How Often Should You Really Wash Your Hair? A Hairstylist Breaks Down the Truth

July 19, 2025

We all wash our hair. Or at least… we think we do it the right way. But if you’ve ever felt totally confused by conflicting advice—from TikTok to your favorite shampoo label—you’re not alone. In this episode of the Beauty Lab Podcast, Monina and Velia tackle one of the most overcomplicated beauty routines out there: washing your hair.

Let’s break down what actually matters when it comes to clean, healthy, gorgeous hair.

Why Is Hair Washing So Confusing Now?

Somewhere along the way, washing your hair went from a basic hygiene routine to a full-blown science experiment. Influencers, product companies, and even professionals have dished out contradicting advice, leaving people confused and overwhelmed. According to Velia, this marketing chaos started long before social media—remember WEN?

This so-called “conditioning cleanser” claimed you didn’t need shampoo at all. But fast-forward to now, and similar ideas are repackaged as “co-washing”—aka using just conditioner on your scalp.

Spoiler: it didn’t work then, and it’s still not the best approach now.

Top Hair Washing Mistakes (You Might Be Making One)

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here are the most common mistakes Velia sees (and how to fix them):

Not washing often enough: If your fingers feel residue on your scalp—wash it. No more than 3 days between washes is a good general rule. If you’re active or sweating daily, aim for every other day.
Skipping the double wash: You’ve seen “rinse and repeat” on shampoo bottles for a reason. The first wash loosens buildup, the second actually cleans. Don’t skip it.
Not washing long enough: Massage your shampoo in for at least 60 seconds each time. Yes, each wash gets a full minute.
Using too little shampoo: You need more than a dime-sized blob, especially if it’s been a few days. Use enough to feel it “squish” on your scalp.
Not using the right product: Your shampoo needs to match your hair type and be sulfate-free if you want to avoid stripping natural oils or damaging color.

The Right Way to Wash Your Hair (Yes, There’s a System)

Velia walks clients through this routine all the time, and it works:

Brush before you shower. This removes loose hairs and scalp buildup.
Apply shampoo directly to your scalp in 5 spots: temples, crown, and behind each ear.
Scrub with fingertips, not nails. Add water gradually to build lather.
Rinse and repeat. Always. Second round is when you can add a scalp scrub, if needed.
Condition from mid-lengths down. Never on your scalp. Leave in for 2–3 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly. Leftover conditioner can lead to buildup—use a leave-in product after if you need detangling.

Bonus tip: If your hair gets really tangled, use a wet brush in the shower while your conditioner sits.

What About “Training” Your Scalp?

If you’ve ever tried to stretch out washes to “train” your scalp to be less greasy, Velia wants you to know: that’s a myth.

You’re not creating oil because you wash too much—you’re creating buildup because you’re not washing enough. Greasy roots + dry ends = the classic result of bad washing habits. Wash more often, not less. Use good product. Rinse completely.

Why Velia Cares So Much About Hair Washing

Velia’s been behind the chair for nearly 30 years, and most new clients come in with the same complaints: dry ends, oily scalp, flakes, and styles that won’t hold. But once they start washing correctly, their scalp balances out, their hair stays clean longer, and they gain the confidence that comes from feeling good every day.

And yes—this simple shift can be life-changing. Bad hair days affect your mood and confidence. A solid wash routine? That’s your foundation.

Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Washing the Right Way?

Whether you’ve been washing your hair for decades or just got your first bottle of salon shampoo, it’s never too late to level up your hair care game.

So here’s your action plan:
✨ Wash no less than every 3 days.
✨ Use enough product (and the right one).
✨ Rinse. Repeat. Every. Time.
✨ Condition the lengths, not the scalp.
✨ Brush before the shower.

Your hair—and your confidence—will thank you.

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