural barrier and microbiome, increasing the risk of irritation and even certain scalp conditions. On the other hand, infrequent washing can lead to oil buildup and flaking for some, but this is not the case for everyone.

First Check concludes that the statements are misleading. Every person should use shampoo and other such hair products according to their own hair health and type.

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