How often should you wash your hair for faster growth?

If you’re serious about healthy hair growth, you’ve probably already explored every lotion, potion, and magic elixir on the shelf.

But here’s the catch: the humble act of washing your hair plays a surprisingly important role in supporting your hair’s growth potential because even the fanciest hair care products won’t do much good if dead skin cells, excess oils, and the occasional styling product cocktail bog down your scalp.

The real question, then, is how often to suds up — without going overboard and stripping the natural oils your scalp produces in the process.

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best hair washing frequency depends on your hair type, scalp condition, and even how much sweat you’re working up at the gym. Washing too often can hinder hair growth by disrupting your scalp’s delicate microbiome and stripping away protective oils [1].

On the other hand, under-washing can lead to clogged pores, an itchy scalp, and buildup that’s as unappealing as last week’s takeaway leftovers. Let’s take a closer look at how to strike the perfect balance, one that’ll keep your scalp clean, your hair follicles happy, and your hair growth goals firmly on track.

How often do dermatologists recommend washing hair?

Dermatologists will tell you that shampoo frequency is about more than just keeping your scalp clean. It’s about finding the sweet spot that balances scalp health, oil production, and your own personal hair goals.

For most people, this means washing every 2–3 days to maintain a healthy balance of natural oils without encouraging scalp buildup or dryness [2].

A 2021 review notes that overwashing can disrupt the scalp’s lipid barrier, leading to scalp issues like seborrheic dermatitis or excessive dryness [3]. On the flip side, not washing enough can allow dead skin and pore-clogging oils to accumulate, potentially causing follicle irritation and slowing hair growth.

Bottom line? Your shampoo routine should be tailored to your unique hair and scalp needs, because even the best hair care products won’t work if your washing habits are working against you.

Frequent washing can be beneficial for oily hair types, while thinning hair and fine hair often benefit from more gentle washing routines that preserve essential natural oils [3]. In other words, the right frequency is less about what’s trendy and more about what keeps your scalp and hair follicles in their healthiest state.

Dos and don’ts from dermatologists

Here’s what the pros say to do (and avoid) if you’re serious about boosting your hair’s health and keeping your scalp in the clear:

Hairwashing dos:

• Use a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo that’s free of harsh sulphates
• Exfoliate dead skin cells 1–2 times a week to keep pores clear
• Focus on your scalp’s needs, not just your hair length
• Dry gently with a soft towel to reduce breakage

Hairwashing don’ts:

• Use hair products with harsh chemicals or over-wash (unless you have very oily hair)
• Let tight hairstyles trap sweat and oil at the roots
• Skip conditioner — it helps balance moisture levels
• Ignore visible flakes or itchiness, as these are signs of scalp issues

How often should you wash your hair if it is thinning?

If you’re dealing with thinning hair, washing too often can do more harm than good. Thinning hair tends to be more fragile, and frequent washing (especially with the wrong products) can increase the risk of breakage and make your hair look even sparser [2].

For guys with fine hair or thinning hair, washing every 2–3 days is usually enough to maintain a healthy scalp without disrupting the hair growth cycle. It's important to wash thinning hair gently. Using lightweight, nourishing products can also help maintain your hair’s integrity and natural volume.

That said, if you have an oily scalp or work out regularly, you might need to wash more often to keep dead skin and excess oils from clogging hair follicles. If you’ve got greasy hair, more frequent washing can help keep excess oils and scalp buildup in check, without drying out your strands.

Finding the right balance is key: too much washing can strip your scalp, while too little can create the perfect environment for scalp issues and hinder hair growth [2].

How to choose products for thinning hair

Look for shampoos and conditioners formulated to support hair density and nourish thinning hair. Ingredients like caffeine, biotin, and zinc pyrithione can help stimulate blood flow to the scalp and support healthy hair growth [4].

If you’re unsure, you can have a chat with a hair loss specialist (like those at Pilot!) who can help tailor your washing and hair care routine to your unique needs.

You might also like to consider swapping out your shampoo and conditioner for a hair boosting alternative, like Pilot's Hair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner. Developed with Aussie hair care experts, our thickening shampoo and conditioner contains active ingredients to target thinning hair, minimise breakage and give your follicles the best chance to thrive.

Will my hair be healthier if I wash it less?

It’s a fair question, and one that’s been debated in barbershops, bathrooms, and boardrooms alike. The truth? Washing less often can support hair health, but only if you’re striking the right balance for your hair type and scalp condition.

