What is the maximum days to not wash your hair?

Author: Miss Karen Kautzer III  |  Last update: Thursday, June 26, 2025

According to stylist Rosi Fernandez, director of Ananda Ferdi it is not advisable to go for more than a week without washing hair, as “follicles become clogged and do not get oxygenated,” she explains.

How many days can I go without washing my hair?

Your scalp and your strands need moisture to stay healthy, so try to cleanse once a week if possible. If you're working with fine or thin hair, or you have an oil-prone scalp, you may need to suds up a few times a week, every other day, or even daily (if you're, say, running a marathon in scorching heat every morning).

What's the longest I can not wash my hair?

It depends on the person. Some people can go a few days without washing their hair before it gets greasy, however mine gets greasy the next day if I don't wash it. Maximum for everyone is 7 days and that includes the use of dry shampoo.

Is it okay not to wash hair for a week?

Not washing your hair for more than a week can have several effects on your hair and scalp. To start, you may notice an increase in buildup, oiliness and greasiness as your scalp begins to produce more sebum (natural oils) to protect itself.

Is it okay not to wash for 2 days?

Skipping a bath for a couple of days won't cause any major issues, especially if you haven't been sweating too much. However, it's worth noting that not washing regularly can lead to a buildup of sweat and oils, which might result in body odor and potential skin irritation for those with sensitive skin.

Why you will never get ‘That Hair’. (I tried for 10 years, brutally honest)

What happens if you don't wash for 5 days?

If you don't wash your body, it makes it easier for germs that cause actual skin infections to flourish. If you didn't wash at all, dirt, sweat, dead skin cells and oil would start to accumulate, and infections or ongoing skin conditions can become more serious, more difficult to manage, and harder to undo.

Is 5 days too long to not wash hair?

This comes down to your lifestyle, hair texture, and hair type. For many, two to three days is the most. However, by day five you should definitely give your strands a good wash.

Will my hair fall out if I don't wash it for a week?

Not washing your hair regularly won't make you lose it, but a build-up of oils and products can block growth and affect scalp health.

Why is my hair better when I don't wash it?

On the other hand, there are some benefits to not washing your hair unnecessarily. Over-washing strips your hair of its natural oils, causing it to become dull, dry and brittle.

What is over washing hair?

While you need shampoo to keep sebum from building up, washing your hair too frequently can strip away the natural oils and leave your hair looking dry, frizzy and dull. If your hair has lost its shine, that's a good sign it isn't moisturized and needs a break between hair-washing sessions.

What is the longest time without washing?

He lived in the village of Dezh Gah in Fars province. He did not bathe for over 60 years, from c. 1957–62 until shortly before his death in 2022, because he feared that soap and water might cause disease.

What is the no poo method?

The no-poo (or “no shampoo”) method is a hair-cleansing technique that removes shampoo from the equation, says Yadav. Instead of using shampoo, followers of the practice use alternatives such as apple cider vinegar, a cleansing conditioner, or just plain water.

How long should you go without washing your hair before dying it?

If your hair tends to be oily, you'll want to make sure your wash window is within 24 hours of your upcoming permanent or semi-permanent dye job. For normal-to-dry hair, that window can stretch up to three days between washing your hair and applying at-home dye.

How often should you wash your bra?

You should wash most bras after about four wears, or more frequently if you have a particularly sweaty day. As for sports bras, you should wash them, or at least rinse them with warm water, after every workout.

How to train your hair to not be washed as often?

If you normally wash everyday, it'll take time to get used to washing it less. So start by going an extra day or two in between your normal washes. Rinse your hair with water in between shampoos and try to build up to once a week. When your hair adjusts you'll notice a dramatic difference.

Can I go 7 days without washing my hair?

If your hair is extremely dry and not washed often enough, it can lose its natural moisture with age. According to stylist Rosi Fernandez, director of Ananda Ferdi it is not advisable to go for more than a week without washing hair, as “follicles become clogged and do not get oxygenated,” she explains.

Is losing 200 hairs a day normal?

The average person loses around 50-100 hair strands every day, but that amount can go up to 200 strands for those with very thick and long hair.

Will my hair get healthier if I stop washing it?

As with most things in life: it depends. If you wash your hair every day, it can be wonderfully healthy, or it can be dry and brittle… if you wash it less often, it can be greasy and ugly, or it can be shiny and silky smooth. It is more about how you wash it, than it is about how often you wash it.

How long without washing hair is bad?

Go with your gut and preference, with one caveat. “Regardless of how your hair feels, though, don't go longer than 14 days, ever,” Lamb says, who doesn't buy into the total 'no poo' movement. From a medical perspective, Goh says some of her patients only wash their hair once a week.

Can I wash my hair with just water?

Despite the rave reviews of some vloggers, most hair professionals do not recommend the water only hair washing method. “Sebum is naturally quite waxy (and smelly), and water alone may not be able to remove the buildup which can be problematic for people with scalp conditions or a predisposition to scalp conditions.

What happens if I don't wash my hair for a month?

“Less washing and altered scalp hygiene may also predispose the skin to infections with bacteria or fungi,” Dr. Camp explains. “If certain scalp conditions are left untreated, such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, it is possible that associated inflammation could damage hair and impact hair growth.”

What did people use before shampoo?

Before the advent of modern shampoos, people used a variety of natural ingredients and traditional methods to cleanse and care for their hair, including:
  • Herbs and plant extracts.
  • Natural soaps and oils.
  • Egg and milk mixtures.
  • Ash and clay.
  • Honey and vinegar rinses.

What are the benefits of greasy hair?

Natural hair can often become dry and brittle, and hair grease can help keep it soft and hydrated. Nourishes Hair - Hair grease can also nourish natural hair by providing it with essential nutrients like Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids. Healthy hair growth requires these essential nutrients.

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