Will my hair get healthier if I stop washing it?

Author: Geovanny Stanton  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Though there's some debate among haircare experts on this one, the overwhelming opinion is that, for most people, washing your hair every day is unnecessary. In fact, particularly for people with tight curls, over-washing your hair can dry your hair out, causing damage, split ends and breakage over time.

Will not washing my hair make it healthier?

Natural Oil Production: The scalp and skin produce natural oils (sebum) that help moisturize and protect. Not washing may allow these oils to build up, potentially improving hair and skin health for some individuals.

Is it good to take a break from washing your 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.

How long is it okay to not wash your hair?

You should ideally wash your hair every day, and never leave more than three days in between shampooing, she says. Thinning hair can be caused by a variety of changes going on within the body that we cannot control. Thinning hair can stem from hormonal changes, changes in medications, or it can simply be hereditary.

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.

My DETAILED "no poo" routine & mistakes to avoid!

How long can a human go without washing their hair?

“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. She says as long as they don't have scalp problems that seems OK.

Will my hair grow if I stop washing it everyday?

While washing your hair won't necessarily cause it to grow, there is a correlation between the two. “As a rule of thumb a clean scalp is more than likely to be a healthy scalp,” says Kingsley. And a healthy scalp is more likely to produce long, full, healthy-looking hair.

Do you lose more hair when you don't wash it?

Increased hair loss could also indicate that you aren't washing your hair enough. One of the most common causes of hair loss—that is indirectly associated with infrequent shampooing—is seborrheic dermatitis.

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.

Does not washing your hair help damaged hair?

Washing severely damaged hair (hair with breakage, brittle ends and extreme dryness), no more than twice a week. If you can wash your damaged hair once a week without it getting too greasy, then aim for once a week. The less you wash your damaged hair, the better.

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 is the healthiest thing to wash your hair with?

Healthiest shampoo for your hair type
  • Anionic detergents. These are mainly sulfates, Lipner says, and they're very effective at removing oil and sweat from the scalp and hair. ...
  • Cationic detergents. ...
  • Amphoteric detergents. ...
  • Anti-dandruff shampoos.

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 if I stop washing my hair?

But before you give it a try, some warnings: Although it didn't happen to me, forgoing cleansing can cause some side effects like dandruff, an overly-sensitive scalp, and even hair loss (things that are reversible and often related to the hair's need to regain balance after giving up shampoo).

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.

Does no shampoo help hair growth?

But here's the kicker: neglecting to shampoo regularly can lead to a whole host of scalp issues, including dreaded dandruff, irritation, and even worsened hair loss. Yes, you heard that right – going #nopoo could actually stunt your hair growth goals. Talk about a bad hair day! The solution is simple: embrace the suds.

Is unwashed hair healthier?

You might think it won't hurt, but washing your hair regularly is incredibly important for the health of your hair and scalp. "Shampooing removes sebum or oil that normally coats the hair shaft," says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.

How long can hair go without washing?

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.

Does hair smell if not washed?

Poor hygiene: Habits like not washing your hair enough can lead to a stinky scalp. Pollution: Particles from the environment can attach to your hair, creating a bad smell.

What is the no shampoo method?

Hair washing without commercial shampoo, sometimes called no poo, includes water-only hair washing or hair washing with non-commercial products, such as baking soda and vinegar. Advocates argue that commercial shampoo is an unnecessary expense and may contain harmful ingredients.

What is the best shampoo for hair loss?

Top shampoos for thinning hair, at a glance
  • Best Overall: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $15.
  • Best for Thickening: Kérastase Densifique Thickening Shampoo, $44.
  • Best for Damaged Hair: Vegamour Hydr-8 Shampoo, $38.
  • Best for Volume: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo, $37.

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.

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