Excessive washing prevents your natural oils from doing their job: protecting and hydrating your strands from root to tip. And for guys with thinning hair or fine hair, preserving these oils is crucial to avoid that dry, straw-like finish no one’s aiming for.

But here’s the catch: washing less isn’t a magic bullet. If you go too long between shampoos (especially if you’ve got oily hair or an itchy scalp), you risk scalp buildup and clogged pores, both of which can hinder hair growth in the long run.

Bottom line? It’s about balance. Listen to your scalp, pay attention to what your hair produces naturally, and adjust your hair care routine so you’re keeping things clean without stripping away the good stuff.

How often should I wash my hair to make it grow longer?

If your dream is to let your hair flow like a Norse god, don’t worry, there’s no need to skip showers altogether. The idea that less washing equals faster hair growth is only partly true.

Your hair’s length is determined by genetics, the hair growth cycle, and how you treat your hair follicles, not just how often you shampoo. But keeping your scalp clean and free of excess oils or product buildup is essential for optimal scalp health and longer hair over time.

For most guys, washing every 2–3 days is a sweet spot for healthy hair growth. This frequency keeps dead skin cells and excess oils in check while preserving your scalp’s natural balance. If you’re using styling products daily, or if your scalp tends to get oily fast, you might need to adjust.

But in general, frequent washing isn’t the answer, because overdoing it can lead to damaging hair and slow down your progress. If in doubt, take your cues from your scalp (and maybe your barber) to figure out what works best for you.

What role does a healthy scalp play in hair growth?

If you’re treating your scalp like an afterthought, you’re missing a key player in the hair growth game. A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth, and ignoring it is like planting a garden in sand and expecting roses.

Regular scalp care, balanced washing, and smart product choices all play a role in improving overall hair health [1]. Think of your scalp as the soil that hair follicles call home: if it’s dry, inflamed, or clogged with dead skin cells and excess oils, your hair doesn’t stand a chance of thriving.

It’s all about blood flow and nutrition

A clean, well-nourished scalp promotes optimal blood flow, ensuring your hair follicles get the oxygen and nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. It’s not just about scrubbing away visible flakes — it’s about creating the right conditions for thicker hair and improved hair density.

When your scalp’s microbiome is in balance, it’s less prone to irritation and inflammation, which are two of the biggest culprits behind thinning hair and stalled hair growth.

The consequences of neglect

On the flip side, a neglected scalp can become a breeding ground for problems. Seborrheic dermatitis, scalp infections, and even clogged pores can starve your follicles and trigger excessive shedding.

Over time, this can lead to permanent hair loss if left unchecked. That’s why scalp care (whether it’s gentle exfoliation, the right hair washing routine, or using targeted treatments like salicylic acid shampoos) should be a non-negotiable part of your hair care routine.

Simple habits for long-term gains

And here’s the final piece of the puzzle: treating your scalp right doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple habits, like washing your hair with a gentle shampoo, avoiding harsh chemicals, and steering clear of tight hairstyles that pull at the roots, can help you maintain that elusive optimal scalp environment.

Bottom line? If you’re serious about growing your hair longer, thicker, and healthier, start by treating your scalp like the VIP it is —  healthy hair growth always begins at the roots.

How to promote hair growth

Let’s be real: no one’s born with the perfect hair growth formula. If you’re seeing more hair on the shower floor than on your head, it’s time to take a closer look at your hair care routine and what your scalp might be telling you.

A good first step is getting the basics right. That means washing your hair just enough to keep dead skin cells and excess oils from taking over, but not so much that you strip away the natural oils your hair follicles need to thrive.

Simple habits, like using the right shampoo and avoiding harsh chemicals, can help you maintain healthy hair for the long haul.

Of course, even the best shampoo can’t fight genetics or years of neglect on its own. That’s where Pilot comes in. Pilot’s hair loss treatments are designed for guys who want real results and real support.

With personalised treatment plans that work for your scalp health and hair density, Pilot’s approach gives you the confidence to tackle hair loss head-on. It’s all sorted over the phone and delivered directly to your door (in discreet packaging, of course).

These clinical solutions are backed by both doctors and patients, with 90% of users either keeping or regrowing hair when using one of the treatment options Pilot can provide, with progress noticed in as little as 3 to 6 months.

Bottom line: Growing your best hair is about making smart choices and taking action. Whether it’s adjusting how you wash, what you use, or getting extra help from Pilot, you’ve got options. Your scalp deserves as much attention as your hair, so let those healthy hair growth goals start here.