Should you
WASH YOUR HAIR EVERY DAY?

Tips for your daily hair care: every day, every other day or just once a week – how often should you reach for the shampoo? What’s best for your hair and scalp? And can washing too often actually do harm? Here you’ll find gentle hair-washing tips you can easily build into your routine.

At a glance

Good to know: Does washing your hair every day damage it?
Washing your hair properly: What really matters
Freshen up your hair without washing: clever tips
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Good to know:
DOES WASHING YOUR HAIR EVERY DAY DAMAGE IT?

How often should you wash your hair? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you wash every day or just once a week mainly depends on your individual hair type, your personal preferences and the hair care you use.

Washing your hair every day?
Do it the gentle way!

The idea that washing your hair every day dries it out or, on the contrary, leads to greasy hair is a persistent myth. In fact, washing daily with a caring shampoo is completely harmless for healthy hair. That’s because most shampoos are specially formulated for regular use.

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Modern shampoos remove excess sebum, sweat and dirt with the help of mild surfactants.

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These cleansing ingredients lift away dirt and oils so they can simply be rinsed out.

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At the same time, they leave enough of the hair’s natural protective components behind.

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Tip: Micellar shampoos, which are often free from colourants, silicones and parabens, provide especially gentle cleansing – even with daily use and on dry scalps.

If your hair still feels fresh even after several days, washing it once or twice a week is usually enough. The best time to wash is when you feel your hair is starting to look a little stringy or limp.

The right water temperature: not too hot

Whether you wash your hair daily or weekly, make sure the water isn’t too hot. Very hot water strips hair and scalp of oils and moisture, which can lead to dryness over time.

Can you wash your hair without shampoo?

Washing your hair with just water is basically possible, but in the long run it won’t cleanse thoroughly enough. The surfactants in shampoos remove dulling particles of dirt and excess sebum. That’s why freshly washed hair looks shiny and feels light and bouncy.

9 hair types: how to find the right shampoo

1. Shampoo for normal hair

Normal hair needs balanced care that mainly delivers plenty of moisture so that it stays beautifully shiny and smooth.

9 hair types: how to find the right shampoo

2. Shampoo for fine hair

For fine hair, shampoos that don’t weigh it down are ideal. Look out for descriptions such as “for extra volume”. To stop hair from lying flat, apply extra care products like conditioner mainly to the mid-lengths and ends – not at the roots.

9 hair types: how to find the right shampoo

3. Shampoo for thick hair

Thick hair often has a slightly roughened surface, which means the outer cuticle layer doesn’t lie completely flat and moisture can escape more easily. To prevent dryness, an intensive moisturising routine is ideal for thick hair. Tip: Use a hair mask from time to time.

9 hair types: how to find the right shampoo

4. Shampoo for straight hair

Straight hair is naturally shiny but usually has little volume. Light hair care products that enhance your natural shine and add more bounce are ideal. Tip: Before styling with a hairdryer, apply a little mousse close to the roots to create extra volume.

Smiling woman in a yellow swimsuit with curly hair, looking to the side against a bright blue background.

9 hair types: how to find the right shampoo

5. Shampoo for curly hair

Curls and naturally coily hair are usually drier and can absorb quite a lot of sebum before they look oily. Go for intensive moisturising care – both in your shampoo and your conditioner. Tip for more definition: Work a small amount of curl balm into your waves.

9 hair types: how to find the right shampoo

6. Shampoo for oily hair

If your hair tends to get oily quickly, choose a shampoo with a neutral pH. Micellar shampoos, for example, help maintain the pH balance of your scalp and cleanse very gently. Wash your hair in the morning – at night, sebum spreads more quickly due to friction on the pillow.

9 hair types: how to find the right shampoo

7. Shampoo for dry hair

This hair type quickly looks dull and lifeless. To protect it from moisture loss, choose a moisturising shampoo for your daily wash and a rich conditioner. Tip: A leave-in treatment boosts your hair’s shine.

