Is there anything more blissful than a long, hot shower? Okay, maybe a TikTok-trendy everything shower is. But do you need to wash your hair during those luxurious 45 minutes? And is it even necessary to wash your hair regularly, period?

Nixing shampoo might sound like an attractive way to save time and money. Still, haircare experts, including a dermatologist, share that it’s essential to understand the risks of eliminating important habits like hair-washing.

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“Small choices daily, especially when it comes to your skin and hair health, make a big impact on your skin and hair over time,” explains Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “What seems like small choices daily add up over time and create your routine.”

Dr. Chacon, multiple trichologists and a grooming expert all agree: The risks of not washing your hair can build up over time (pun intended). Here’s what happens to the body when you don’t wash your hair.

Related: 7 Best Shampoos for Gray Hair, According to Celebrity Stylists

9 Things That Can Go Wrong When You Don’t Wash Your Hair Regularly

Dr. Chacon reports that some people can go for days without washing their hair and not notice any negative effects or long-term consequences. Frequency can also depend on factors like the consistency of your hair and your ethnic background—for example, individuals with Afro-textured hair often wash less frequently to preserve natural oils and maintain hair health. However, she doesn’t recommend never, ever washing your hair (or skipping washes beyond a frequency that works for your mane).

“Not washing your hair can affect the body in many different ways because hair health is absolutely related to scalp health,” she explains.

Here’s what can happen when you don’t wash your hair enough.

1. Your hair may look and feel greasy

A little “elbow grease” may help you exceed expectations on a work project. However, too much hair grease likely isn’t the look you’re going for.

“When you don’t wash your hair, sebum builds up to an inhibiting proportion,” explains Jess Poynter, a certified clinical trichologist and the founder of Scalp Haven Hair Studio. “We need sebum, but it must be maintained and kept in balance. Without washing, the accumulated sebum can lead to a greasy appearance.”

2. Your hair may feel heavy

Excess sebum is more than a look—it can leave your hair feeling off (and your head and neck may feel like they are getting a mild strength workout). “Sebum…can become an issue when in excess…weighing hair down,” points out Alexia Donovan, the director of client services at Barber Surgeons Guild.

3. Your strands may look stringy

Back to appearances for a second. While the hair may feel heavy, it won’t necessarily look voluminous if you’re not regularly washing it. “Overwashing or underwashing will leave the strands looking dull and feeling dry, unmanageable, slippery, rope-like and piece-y,” Poynter says.

4. You may notice irritation

Dr. Chacon says that irritation is the most common issue she notices when people don’t wash their hair often enough, saying the scalp can become itchy or inflamed. Another haircare pro agrees.

“Your scalp can get irritated if you do not shampoo your hair enough or well enough. It can become irritated from dirt, bacteria, sebum and product buildup,” shares Sophia Emmanuel, a trichologist, cosmetologist and V&Co. beauty brand ambassador.

Emmanuel notes this drawback of not washing your hair enough applies to people with physically or chemically processed hair or au-natural curls. One of the benefits of cleansing the hair is that it gives the scalp breathing room from buildup, regardless of hair type.

5. You may start getting breakouts and acne (and not just on the scalp)

When you use shampoo, you’re cleaning the scalp. Dr. Chacon says not doing so clogs the pores—just like not washing the face does—but don’t expect your hair to cover up the pimples. “The excess oil from the scalp can migrate to the face, causing blemishes to appear along the hairline,” she warns.

Ladosha Wright, a trichologist, salon owner and RevAir’s resident expert, warns that breakouts can also appear on the back if the scalp and hair aren’t cleaned often enough.

Related: People Are Showering in the Wrong Order, Dermatologists Say

6. Your scalp may start to flake

You may notice literal flakes on your scalp and shoulders anytime you wear a dark top. “Many patients have come in with an itchy, flaky scalp, or seborrheic dermatitis, due to excess yeast or sebum on the scalp,” Donovan says.

