Caring for curly hair requires a unique approach, especially when it comes to how often you should wash it. Unlike straight hair, curly hair is more prone to dryness because the natural oils produced by the scalp take longer to travel down the twists and bends of each strand.

As a result, washing your curls too frequently can strip them of essential moisture, leading to frizz, breakage, and dullness. On the other hand, not washing them enough can cause buildup, limpness, and scalp issues.

That's why you should know the answer to the question: "How often should I wash my curly hair?"

In this article, we'll explore expert tips on washing curly hair and provide advice on the best practices for curly hair maintenance.

Factors Affecting Curly Hair Care Routine

Before determining how often you should wash your curls, it's important to consider several factors. These include the following.

Curl Pattern

Tighter curls (3C-4C) tend to be drier and more fragile, which means they can go longer between washes. Looser curls (2A-3A) may need more frequent washing as they get oilier faster.

Scalp Health

A healthy scalp is crucial for healthy hair. If your scalp tends to get oily quickly, you may need to wash it more often. On the other hand, a dry scalp requires less frequent washing to avoid further irritation.

Products Used

If you use a lot of styling products like gels, creams, or mousse, you may need to wash your hair more often to prevent buildup. Buildup can weigh your curls down and make them look limp. 

Lifestyle

If you exercise frequently or live in a hot, humid climate, you may need to wash your hair more often to remove sweat and dirt. However, if you live in a cooler, less humid environment, you may be able to stretch the time between washes. 

Porosity

Hair porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. High-porosity hair (which absorbs moisture easily but loses it quickly) may need more conditioning and less frequent washing. Low-porosity hair (which struggles to absorb moisture) can benefit from occasional clarifying washes to remove buildup.

Question: How Often Should I Wash My Curly Hair?

Now that we've covered the basics, let's get into how often you should actually wash your curly hair. The answer varies depending on your specific hair type and needs. However, here's a general guideline:

1. Loose Curls (2A-2C)

Loose curls tend to have a more relaxed wave pattern and often experience oil buildup faster than tighter curl patterns. People with loose curls can typically wash their hair more frequently, but it's still important to avoid over-washing to maintain moisture balance.

Frequency: Every 3 to 4 days

Loose curls can handle more frequent washing because the scalp's natural oils can travel down the hair shaft more easily. However, washing every day may still dry out your curls, so aim for washing 2-3 times a week. 

Use a sulfate-free shampoo to gently cleanse without stripping your hair of its natural oils. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner and use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to lock in moisture.

2. Medium Curls (3A-3B)

Medium curls have a more defined curl pattern, and they're more prone to dryness than loose curls. These curls need enough moisture to maintain their shape and prevent frizz, so washing less frequently is often beneficial.

Frequency: Every 4 to 5 days

Medium curls take longer to get oily compared to loose curls, and over-washing can lead to frizz and dryness. A wash every 4 to 5 days helps keep the curls hydrated without drying them out. 

Use a moisturizing shampoo and a deep conditioner to maintain moisture levels. You can also use co-washing (washing with conditioner) in between shampoo days to refresh your curls without stripping moisture.

3. Tight Curls and Coils (3C-4C)

Tighter curl patterns, like those in the 3C to 4C range, tend to be the driest because the natural oils from the scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft. As a result, these curls benefit from less frequent washing and more moisture retention.

Frequency: Every 7 to 10 days

Tighter curls and coils can go longer between washes because they don't get oily as quickly, and washing too often can cause significant dryness and breakage. Washing once a week or even every 10 days is usually sufficient to keep the scalp clean without stripping away essential oils.

Consider using a co-wash or sulfate-free shampoo to gently cleanse without over-drying. Deep conditioning is a must with each wash, and in between, you can refresh your curls with water and a light leave-in conditioner or curl refresher spray. 

Signs You're Over-Washing Your Curly Hair

While it's essential to keep your scalp and hair clean, over-washing curly hair can lead to problems like dryness, frizz, and breakage. 

If your curls feel dry and crunchy, it's a sign that you're stripping away too much moisture. You can sense this when you try to run your fingers through your curly hair. 

Excessive frizz can result from over-washing, as it leads to the depletion of natural oils that help keep your curls smooth and hydrated. The most important thing for curly hair is moisture, so losing too much of that can be detrimental.

If your curls are limp or losing their shape, it may be because you're washing them too frequently, causing them to lose their natural moisture and elasticity. You know what your hair looks like when it's healthy, so make sure you don't overwash it. This way your curls will look and feel fantastic. 

Finally, washing your hair too often can lead to an irritated, dry, or flaky scalp.

Expert Tips for Curly Hair Care From Sassy Hair Salon

It isn't easy having curly hair as it requires a lot more maintenance than straight hair. But once you have the curly hair care routine down pat, you are good to go. We've answered the question, "How often should I wash my curly hair?"

Now it's time for you to visit our salon in North Vancouver, Canada, and get some additional expert help for your curly hair. The professionals at Sassy Hair Salon will do what they can to ensure your curly hair stays as healthy and vibrant as possible. 

Schedule an appointment at our salon today.