There is no single right answer to how often to wash your hair. It depends on your scalp, your hair type and how you style it. Here is what three sources say, with links so you can read each one.

This guide is general information from public sources, not medical advice. Vanity Aisle is a retailer, not a medical provider. Every claim below links to the organization that made it, so you can read the original. Where sources disagree, we show both.

Wash frequency by hair type

Hair type	What the sources say	Source
Oily scalp, straight hair	May be shampooed daily (AAD); daily washing is an option if oiliness bothers you (Cleveland Clinic)	AAD, Cleveland Clinic
Fine or thin hair	About every one to two days (Cleveland Clinic)	Cleveland Clinic
Medium to coarse hair	Cleveland Clinic gives about every two to four days for semi-coarse hair and about weekly for coarse hair	Cleveland Clinic
Dry hair	Perhaps only once or twice a week (MedlinePlus). Dry, textured, curly or thick hair: as needed, at least every 2 to 3 weeks (AAD).	MedlinePlus, AAD
Curly or coily hair	At least every 2 to 3 weeks (AAD curly hair page); weekly or every other week (AAD page on Black hair); at least every two weeks (Cleveland Clinic)	AAD curly hair, AAD Black hair, Cleveland Clinic
Color-treated or chemically processed	Cleveland Clinic says this hair is more fragile, so wash less often (no set number of days given)	Cleveland Clinic, winter hair article

These ranges overlap and sometimes differ, so use them as a starting point and adjust to how your scalp and hair feel.

Shampoo and conditioner basics

Apply shampoo to the scalp, not the full length of the hair, to remove oil and buildup with less drying. (AAD, Cleveland Clinic)
Use conditioner after every wash. The AAD says fine or straight hair gets it on the ends only, while dry or curly hair gets it on the full length. (AAD)
Heavy styling-product users may use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month (Cleveland Clinic), or before washing if they use gels, oils, creams or pomades (AAD).
Detangle wet hair with a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush, working from the ends up, and blot with a towel instead of rubbing. (AAD)
Limit heat: the AAD says to use low or medium heat with a heat protectant, and hot tools once a week or less. (AAD: healthy hair tips, AAD: stop damaging your hair)

When to see a doctor or dermatologist

The AAD says to see a dermatologist if changing your hair care does not help, because the cause may not be your routine, and sooner for thinning or hair loss. MedlinePlus also advises contacting a provider if hair does not improve with gentle care or if there is hair loss or breakage. (AAD, MedlinePlus)