The Importance of Regular Washing

Why is regular washing important for scalp health?

Your scalp is living skin — it needs to breathe, renew, and stay balanced to support healthy hair growth. Just like the skin on your face, it produces oil (sebum), sheds dead cells, and collects debris from the environment. If you let these build up, follicles can get clogged, circulation slows, and your scalp’s natural microbiome gets out of balance.

Regular washing keeps the scalp clean and clear, allowing hair follicles to function at their best, so new hair grows in stronger, thicker, and healthier.

What happens if you wash too often?

Over-washing, especially with harsh shampoos, can strip away your scalp’s protective oils. Without these natural emollients, the skin can become dry, irritated, and reactive, while the hair becomes brittle and prone to breakage. Ironically, stripping oils can trigger your scalp to produce even more sebum, creating a cycle of greasy roots and dry ends.

What happens if you don’t wash often enough?

Under-washing allows excess sebum, dead skin cells, sweat, and styling residue to sit on the scalp. Over time, this buildup can clog follicles, cause inflammation, and even contribute to hair shedding. Hair can appear limp, dull, and heavy, making it harder for any style to last.

How often should you wash for optimal scalp and hair health?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a good guide:

Fine or oily hair: Daily or every other day to maintain freshness and lift.

Medium to thick hair: Every 2–3 days, adjusting for lifestyle and activity.

Curly, coily, or textured hair: Every 4–7 days to preserve natural oils that keep curls soft and defined.

Scalp-first approach: Wash whenever you notice itching, flaking, or buildup. Your scalp will tell you when it’s time.

Which PHILIP B. shampoos work best for different washing schedules?

For infrequent washing (every 4-7 days): Peppermint Avocado Shampoo or Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub deep cleanse to remove buildup without over-drying. If you have oily hair, use as your primary shampoo. If you have normal/dry hair, use as your pre-cleanse step. Double cleansing/pre-cleansing is highly recommended if you don’t wash frequently. More on that here. For your second shampoo, select something hydrating that will give back to your scalp like my Gentle Conditioning Shampoo, Forever Shine Shampoo or Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo. 

Think of it this way: Your scalp is the soil, and your hair is the plant. If keep the environment nourished, and your hair will thrive. Regular washing keeps the scalp balanced, the follicles clear, and your hair healthy, shiny, and full of life.