How I Wash My Hair Without Shampoo (and Still Smell Great)

Why I Wash My Hair Less Often—And Why You Might Want To Too

I do wash my hair, just not as often as most people. I usually wash my hair once every 1–2 weeks. While many stick to daily washing, I’ve discovered that my hair—and my life—benefit from less frequent shampooing. When I tell people I rarely wash my hair, I’m often met with looks of disbelief. But here’s the truth: I don’t need to wash my hair that often—and neither do you.

Your Scalp Needs a Break, Not a Daily Shampoo

When we shampoo our hair, we often forget what we’re really doing: managing scalp health. Massaging the scalp keeps it healthy, but excessive washing strips natural oils that protect and nourish our hair. Yes, dirt and bacteria can accumulate—but your body’s natural defenses are more powerful than you think. Our hair is designed to take care of itself, and over-washing interferes with that balance.

Want Healthy, Shiny Hair? Skip the Shampoo

Ditching shampoo helps your hair retain its natural oils, leading to better moisture, shine, and volume. Instead of lathering up, I rinse my hair with water and occasionally apply a small amount of coconut oil. This keeps my strands soft and my scalp nourished.

Save Time, Save Money, and Reclaim Your Mornings

Let’s be honest—washing your hair is a whole production. Especially when you follow the “lather, rinse, repeat” instructions. I used to spend ages in the shower, shampooing two or three times, then conditioning for several minutes. Since I stopped that routine, my showers are faster, my mornings smoother, and I have more time for things that matter.

Not only does skipping shampoo save time, but it saves money too. High-quality, non-toxic shampoos can cost $20–40 a bottle. Multiply that by frequent washes, and you’re easily spending hundreds each year. By washing less, you keep that cash—and your hair—in better shape.

Travel Light—Ditch the Bottles

Frequent travelers, rejoice. When you stop packing bulky shampoo bottles, you make room in your luggage for more important things—like your hula hoop or hair dryer. Plus, one less liquid to worry about at airport security.

Washing Less Helps the Planet

Cutting down on shampooing isn’t just good for your hair—it’s better for the environment. A single five-minute shampoo session can use over 12 gallons of water. Multiply that by daily use and it adds up fast. Less washing means less water waste.

Then there’s the plastic. Every bottle of shampoo adds to the global plastic crisis. With few bulk options for shampoo, we end up buying bottle after bottle. The result? Millions of tons of plastic waste. While skipping shampoo won’t change the world overnight, it’s a small step in the right direction. And as the Dalai Lama said, “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

Should You Wash Your Hair Less?

Maybe this isn’t for you. Maybe you love the feeling of freshly washed, floral-scented hair. And that’s OK. But, as Harry Styles once said, “Don’t knock it till you try it.”

Start small. If you currently wash your hair daily, try every other day. Then stretch it out to once or twice a week. Notice how your scalp feels. See if your hair gets shinier, thicker, or just feels more natural. You can always go back to your old routine—but you might not want to.

About The Author

Tara DeAugustine is an elementary school teacher, presently taking a much-needed break from teaching, and in turn dabbling in and out of different job roles. Her travels have taken her all over the world, previously living in Thailand, Taiwan and Cambodia. Currently, she’s a volunteer writer and yoga instructor at Blue Osa Yoga Retreat & Spa in Costa Rica. When she’s not busy at work, you can find her doing what she loves, which is included but not limited to: lazing about in hammocks, eating salad, watching sunsets and reading.