9 hair types: how to find the right shampoo

8. Shampoo for damaged hair

Do your hair lengths tend to split? When hair is damaged, regenerating care is especially important. Use products specifically designed for damaged hair. Tip: Natural oils such as coconut oil can give lengths and ends a quick boost of shine.

9 hair types: how to find the right shampoo

9. Shampoo for grey hair

As the years go by, hair often loses density, elasticity and moisture. That’s when it’s time for care that replenishes hydration while adding fullness and shine. Tip: There are special shampoos that counteract yellow tones. They give grey hair a sophisticated, silvery finish.

What’s your hair type?

Dry or oily: not quite sure which hair type describes you best? Find out – and get tailored hair care tips at the same time.

Washing your hair properly:
WHAT REALLY MATTERS

How often you should wash your hair mainly depends on your hair type. Just as important, though, is how you wash it. Here you’ll find tips for a hair-friendly washing routine.

5 hair-care questions and answers about washing your hair

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Just wash or brush first?
If you have long hair, it’s worth detangling it first. This helps prevent knots forming while you wash and also brushes out any styling residue. Ideally use a wide-toothed comb or a brush made from natural materials.

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How do I lather my shampoo properly?
First rub the product between your hands. Then gently work it into your scalp and lather it up with a massage. Tip: It’s usually enough to shampoo just the roots – when you rinse, enough shampoo will run through the lengths.

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Use hot or cold water?
The temperature should first and foremost feel pleasant. Water that’s too hot can strip moisture from your hair. It’s better to use lukewarm water. Tip: A brief cold rinse at the end can act like a shine booster because it helps the cuticle layer to close.

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Do I really need a conditioner?
If you want to add shine and make your hair easier to comb, then the answer is “yes”. To remove dirt and sebum, the cleansing surfactants in shampoo roughen the hair’s cuticle layer. Conditioner then nourishes the hair with caring ingredients, smooths the surface and seals the cuticle again.

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How long should I rinse my hair?
There’s no general time recommendation that’s right for every hair type. Because residue can weigh hair down, you should always take a bit of time to rinse out your shampoo and conditioner thoroughly.

Intensive pampering treatment for your hair

Alongside shampoo and conditioner, it’s a good idea to use a hair mask once a week. With its higher concentration of active ingredients and longer application time, it gives your hair even more intensive care. If you’re short on time, use a leave-in spray treatment instead.

Gentle handling – even after washing

When your hair is wet, it stretches more easily and is more prone to damage. So gently blot it with a towel rather than rubbing it. If you want to blow-dry, let your hair air-dry for a while first and then use a medium heat setting.

Blow-drying tips

Did you know?

Blow-drying can really stress your hair – especially if you use high heat. When you wash your hair, the cuticle layer opens slightly, water penetrates and the hair swells. If the water evaporates too quickly due to strong heat, the pressure can literally burst open the hair surface. The hair becomes rough and brittle.

Freshen up your hair without washing:
CLEVER TIPS

Overslept or just running way too late, with no time left to wash your hair? Don’t worry – with these clever tricks you can quickly freshen up your hair.

Fresh up: the best tips for hair that looks freshly washed

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Volumising hairspray:
Your hair hasn’t really gone greasy yet but just hangs flat? Then it can help to flip your hair upside down and work in a little hairspray close to the roots to give it more hold.

No hairspray to hand? Try changing your parting. This lifts the hair at the roots and gives your hair fresh volume.

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Put your hair up:
Updos draw attention away from a lack of volume or an oily root area. How about a loose bun hairstyle, a cool half-bun or a romantic braided crown?

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Hair wash at the press of a button:
Dry shampoos are practical beauty helpers when you’re in a hurry. The starch they contain absorbs excess oil, adds volume and gives your hair a fresh look in an instant.

Preparation is key: think of tomorrow the night before

If you already know that things will be hectic the next morning, tie your hair into a loose bun in the evening using a soft hair tie. In the morning, all you have to do is take the bun out and shake your hair upside down – done!