How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

You’ve probably asked yourself this more times than you care to admit—how often should I wash my hair? Maybe you’ve gone down a rabbit hole of YouTube tutorials and haircare threads. Maybe you’ve tried copying your cousin’s routine because her hair always looks good. But the truth is, there’s no single right answer—especially not when you factor in your hair type, your lifestyle, and the climate you live in.

In South Africa, where a short flight can take you from Gauteng’s dry winters to the salt-heavy air of the Cape, washing your hair isn’t just a matter of routine—it’s about knowing what your hair needs where you are, and when.

Natural Hair: Keep It Clean, But Don’t Chase Squeaky

If you’ve got natural hair, you already know it behaves differently depending on how you treat it. “A lot of people think natural hair is strong because it’s thick, but it’s actually quite delicate,” says Dr Nelisiwe Mabuza, a Johannesburg-based dermatologist. “Over-washing can strip the scalp and leave hair feeling brittle.”

She recommends washing every 10 to 14 days, especially in cities like Jo’burg, where the air is dry and dust tends to settle easily. Cape Town residents may find themselves washing a bit more often, especially in summer when humidity and sweat become factors.

Mbali Zulu, a Cape Town stylist who works mostly with afro-textured hair, says knowing when to wash comes down to how your scalp feels. “If it’s itchy or flaky, it probably needs a wash. But if your hair still feels moisturised and your scalp is calm, you can hold off.”

Co-washing (rinsing with conditioner instead of shampoo) can help in between full wash days, especially for those who exercise or live in hot areas. But as Mbali warns, “Don’t fall into the trap of co-washing endlessly. Your scalp still needs a proper cleanse now and then.”

Relaxed Hair: Be Gentle, But Consistent

Relaxed hair needs just as much attention—but for different reasons. “Because the chemical process changes the structure of the hair, it tends to be more fragile,” explains Dr Mabuza. “Once a week is usually fine, but make sure you’re using products that won’t dry the hair out further.”

Towel-drying too roughly or skipping conditioner are common missteps. “Relaxed hair loves moisture,” Mbali says. “Especially the ends—they dry out faster than the roots. If you live in Jo’burg, where the air gets very dry in winter, using a light oil or leave-in cream after washing can go a long way.”

Protective Styles: Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind

Wearing braids, wigs, or weaves doesn’t mean you can forget about your hair underneath. “A lot of people go six weeks or more without washing their hair when it’s in a protective style. That’s too long,” says Mbali.

Whether you’re in Cape Town or Jo’burg, the scalp still builds up oil, sweat and dust—even if your strands are tucked away. Every two weeks, give your scalp a proper clean. A watered-down shampoo applied with a nozzle bottle or cotton pad can do the job. Rinse gently. Don’t flood your style.

Dr Mabuza adds that a dirty scalp can lead to itching, bumps, and in some cases, fungal issues. “Just because you can’t see your hair doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Clean hair grows better. Simple as that.”

Weather Matters More Than You Think

Your city’s climate changes how your hair reacts to washing. Johannesburg’s dry winters can lead to faster moisture loss, making over-washing a problem. In Cape Town, especially during summer, humidity can leave your scalp sweaty and oily, which may mean you’ll need to wash more often.

Mbali puts it plainly: “If you’re sweating more, or your hair feels heavy or sticky, wash it. Don’t wait because someone on Instagram said they wash once a month. You’re not living their life.”

What to Pay Attention To

Forget trying to follow someone else’s exact routine. Instead, learn to pay attention to your own hair. Is your scalp itchy? Are your roots sticky? Do your curls feel stiff or dull? These small signs tell you when it’s time to wash.

And be honest with yourself about product use. “Sometimes it’s not dirt—it’s just too much oil, gel or edge control,” Mbali laughs. “People layer too much, thinking it’s care. But eventually, all that buildup needs to be washed off.”

Final Thoughts

There’s no gold standard. Some people wash once a week. Others can go two or three. What matters is that your scalp stays clean, your hair feels healthy, and you’re not blindly following routines that don’t fit your life.

“It’s not about being perfect,” says Dr Mabuza. “It’s about being consistent in a way that works for you. If your hair is clean, hydrated, and not breaking, you’re probably doing just fine.”

So next time you wonder if it’s wash day—check in with your hair. Not your calendar. Not TikTok. Just you.