A person washing their curly hair under running water. A person washing their curly hair under running water.

How Often Should You Wash Curly Hair?

Curly hair thrives on its natural oils, so shampooing too often can strip these oils, leaving your hair dry. However, infrequent washing can lead to limp, greasy curls. The ideal frequency depends on your individual hair texture. Some curl patterns tend to be drier and benefit from weekly shampoos, while others require more frequent cleansing. Ultimately, the best way to determine your wash schedule is to pay attention to how your hair feels—whether it's greasy or dry. Use the following curly hair tips as a guideline.

Woman with wet, fine curly hair.

Fine Curly Hair

A little bit of natural oil goes a long way with finer curl textures, so shampooing daily or every other day can prevent curls and waves from becoming heavy or limp. Use a gentle shampoo formula like Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Sulfate-Free Shampoo to reduce greasiness and always follow with a conditioner to replenish moisture.

Medium-Thick Curly Hair

Medium-thick curly hair typically benefits from washing every two to three days. A small amount of natural oil enhances this hair texture. However, if your curls feel flat after sleeping or exercising, use a curl refresher spray to revive them and add moisture and definition for up to 48 hours. Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Conditioner, with its blend of macadamia nut, jojoba, and coconut oils, is an excellent choice for this hair type. Another post-workout option is simply rinsing your hair with water and massaging your scalp to refresh your curls between washes.

Woman washing medium-thick curly hair.
Woman with thick, curly hair, hands on her head.

Thick or Coarse Curly Hair

This curl type tends to be the driest, so it can go longer between washes. Shampooing a maximum of once a week helps retain your natural oils. To refresh curls between washes, try a multi-use curl oil, a curl refresher spray, or a leave-in conditioner like Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Air Dry Butter Cream.

Once you've determined your ideal shampooing frequency, follow this hair care routine to make the most of your curly hair.