A new trend known as "no shampoo" has recently spread on social media, where influencers encourage people to stop using shampoo in order to "train" their hair and scalp to be healthier.
But health experts warn that this practice may backfire, leading to thinning hair and premature graying instead of improving its health.
Contrary to popular belief that washing hair regularly causes it to fall out, science shows that insufficient cleaning may be more harmful.
The accumulation of natural oils known as sebum and dirt leads to increased inflammation in the scalp, an imbalance of bacteria and fungi, and the accumulation of oxidized fatty substances around the hair follicles. All these factors increase the shrinkage of the follicles and hinder their growth.
In those already experiencing hair loss, the scalp is under pressure from dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles and making hair thinner, shorter, and less pigmented. If buildup isn't removed through regular cleansing, sebum accumulates, potentially trapping this hormone near the follicles and exacerbating the problem.
Those who stop washing their hair for extended periods often suffer from persistent itching, increased oiliness, visible flakes, and sandy buildup around the hair follicles. These signs indicate the presence of keratin residue, oxidized sebum, and excessive microbial growth, which compromises scalp health and negatively impacts hair.Even if hair loss is not an existing problem, neglecting a cleaning routine can accelerate the appearance of premature graying, as well as exacerbate scalp problems.
The sulfates in shampoo are accused of causing excessive dryness, but there is no scientific evidence to prove that they lead to hair loss. They mainly affect the outer layer of the hair and the surface of the scalp, and may only cause irritation to those with a sensitive scalp.
