I Wash My Hair Every Day, and This Is How I Keep It Looking Great

The idea of a “wash day” doesn’t really exist for me. Every day is a wash day. No exceptions.

It started years ago, when I had a fringe and very fine hair. While my friends could coast for days with dry shampoo and good vibes, my bangs told a different story. They soaked up oil from my scalp and my forehead. Glamorous, I know.

If I left it too long, my fringe would split down the middle like the Red Sea. Not ideal when you’re already a painfully self-aware teenager trying to disappear into the background at school.

I would love to skip washing my hair. Truly. Not washing, blow-drying, or styling every day sounds like luxury. But for me, the effort of trying to disguise greasy hair takes just as long as washing it properly. And I feel grim all day.

That feeling really gets to me. I don’t understand how people who wash their hair once or twice a week still feel fresh. If I shower my body but skip my hair, my scalp itches all day. I feel like I’ve been camping at a four-day festival.

The “clean girl aesthetic” also makes me laugh. It usually involves slicked-back hair, wax sticks, and a lot of gel. To me, that just feels like polished grease with better PR.

Smells don’t help either. Food smells are my worst nightmare. If I’ve cooked or sat in a café and catch even a hint of coffee or burnt toast in my hair, that’s it. I’m washing it. Maybe I’m sensitive, but I can’t ignore it.

This has been a long-running debate in my friendship group. They don’t understand how I wash my hair daily and keep it healthy. I don’t understand how they can leave theirs for a week and not feel feral.

They always bring up pre-shampoo days. Apparently, people pushed through the greasy phase and their scalps “balanced out.” That may be true. But I don’t have the patience—or the willpower—to find out. And honestly? I’m fine with that.

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So, how do I keep my hair healthy?

I keep things light. Always.

I use a non-sulphate shampoo and conditioner. Heavy formulas leave residue in my fine hair and undo all my effort.
I spritz Unite 7Seconds Detangler on my ends straight after the shower. I’m generous with it.
I detangle using a Tangle Teezer, which spreads the product without pulling.

I rough-dry my hair on medium heat and use my hands to speed things up. My hair is fine, but there’s a lot of it. When it’s dry, I either clip it back loosely with a claw clip or add a soft wave with my GHDs.

In summer, scalp SPF is non-negotiable. I only ever burn along my hairline, and it hurts. Peeling scalp also looks like dandruff, which is cruel. I usually use Malibu Scalp Protector because it’s light, non-greasy, and smells great.

Of course, this is just what works for me. Hair is personal. There’s no universal rule.

What the expert says

I spoke to Dr Dilan Fernando, hair transplant surgeon and co-founder of The Treatment Rooms London, to get some clarity.

How often should you wash your hair?
There’s no one rule. Most people shampoo two to three times a week. But oily scalps, active lifestyles, and hot climates often need more frequent washing.

Does hair type matter?
Yes. Curly hair struggles to move oil down the hair shaft, so it dries out faster and benefits from fewer washes. Straight hair distributes oil more easily, which is why it can be washed more often without damage.

Is daily washing bad?
It can be, especially with harsh shampoos. Over-washing can strip natural oils. Climate matters too. Heat and humidity increase oil production, while cold weather slows it down.

What should you look for in products?
Avoid sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate. They’re too harsh and can leave hair dull and dry over time.

Keeping hair fresh between washes

If you’re trying to stretch your wash days, Dr Fernando suggests:

Dry shampoo to absorb oil and smells
A light water mist with a touch of conditioner
Leave-in conditioner for softness and hydration
Regular brushing to spread scalp oils
Diluted essential oils for a fresher scent

At the end of the day, hair care isn’t about rules. It’s about comfort. If washing your hair every day makes you feel clean, calm, and confident, that matters too.