Curly hair should generally be washed about 1 to 3 times per week, but this can vary depending on the curl type, hair thickness, scalp condition, and lifestyle. Here are the key points:
- Most experts recommend washing curly hair 1-3 times weekly. Those with thicker, coarser curls or coils can often extend this to every 10-14 days because these hair types need the natural scalp oils (sebum) to stay moisturized longer
- Curly hair is naturally drier because sebum has a harder time traveling down the spiral hair strands, so washing too often strips away essential oils, leading to dryness and brittleness
- For oily curly hair, washing every 2-3 days may be necessary to remove excess sebum and product buildup without damaging the curl pattern
- Coarser or coily curls may benefit from co-washing (using a cleansing conditioner) weekly and shampooing less frequently, such as once a month, to maintain moisture and scalp health
- If you are active or sweat a lot, washing more frequently (at least once a week) is advised to maintain scalp cleanliness and prevent buildup that can cause itching or dandruff
- Refreshing curls between washes with water and styling products can help maintain curl definition without overwashing
In summary, the ideal washing frequency for curly hair depends on individual factors, but a good starting point is washing 1-3 times per week, adjusting based on hair texture, scalp oiliness, and lifestyle. Coarser curls often require less frequent washing to preserve moisture, while oily scalps may need more frequent cleansing
