How often should you wash curly hair to avoid losing shape and volume?

Curly hair deserves special attention, as its unique structure makes it more delicate compared to other hair types. If the goal is to maintain definition and volume, it is important to adopt a targeted hair care routine, starting with an understanding of the washing frequency. Excessive or improper washing can in fact compromise the hair’s elasticity, making it dull and flat, or even dehydrating it!

In this article, we will explore how to find the right washing frequency for both oily and dry curly hair and we will look into the benefits of co-washing as an alternative to shampoo.

Before answering the question “how often should I wash curly hair?”, let’s first explore why it’s important not to overdo washing.

Washing your hair too frequently can lead to:

• Removing natural oils: Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair because its spiral structure prevents the natural sebum produced by the scalp from spreading evenly along the lengths. As a result, the ends are more exposed to dehydration, making the hair more fragile and dull.
• Compromising definition: Frequent and close washes without proper hydration can cause curls to lose elasticity, making it difficult to maintain definition and leading to frizz.
• Irritating the scalp: Harsh shampoos, as well as washing too often, can irritate the scalp, causing an excessive production of sebum. This creates a vicious cycle, especially for those with oily scalps.

The key to preserving the beauty of curls or spirals, therefore, is to find a washing balance that respects both the scalp’s and hair lengths’ needs. However, to find this balance, it is first necessary to distinguish between oily curly hair and dry curly hair.

Having oily curly hair might seem like a contradiction, given the difficulty of sebum distributing along the lengths, but it’s actually a fairly common condition. The scalp can produce an excess of sebum due to genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, or excessive washing, as we discussed in the previous section, which stimulates a compensatory sebum production.

So, how often should you wash oily curly hair without compromising its health and definition?

In general, oily hair can be wash every 2-3 days. This interval allows you to remove excess sebum while avoiding stressing the scalp or damaging the curl structure. However, it’s important to consider that washing frequency can vary based on lifestyle: for example, those who regularly go to the gym may need to wash their hair more often to remove sweat and accumulated impurities.

Tips for washing oily curly hair:

• Choose a gentle shampoo: opt for a shampoo for curly hair with a lightweight, sulfate-free formulation.
• Try adding a pre-shampoo treatment: before washing, you can try a treatment like Detoxyl Dermopurifying. It’s designed not only to relieve itching or combat dandruff but also to manage excess sebum!
• Avoid harsh movements: when massaging the shampoo into the scalp, use gentle motions to avoid stressing the scalp and stimulating excessive sebum production.
• Hydrate the lengths: even with an oily scalp, the lengths can still be dry. So, make sure to integrate hydrating conditioners and/or masks into your haircare routine to balance hydration.

If you notice that your scalp tends to “get oily” quickly, consider alternating shampoo with a co-wash for a gentler cleansing (we’ll explore the use of co-wash and its benefits in the next paragraph).

Dry curly hair is particularly fragile and requires specific care to prevent breakage, split ends, loss of definition, and volume. Let’s see what the recommended washing frequency is to keep them hydrated, healthy, and elastic.

For dry curly hair, washing every 5-7 days is possible. This interval helps preserve the natural oils of the scalp and reduces the risk of dehydration. However, just like with oily hair, it’s important to consider your personal lifestyle. A simple way to know when it’s time to wash your hair is to feel the scalp: is it still clean? Then you can delay the wash. On the other hand, if it feels weighed down and dirty, then it’s time to proceed with wash day.

Tips for washing dry curly hair:

• Use an ultra-hydrating shampoo: prefer products with hydrating, nourishing, and natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera.
• Try adding a pre-shampoo treatment: apply a treatment like the Primer oil. It’s a pre-shampoo specifically formulated to hydrate and nourish the hair before washing.
• Don’t skip conditioner and masks: to provide hydration and nourishment to the lengths and ends, which are more prone to dehydration and dryness, integrate a conditioner for curly hair into your routine.

Using co-wash is an increasingly popular solution for those with curly hair. But what does it consist of and why is it so beneficial?

The term co-wash stands for “conditioner washing,” meaning washing the hair with a specific cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo. This method allows you to cleanse the scalp and lengths gently, without altering the hair’s natural hydration. It can be particularly useful for both dry, frizzy hair and oily scalps – we also discussed this in the article Co-wash hair: why and when to use it for curly hair care.

Washing with co-wash, in fact, allows you to:

• Protect the hair fiber: thanks to its gentle formulation, it respects the structure of the curl, without stressing the hair fiber during washing.
• Greater definition and less frizz: being a type of product generally more hydrating and nourishing than shampoo, it helps curls maintain their natural definition longer and fight frizz.
• Scalp care: it removes dirt and build-up without aggressively stripping the hair of its natural oils, thus respecting the natural balance of the scalp and reducing potential irritation or dryness.

You can alternate the use of co-wash with traditional shampoo, a particularly recommended option when you notice your curls losing definition or appearing dehydrated. In fact, alternating co-wash with shampoo can help you keep your hair hydrated and healthy, adapting the wash-day to your specific needs each time.
And as always, remember that taking care of your curls means celebrating their uniqueness. Whether you have dry or oily hair, there are no universal rules, but with patience and care, you’ll be able to find the perfect routine for you. Your curls will thank you by showing all their natural beauty!