The default answer
Four to six weeks. That matches the pace at which most people rebuild noticeable buildup and the pace at which neck and jaw tension creeps back. It also lines up neatly with a haircut or color cycle.
Adjust for your scalp
Use how your scalp behaves in week three as the signal.
- Oily by day two, heavy product use, or a gym daily: start every 3 to 4 weeks, then stretch it out as the scalp rebalances.
- Flaking or itch: every 3 to 4 weeks for two or three visits, then every 6.
- Color-treated, bleached or heat-styled: every 4 weeks, weighted toward hydration and repair.
- Dry, coarse or protective-styled hair: every 6 to 8 weeks, weighted toward moisture rather than detox.
- Purely for stress and sleep: whatever cadence you will actually keep. Monthly is the sweet spot.
Between visits
Two minutes of scalp massage in the shower, less dry shampoo, a clarifying wash every couple of weeks, and rinsing more thoroughly than feels necessary. That maintenance is what lets you stretch to six weeks without losing the result.