Hair care is an integral part of our beauty routines, and there’s no better feeling than a freshly washed scalp. While dermatologists and trichologists put emphasis on picking the right ingredients based on the right formulations according to our hair type, there has always been an emphasis on limiting the use of chemicals on scalp and hair owing to potential dryness and damage.
Digital creator Pankti Pandey took to Instagram to share that it has been almost a decade since she went shampoo-free! “Eight years ago, I made the switch to a no soap, no shampoo, and no toothpaste regimen. Our skin is our largest organ, and I wanted to protect it from toxic ingredients as much as possible,” she mentioned in the caption of her reel.
While she attributed a part of her decision to her commitment to the planet, it made us wonder what kind of an impact ditching shampoo can have on our scalp?
Dr Shireen Furtado, Sr. Consultant – Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore shared that discontinuing shampooing may lead to multiple scalp and hair concerns.
“While the scalp naturally produces oils to moisturize the hair, excessive oil buildup can lead to greasy hair, excessive yeast development, and scalp buildup, which may cause irritation, dandruff, and hair loss,” she explained.
Shampooing is part of the hygiene factor and should not be avoided as it promotes a healthy scalp environment and helps prevent various hair concerns.
Chemical-based shampoos can offer effective cleansing (Source: Freepik)
She added that generally natural alternatives are preferred to store-bought shampoos, considering their lower preservative content. However, it is important to note that a few natural ingredients such as essential oils, can irritate the scalp, especially for sensitive skin.
“Chemical-based shampoos can offer effective cleansing and provide several benefits for hair loss and scalp issues, such as dandruff and hair loss. All of this is dependent on one’s skin sensitivity as well as the shampoo’s ingredients and usage frequency,” said Dr Furtado. If you end up overusing shampoo, it may lead to dryness, hair damage, and hair loss.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
