If you have locs, you already know that washing them every single day isn’t realistic. In the summer, though, the heat and humidity make our scalps sweat more, which raises the question: how often should you be washing your locs during this season to keep your scalp healthy and your hair fresh?

The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. What works for one person may not work for another.

The best washing frequency depends on three main factors: the climate you live in, your scalp type, and your lifestyle.

Let’s go through each of these in detail.

Climate and Washing Frequency

Humid Environments

If you live in a humid climate, your scalp is more prone to sweating and feeling greasy. Over time, this can cause buildup. In this case, washing your locs every 7 to 10 days is recommended.

If your scalp sweats excessively, if you’ve been swimming, or if your scalp starts to feel itchy, dirty, or uncomfortable, you may want to wash more often, every 5 to 7 days. On the other hand, if you don’t sweat much, your scalp feels balanced, and your locs get dry easily after washing, you can stretch the time between washes to 10 to 14 days.

Tips for in-between washes:

• Moisturize your locs daily with distilled water and, if you’d like, an essential oil for freshness.
• Always dry your locs thoroughly before bed if they get wet from sweat, swimming, or washing.
• Clarify your locs every 4 to 6 weeks with either a clarifying shampoo or a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse to remove buildup.

Dry Environments

In dry climates, the biggest concern is moisture loss. Dry air and direct sunlight can pull hydration from your locs, making them brittle. Washing every 10 to 14 days helps prevent stripping too much natural oil.

If you’ve been sweating a lot, exposed to dust, or feel your scalp getting itchy or dirty, washing more frequently—every 7 to 10 days—can be necessary.

Tips for in-between washes:

• Moisturize daily with distilled water, essential oils, and a humectant such as aloe vera or rose water, which help draw moisture into your locs.
• Every 2 to 3 days, apply a lightweight carrier oil (such as jojoba oil) after moisturizing to lock in hydration.
• Cover your locs with a satin scarf or similar material when spending long periods in the sun to help reduce moisture loss.

Scalp Type and Washing Frequency

Oily Scalp

If your scalp naturally produces more oil, washing every 5 to 7 days is usually best to prevent buildup and itchiness.

In between washes, you can:

• Use a nonalcoholic witch hazel spray (1 ½ cups distilled water, 2 tablespoons witch hazel, and optional essential oils) to absorb excess oil.
• Alternatively, brew a strong cup of green tea, let it cool, and use it as a spray to refresh your scalp.

Dry Scalp

If you have a dry scalp, you might notice flakiness, tightness, or itchiness after washing. To avoid worsening dryness, it’s best to space washes 10 to 14 days apart.

Additional care tips include:

• Dilute shampoo with aloe vera gel or rose water instead of just water for extra hydration.
• Do a deep conditioning treatment once a week using a non-comedogenic carrier oil. Apply it overnight or about 30 minutes before washing.
• Mist or steam your locs regularly. For misting, combine distilled water, humectants like aloe vera or rose water, and essential oils. For steaming, use only distilled water to avoid clogging your steamer.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water. Adding a pinch of mineral-rich salt, such as Celtic or Himalayan, may help your body absorb water more effectively.

Lifestyle and Washing Frequency

Your lifestyle also plays a role in how often to wash your locs. If you’re active and spend a lot of time outdoors, lean toward more frequent washing.

If you live a more sedentary lifestyle or spend most of your time indoors, you can space your washes further apart.

Recap

• Humid climate: Wash every 7–10 days (more often if sweating, swimming, or scalp irritation occurs).
• Dry climate: Wash every 10–14 days (or every 7–10 days if exposed to sweat, dust, or buildup).
• Oily scalp: Wash every 5–7 days.
• Dry scalp: Wash every 10–14 days with extra moisturizing steps.
• Active lifestyle: Wash more often.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Space washes further apart.

No matter how often you wash, the most important step is to always dry your locs thoroughly. This helps prevent mildew and mold growth.

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