A new warning for women who use dry shampoo

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Lots of women use dry shampoo to avoid washing their hair everyday, but doctors warn the "less is more" mentality doesn't really apply to keeping your scalp clean.

Doctors say you shouldn't go too long without washing your hair because when bacteria on the scalp overgrows it can cause dandruff, itchy scalp, flaking scalp and even hair loss.

For most people it's three days between shampoos max.

Some can stretch that even longer by using dry shampoo.

But doctors say there are no substitutes for the real thing.

"Those do absorb some of the oil, but they also sit on the scalp and allow the oil to stay there, and again the yeast and the bacteria to overgrow, so use those sparingly," said Dr. Melissa Piliang, Cleveland Clinic.

When it comes to shampoo, doctors say to focus on the skin of your scalp and the roots of your hair, and then use a conditioner on the actual hair fibers.