The “No Shampoo” movement claims that using hair cleaning products makes it less healthy. This movement embraces the idea that hair can wash itself and that shampoo is just a money-making scam.
This movement has several pages on the Internet where people share their ideas about the ideal way to clean hair without resorting to using shampoo.
But is this true? Neil Harvey, president of the UK’s Institute of Trichologists, is skeptical about the idea of the “No Shampoo” movement. “The scalp, with its tens of thousands of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, needs just as much (if not more) attention,” Harvey told the Guardian. ) from other areas of the body.
Why do some people claim that hair appears shinier a few weeks after stopping using shampoo?
“If someone is using a strong shampoo and then stops using it, the natural oils from the sebaceous glands in the scalp will coat the hair more,” says Harvey. “We want some of that, it protects the hair and gives it shine, but over time, the oils will build up and become irritating.” “.
Are all shampoos safe for hair?
Strong shampoos that may be unsafe for your hair include those that contain high levels of ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium chloride, or fragrances.
“They can cause irritation, while those with higher concentrations of natural ingredients like essential oils are more gentle,” says Harvey.
How often should I wash my hair?
When it comes to how often you should lather shampoo into your hair, it depends on your scalp type, hair texture, and personal preferences.
“For some people, excessively frequent washing can lead to damaged hair and a dry, itchy scalp,” says Harvey.
He adds, “For others, not washing hair enough can make hair appear greasy and lifeless, and make the scalp microbiome unhealthy, and the scalp microbiome is the ecosystem of bacteria that protects the scalp and hair.”