If there is one question that is always hotly contested in the curly hair community, it is how often I should wash my curly hair. We all agree curly hair needs to be washed, but should you wash it every day? Every week? Or even once a month? In this article, we’re going to settle the debate once and for all and break down all you need to know about washing curly hair. Keep reading to discover the truth.
How Long Can You Go Without Washing Curly Hair?
Curly hair can typically go longer between washes than straight or wavy hair textures because the oils in the scalp travel down the strands more slowly. However, how long your hair can be left unwashed without getting greasy and matted varies based on your hair density, lifestyle, and scalp sensitivity. Those with tighter and more dense curls may be able to go up to two weeks without washing their hair because their hair naturally craves moisture, while those with looser curls may notice that their hair starts to get greasy after a week. On average, people with curly hair can go 5-10 days without needing to wash their hair. Now. Although curly hair can last longer between wash days, leaving your hair dirty for too long will ultimately result in scalp issues, dryness, and itching.
What Happens If You Over Wash Curly Hair
If you over wash curly hair by shampooing every day, for example, you will be stripping your hair of the natural oils that it desperately needs to stay hydrated. Remember, curly hair naturally struggles to stay moisturised because the sebum in your scalp has a hard time travelling down your strands due to the shape of your strands. So, washing too often will leave your hair super brittle, frizzy, dull, and more prone to breakage.
What Happens If You Don’t Wash Your Curly Hair Enough
Not washing your hair enough can also cause issues of a different kind. We’re talking product build-up, itchy scalp, dullness, itching, and dryness. The build-up of dirt and oil on your strands will suffocate your scalp and prevent your hair from properly absorbing any moisture or styling product you're using, so even your hairstyles will not turn out right.
2 Ways To Determine When To Wash Your Curly Hair
1. According To Your Hair Type
If you're not sure how often you need to wash your curly hair. A great way to figure it out is to look at your hair type and porosity, as different hair types generally have different needs.
Wavy Hair (2A–2C)
● Wash every 3–5 days
● Waves get oily faster; spacing washes too far apart can weigh them down.
Loose Curls (3A–3B)
● Wash every week
● Loose curls need moisture but also require cleansing to stay bouncy.
Tight Curls & Coils (3C–4C)
● Can be washed every 7–10 days, sometimes up to 14. But if you have a sensitive scalp, go for weekly washes.
● These textures dry out faster and don’t get oily quickly, so less frequent washing works best.
High-Porosity Hair
● May need washing more often, as products absorb quickly and build up faster.
Low-Porosity Hair
● Can go longer between washes, but will need clarifying shampoos occasionally.
2. Your Hair Will Give You Signs
Beyond your hair type, the best way to tell what your hair needs when it comes to just about anything is to listen to the signs it gives you. Some key signs to let you know your curls need a good cleanse include:
● Itchy scalp
● Dull curls
● Your hairstyle is starting to look rough and frizzy
● Your roots feel greasy, but your ends are dry
● Flakiness and itching
The Best Wash Day Routine For Curly Hair
When it comes time to actually wash your curls, it is important to do it with the proper technique and products to keep your hair healthy and happy.
- Start by pre-pooing with our Hair & Scalp Oil to help detangle and give it an extra boost of nourishment before you hop into the shower. Apply the oil and thoroughly detangle your hair from ends to roots. Then cover it with a shower cap for 10-15 minutes to let your hair absorb all the nutrients.
- Once your hair has soaked in all the pre-poo oil, shampoo with our Manuka Honey Hydration Shampoo, making sure to focus on your scalp. If you have thick type curls or coils that tangle easily, twist your hair into 4 sections and wash your hair in the twisted sections. It will help minimise tangles and knots.
- After shampooing, apply a nourishing conditioner like our Moisture Rich Conditioner to help replenish your curls with moisture and smooth your cuticles. For a deeper treatment, use our Manuka Honey & Avocado Oil Deep Conditioning Mask, which penetrates deeper into your strands and delivers intense moisture while leaving your curls soft and manageable.
- Once you're done rinsing out the conditioner, slather your hair in a generous amount of Manuka Honey Leave-in Conditioner, working it in evenly from ends to roots. Then, scrunch your curls upward into your scalp to help your hair soak up the products and encourage curl formation before you actually style your curls.
- Once your hair is clean and moisturised, you have a good foundation to create any hairstyle. If you want a style that shows off your curl definition, define your curls with our Coconut Oil Curling Creme or Curl Activating Smoothie and scrunch your curls. If you have thicker or more coily hair, rake your hands through your hair to create curl clumps. Then follow up with the Curl Elongating Gel to enhance and set the curls. However, if you're going for a protective style like twists, smooth down each section with our Twist & Braid Gel before braiding or twisting.
- After styling your hair, let it air dry or use a diffuser to speed things up. It is important that you avoid touching your hair until it is fully dry, as that can cause frizz.
- The final step of any good curly wash day is to seal moisture in with an oil like our Hair & Scalp Oil. If you're rocking a protective style, just smooth it down your hair to lock things in. However, if you're wearing a curl-forward hairstyle like wash n’ gos or twist outs, use the oil to break up any gel cast and fluff your curls by simply applying it to your fingers and gently separating the curl clumps. Then shake your hair to encourage bounce, and you're good to go!
Finding the perfect wash schedule for your curls isn’t about hard rules; it's about paying attention to what your hair needs. Pay attention to your hair type, texture, and lifestyle habits and schedule your washes according to your needs. However, never go too long without washing your curls; dirty hair does not grow or thrive. So avoid neglecting your hair for too long.