Dandruff is a specific and mild (but not fun) type of seborrheic dermatitis that occurs on the scalp, and not washing your hair enough can sometimes trigger it.

“Though not as common, dandruff and flakiness can also erupt from a lack of washing,” Dr. Chacon says. “Some people experience dandruff and flakes when too much time goes by between washes. This is sometimes caused by aggressive itching, but can also be the scalp’s way of sloughing off dead cells on its own.”

7. Your hair may break up with you

Literally. “When the hair isn’t regularly washed and brushed, it can become tangled, especially at the nape of the neck, causing breakage and damage,” Donovan explains.

8. You may experience hair loss

In more severe cases, you might start noticing you’re losing hair. “Clogged hair follicles can cause the hair to fall out,” warns Gretchen Friese, a BosleyMD trichologist.

Sometimes, trichologists find that individuals who do not wash their hair frequently enough have a condition called folliculitis, can contribute to hair loss.

Friese says that folliculitis can occur when the hair follicles become inflamed. Emmanuel adds that not washing the hair enough (or thoroughly) can also worsen existing inflammation. Dirt, oil and bacteria will do the (dirty) trick.

9. You might start to smell (no offense)

Not washing your hair can become a multi-sensory experience (especially for people around you). “Oil and sweat can cause our hair to smell bad,” Friese says.

Related: You’re Undoing All Your Shower Benefits When You Skip This Important Step

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

Yes, washing your hair is important, but you don’t necessarily need to do it every day. Dr. Chacon says frequency depends on a sweet spot that’s personal to your hair and will depend on your hair type and any issues you want to address. Generally? “On average, washing hair every two to three days is a good place to start and a good rule of thumb,” she reveals.

However, Dr. Chacon suggests that people with oily hair may want to wash their hair three (or more) times per week, while those with dry locks may limit their shampoo sessions to around twice a week. “People with dryer hair may require more time between washes to preserve the natural oils of the scalp,” she says.

Emmanuel says people with processed or natural hair should cleanse it about once weekly.

“When your hair is chemically processed, it’s best to avoid over-shampooing, as this can cause your hair to become dry, leading to breakage,” she explains. “If you have an oily scalp and textured hair, consider shampooing your hair twice a week.”

However, Wright notes that you may be able to get away with washing it about every other week.

“Most people avoid or loathe cleansing their textured hair because it is typically time-consuming, painful and sometimes not effective, especially at the scalp,” Wright explains. “Textured hair varies in density—fiber count, from the hairline back. It is technically called terminal hair.”

As a result, Wright points out that the hairline (AKA “vellus hair) can vary in texture.

“This unique combination of degrees of density and varying textures around the hairline requires a specific technique and the use of a uniquely formulated shampoo to effectively cleanse the scalp and hair,” Wright notes. “These two factors are very important and often overlooked. Paying attention to the details of textured hair yields an effective, tangle-free and pain-free cleansing experience.”

In short? Experiment with the time between shampoos and find your sweet spot, regardless of hair type.

Related: I’m a Dermatologist—This Is the One Product I Can’t Live Without

What About Conditioner?

OK, you know the importance of shampooing at least a couple of times a week, but should you apply conditioner afterward? “Conditioners are necessary for most people, but choosing the proper formula for your specific needs is important,” Dr. Chacon says. “For example, someone with oily hair may require a lighter conditioner, whereas someone with drier hair may need something ultra-hydrating with heavier oil content to protect dry strands.”

Either way, Dr. Chacon suggests applying conditioner any time you shampoo. Wright and Emmanuel agree that this advise applies to people with processed or natural hair too.

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Sources:

• Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
• Jess Poynter, a certified clinical trichologist and the founder of Scalp Haven Hair Studio
• Alexia Donovan, the director of client services at Barber Surgeons Guild
• Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology.
• Gretchen Friese, a Bosley MD trichologist
• Sophia Emmanuel, a trichologist, cosmetologist and V&Co. beauty brand ambassador
• Ladosha Wright, a trichologist, salon owner and RevAir’s resident expert