Should people wash their hair every day?

Bethany (No)

Washing your hair every day may seem like a good idea, but for most, it can cause more harm than good. Research has shown that washing one's hair too often can actually strip the hair of its natural, protective oils, which in turn may increase the likelihood of it becoming damaged and brittle--making it look dull and almost straw-like. Additionally, stripping the hair of its natural oils in this way can cause drying of the scalp, leading to dandruff.

Over-washing can also lead to the overuse of hair products, as those who wash their hair more frequently tend to use more conditioners that they do not otherwise need. 

Furthermore, washing your hair every day is a waste of water. An estimated 50 gallons of water per week are needlessly spent while leaving the water running for shampooing and conditioning hair.

Colored hair does not benefit from daily washes, either, as the practice causes any color you apply to your hair to fade much more quickly. Again, this wastes product, as one will end up re-dying their hair more frequently. And whether at home or at a salon, this costs more money in the long run.

An excellent method to avoid all of this, even if you have more oily hair and feel the need to wash often, is to utilize dry shampoo. Dry shampoo is designed to absorb oil, and it smells great! Think of it as a deodorant for your hair, but one that you only use between washes to maintain a healthy feel and appearance.

Washing your hair every day just isn't necessary and unfortunately has become a modern habit. 

Jani (Yes)

One of the biggest debates known to modern man is whether hair should be washed daily. It’s a problem that has brought about dry shampoos and other crazy styling options. Experts say that, depending on hair type, washing your hair daily is a healthy habit that leads to beautiful locks, more growth, and a great scalp.

Daily washing removes dead hair follicles along with dirt and debris while preventing nasty build-up from environmental pollutants so hair can look and feel its best. Aside from external build-up, hair is also subject to other influences such as climate changes, emotional disruptions, and health conditions. 

A quick daily wash can help keep things in balance while maintaining a healthy mixture of vitamins and minerals essential for lustrous locks. Skipping the wash too often can create an environment ripe for fungus and bacterial build-up, potentially leading to more serious issues down the road. It’s best, however, to use a pH-balanced shampoo whenever possible to preserve a healthy balance of the natural oils present on the scalp.

Washing hair daily can also help prevent premature hair loss. It reduces the amount of cortisol in hair follicles which leads to those unsightly bald spots during the senior years. Cortisol is a natural hormone that has been associated with thinning hair, among other things. Hair naturally contains bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil from sebaceous glands that can build up and cause problems when not washed away. 

Washing your hair is like skincare, and healthy hair starts at the roots. Beautiful hair flourishes from a clean, healthy scalp, so daily washing is your best bet.