How often should I wash my hair? - #17726

According to Ayurveda, how often you should wash your hair depends on your dosha (body type), hair type, and lifestyle. If you have an oily scalp (Kapha dominant), washing every other day or every 2-3 days with a mild herbal cleanser helps balance excess oil. If your hair is dry and frizzy (Vata dominant), washing twice a week with nourishing oils like coconut or sesame oil before washing can prevent dryness. For normal or combination hair (Pitta dominant), washing 2-3 times a week with cooling ingredients like aloe vera, amla, or hibiscus maintains balance. Overwashing strips natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation, while underwashing can cause buildup and greasiness. Instead of harsh shampoos, try herbal hair washes like shikakai, reetha, or neem to cleanse without damage. If your scalp gets greasy too fast, using a dry herbal hair rinse (like amla or fenugreek water) between washes can help refresh it.

According to Ayurveda, the frequency of washing your hair depends on your dosha as well as your hair type and scalp condition. For your combination scalp (oily at the roots and dry at the ends), it's important to find a balance that addresses both issues without over-washing or under-washing. Ayurveda generally recommends washing hair 2-3 times a week to avoid stripping the scalp of its natural oils while still maintaining cleanliness. Vata types (dry, brittle hair) may need less frequent washing and more nourishing oils, while Pitta types (oily, irritated scalp) may need more frequent cleansing, but still not daily. Kapha types (oily scalp, thick hair) can wash more often. Washing every day, especially with harsh shampoos, can dry out your hair and scalp, leading to irritation and itchiness. On the other hand, washing too infrequently can lead to excess oil buildup, making your scalp greasy. Since your scalp gets oily quickly but the ends are dry, Ayurveda recommends using a mild, herbal shampoo that doesn't strip the hair's natural oils, and oil your hair with nourishing oils like Bhringraj or Amla before washing to keep the ends hydrated. As for hair shedding, over-washing and using harsh shampoos can contribute to hair loss. It might help to switch to herbal hair washes like Neem or Shikakai, which are gentle and help maintain scalp health without causing dryness or buildup. You can also try scalp massages with herbal oils like Brahmi or Coconut oil to nourish both your scalp and hair. In short, washing 2-3 times a week should be ideal for your hair type. Avoid daily washing and use natural, mild shampoos to maintain the scalp balance, keeping it clean without over-drying.