What Are the Different Hair Types?
How often you should wash your hair depends largely on your hair type, hair porosity, the amount of dirt in your hair, and other factors. Let’s explore the different kinds of hair.
Kinky Hair
Afro-textured or kinky hair comes in three subtypes: 4a, 4b, and 4c. Type 4a has an S-shaped coil, making it the loosest among these types. Type 4b has a Z-shaped coil and is slightly tighter, while type 4c is the tightest and shrinks by 70 to 75 percent. Kinky hair, especially 4c, is the most brittle and prone to breakage.
Curly Hair
Curly hair is categorized into three subtypes: 3a, 3b, and 3c. Type 3a features the loosest curls, which are still quite defined. Type 3b is coarser and denser than 3a. Type 3c has the tightest curls, often resembling corkscrews.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair, or type 2, features loose waves that fall somewhere between straight and curly hair. It is usually straighter near the scalp, with waves and curls starting near the ears and flowing down. Type 2a waves are loose and typically fine and thin. Type 2b has more texture with defined, loose S-shaped waves. Type 2c is the most defined wavy hair, with waves beginning at the roots.
Straight Hair
Type 1, or straight hair, lacks subtypes. It falls straight from the root to the tip. It’s possible to have different curl patterns on one head, so you may have mostly straight hair with some wavy sections mixed in.
How Many Times a Week Should You Wash Your Hair?
Hair washing frequency depends on texture, length, and personal preference. Washing your hair daily works for some but not for others, especially those with kinky and curly hair. Here are general guidelines to help you decide.
If You Have Oily Hair
The oilier your hair, the more often you should wash it. Some may need to wash daily or even more frequently, such as in the morning and after workouts.
If You Have Thin or Straight Hair
Fine and straight hair usually needs washing every one to three days. If your hair is oily, you might need to wash more often.
If You Have Thick, Coarse Hair
Skip at least one day between washes if you have thick or coarse hair. You know your hair best, so adjust according to whether your hair tends to be oily or dry.
If You Have Curly Hair
Depending on the thickness and oiliness of your curls, you can typically wash every three days. Curly hair is often frizzy, so you might want to shampoo less frequently than those with wavy, straight, or oily hair. Co-washing (using only conditioner) between shampoos is an option.
If You Have Kinky or Afro Hair
Wash no more than once a week or every other week, as your hair and scalp are generally drier and more delicate. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using a hot oil treatment once a month to help maintain moisture and elasticity.
If You Have Dyed Hair
Washing every two to three days helps maintain color and natural moisture. Processed, dyed hair should be washed less frequently as the chemicals strip the cuticles and dry out the hair.
If You Exercise Frequently
You don’t need to wash your hair after every workout unless you’ve worked up a heavy sweat or have particularly oily hair. If you choose to wash more frequently, use a moisturizing conditioner or conditioning shampoo.
If You Have Short Hair
Short hair typically requires shampooing once every two to three days, depending on hair type.
If You’re a Guy
Men generally need to wash their hair less frequently, about once every two to three days, especially if their hair is shorter. For longer hair, guys can follow the same guidelines as above.
What Shampoo Should You Use?
The right shampoo depends on your hair type and specific needs. Here are some tips for selecting the best shampoo.
If You Have Oily Hair
Clarifying shampoos help reduce oil and product buildup. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and tea tree oil.
If You Have Thin or Straight Hair
Volumizing shampoos can make thin, straight hair appear thicker. These shampoos cleanse without leaving residue that can weigh hair down.
If You Have Thick, Curly, Kinky, or Afro Hair
Moisturizing shampoos prevent frizz and keep hair healthy. Natural ingredients like coconut oil, buriti fruit oil, and shea butter are beneficial.
If You Have a Dry, Flaky Scalp
Use a shampoo designed for itchy scalps if you have dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or just a dry, flaky scalp.
What Is the Best Shampoo?
Your scalp can absorb chemicals from shampoo, so I recommend non-toxic, organic shampoos. These products contain natural minerals, herbal extracts, and oils to cleanse and nourish the hair and scalp.
Tips for Hair Washing
You may think you know how to wash your hair, but there are practices to keep it healthy.
Concentrate Shampoo on the Scalp
Shampoo is primarily for your scalp, so lather up on top. Avoid shampooing all the way to the tips of your hair as it can lead to fly-aways and dull, frizzy hair. Be gentle and let the shampoo run through the length of your hair.
Condition Regularly
Always follow shampooing with conditioner to rehydrate your hair and keep it shiny. Conditioner is especially important for processed, permed, and dyed hair. Apply conditioner to the ends of your hair, but not so much on the scalp. If you have oily hair, use lightweight conditioners, and for kinky hair, use nourishing ingredients like shea butter and argan oil. For fine hair, try reverse washing, where you apply conditioner first, rinse, then shampoo as usual.
Let Hair Dry Naturally
Avoid blow-drying post-shower as it can damage hair. Instead, wrap your hair in a towel to absorb the water and let it air dry. Use a microfiber towel for kinky or curly hair to prevent breakage, and consider sleeping with a silk bonnet or on a silk pillowcase.
Don’t Brush Too Frequently
Frequent brushing can damage delicate hair, especially curly and kinky hair. For Type 4 hair, only brush when wet and with ample leave-in conditioner.
How to Keep Your Hair Healthy Between Washes
There are ways to maintain healthy hair and look great without daily washing. Here are some ideas.
Organic Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo absorbs oil, allowing you to wash less often. Spray or sprinkle it onto two-inch sections, holding the can at least six inches away. Rub gently through your hair and choose an organic brand free of toxic ingredients.
Organic Baby Powder
Organic baby powder can replace dry shampoo to soak up oil. Make sure it’s talc-free to avoid harmful ingredients.
Co-Washing
Co-washing, or conditioner-only washing, keeps hair soft, smooth, and clean without drying it out. Avoid conditioners with silicone; instead, use a cleansing conditioner. Apply it like shampoo, and unlike shampoo, work it through to the ends. Rinse and go. Use a clarifying shampoo every one to four weeks to remove product buildup.
Limit Heat
Limit the use of blow-dryers and other hot tools to once a week. When using them, minimize contact time with hair and apply thermal protectants with natural ingredients like shea butter or argan oil.
Style Hair Gently
Avoid pulling hair back too tightly and use gentler hair ties. People with kinky hair should be particularly cautious with tight headbands to prevent breakage along the hairline. Be gentle when using a brush or comb.
Points to Remember
Ultimately, how often you wash your hair depends on your personal preference. Generally, oilier hair needs more frequent washing, while thicker, drier, and kinky Afro hair can go longer between washes. Use a suitable shampoo for your hair type, focusing on the scalp, and condition the ends. Be gentle and let your hair dry naturally when possible. Avoid heat styling tools and use hair-friendly ties and headbands. Try an all-natural shampoo for healthier, luxurious-feeling hair, and consider taking biotin for healthy skin and hair.
