I can wash my hair every day.

It depends on the hair type and texture. Very kinky to curly hair tends to be drier. If your hair is natural — no chemical process has been added to your hair — it’s OK to rinse it everyday in the shower as long as a light conditioner is used, says Tyama Arawole, a natural hair care consultant with clients in Washington, D.C., and New York.

“Natural hair loves water, but it’s still important to keep it protected,” she says. The extra curly hair cuticle — or outer layer — makes it more difficult for the oil secreted from the scalp to reach the ends of the hair, so don’t forget to moisturize the hair, she says.

For relaxed hair — chemically processed for a straighter look — washing the hair once weekly is recommended. That’s why it’s important to lay off the heavy, petrolatum-based (petroleum jelly) products, Alexis says. “Excessive washing can dry out relaxed hair, but you don’t want to weigh it down with heavy product,” he adds. Use light moisturizers and avoid excessive heat. And when you do wash it, make sure you use a deep conditioner.