8 Signs You’re Probably Not Washing Your Hair Often Enough

We get it—washing your hair is a total drag. You’ve got to work up the energy to disrobe and go through the whole rigamarole of washing (maybe double washing), scrubbing, rinsing, conditioning, and rinsing yet again. And then there’s the whole post-shower routine that can sometimes take hours to complete depending on your hair type. All that said, it’s easy to push back hair washing day a bit too far. So how can you tell if you’ve exceeded the limit? We asked experts to share the top signs you’re not washing your hair enough. 

1. Things Are Looking and Feeling Greasy 

Whether you run dry or oily, your scalp produces sebum on a regular basis. When you don’t wash enough, oil builds up, says Hadley King, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Oils can accumulate, making the hair look greasy and even cause an unclean odor,” she says.

2. Your Scalp Is Itchy and Inflamed 

Along with oil buildup causing a greasy texture, it can start to make your scalp feel itchy, sensitive, and inflamed.  

“Although sebum acts as a natural moisturizer, it is also a potent attractant of dirt, dust, and other environmental pollutants. It is something for bacteria, fungi, and yeast to breed off of and multiply, which results in scalp irritation,” says Jodi LeGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC. 

This is a major sign you’re not washing your hair enough. If itchiness is a common occurrence, LeGerfo says its time to reassess your washing schedule. 

3. You See Flaking / Dandruff 

A flaky scalp often coincides with itching and greasiness. “If you are not washing your hair regularly, sebum can accumulate on the scalp, and this contributes to an environment where yeast can thrive,” Dr. King says. “This results in seborrheic dermatitis, commonly called dandruff.”

If dandruff is persistent despite routine shampoos, you may need a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo to cut through the yeast. 

4. Any Existing Issues Seem Worse 

Underwashing your hair can encourage scalp conditions to develop or get worse. “If you have seborrheic dermatitis or itchy scalp, underwashing your hair can intensify these conditions making them harder to treat,” warns Sophia Emmanuel, trichologist and V&Co. Beauty brand ambassador. 

5. There’s Product Buildup 

TerraRose Puncerelli, celebrity stylist and spokesperson for Hairapy Haircare, says she can always tell when her clients aren’t doing a good job of washing. How? “Because of the residue buildup present on their shaft and scalp. When hair products aren’t fully rinsed out, they can leave a sticky, non-soluble residue.” She says this can happen with shampoos, conditioners, styling creams, oils, gels, and foams. 

6. You’re Losing More Hair Than Normal

Here’s a surprising sign you’re not washing your hair enough: you’re starting to lose hair and/or you’re experiencing breakage. “A 2021 study published in Skin Appendage Discord found that a lower frequency of hair washing was associated with an increased risk of hair loss,” Dr. King says. “The thinking is that an accumulation of oil, dirt, products, and pollutants may contribute to inflammation, which then contributes to hair loss.”

LeGerfo adds that it can also create a thick coating on the hair that prevents moisture absorption. This ultimately causes breakage and damage. 

7. Your Hair Looks Flat 

When there’s an accumulation of styling products and oil, your hair is naturally going to look flat and weighed down. “Many modern hair products contain silicones and other occlusive agents that can cling to hair and scalp. If not regularly washed away, this buildup can weigh hair down, leading to a lack of volume and movement,” says LoGerfo. 

8. You Just Don’t Feel Your Best 

Confidence may not seem like a sign you’re not washing enough, but Dr. King says not to write this idea off so fast. “One of the more important considerations is the psychological impact of hair cleanliness—having clean hair is essential for someone’s self-esteem and social interactions,” she says. “Hair is often viewed as a reflection of personal hygiene and grooming habits. Underwashing hair can result in malodors and an overall lack of cleanliness, which may negatively influence how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others.”