Should You Shampoo Your Hair??

It may surprise many, but using shampoo for daily hygiene is a relatively new phenomenon. AND, as I will point out, pretty much useless, if not potentially harmful.

Now, don’t get me wrong. My aim in writing this article is not to convince you to stop using shampoo. 

In all reality, I don’t think it’s a huge deal to use it unless you meet one or more of the conditions I’ll outline below. 

At the same time, I don’t believe it’s necessary, and in many cases, your appearance and your pocketbook may benefit from stopping the use of shampoo outright.

And again, I’m not trying to make shampoo out to be a harbinger of health issues…but I do think the “no poo” movement is on to something…and I always want to point out that many of the things we’ve come to believe to be true about our health, or the way of the world are just modern convention. There’s a good reason to poke holes in sacred cows and expose them for what they truly are.

The History of Shampoo Explained

Most of us use shampoo without thinking twice about it, but how did we get to the point where everyone uses it without questioning its use?

The word “shampoo” comes from the Hindi word “chāmpo”, which originally meant a head massage using herbs and natural oils to clean hair. This practice began in India, where people used natural goodies like amla (Indian gooseberry) and soapberries. These traditional methods were pretty effective and laid the groundwork for what shampoo would eventually become.

Different cultures had their own spins on hair care long before modern shampoos appeared. Ancient Egyptians, for example, washed their hair with a mixture of water and citrus juices, while Romans and Greeks used soaps made from ashes and oils. 

It wasn’t until the 19th century that shampooing began to catch on in Europe. British folks who had traveled to India brought back these hair-cleaning secrets. In the beginning, Europeans made their own shampoos at home, mixing soap with herbs. 

These early recipes were a bit rough around the edges compared to what we’re used to now.

The real game changer came in 1903 when Hans Schwarzkopf, a German, introduced the first commercial shampoo. It was a powdered product that you mixed with water. This innovation spread quickly across Europe and the United States, changing hair care forever.

By the mid-20th century, liquid shampoos were all the rage. The 1930s brought a huge leap forward with synthetic detergents, making shampoos better at cleaning and lathering than old-school soap-based formulas. 

As people started demanding more from their hair care products, companies began creating shampoos for different needs—whether they needed help with dandruff, moisturizing, keeping their color vibrant, or adding volume.

Fast forward to today, and the shampoo aisle is packed with choices. Modern shampoos cater to every hair type and concern imaginable, and there’s a growing trend toward eco-friendly, organic, and sulfate-free options. 

Now, people are paying more attention to the ingredients in their hair care products, especially because many synthetics are known to damage DNA and more. Many are opting to choose shampoo that is good for them and the planet.

But what if you don’t need it at all?

Good Reasons to Avoid Shampoo Explained

So really, are there solid reasons NOT to use shampoo…or go “no-poo?”

Absolutely. 

With videos amassing 90 million views on TikTok alone, there’s a lot of momentum to stop using shampoo.

Keep this in mind, too. For well over a decade, hair-care enthusiasts and professionals have praised the benefits of skipping shampoo. Not only does it lead to healthier hair, but it also saves money and cuts down on the waste from plastic bottles.

Some medical experts, like dermatologists Geeta Yadav, MD, and Dendy Engelman, are also on board with this trend.

According to Dr. Yadav, the no-poo method is all about cleaning your hair without using shampoo. Instead of shampoo, people use alternatives like apple cider vinegar, conditioner, or even just plain water.

Here’s the thing about our bodies...they’re designed to stay clean without the need of external substrates.

Your scalp naturally produces oils that are good for your hair, says Yadav. Shampoo is designed to remove dirt, sweat, and oils. 

The issue is that cleaning too often or even daily can strip those beneficial oils, leaving hair and scalp dry. 

Many people who are suspect of the no-poo method contend it might leave hair and the scalp feeling oily. Skipping shampoo might make your hair greasy at first, but, if done correctly, it helps balance your scalp’s oil production in the long run.

Katherine Riley, owner of Katherine Jon Salon in New York and an educator for Eufora, explains that avoiding harsh shampoos can stop the scalp from overcompensating by producing too much oil. 

When you strip oils away with shampoo, your scalp starts producing extra oil to make up for it. This can create a cycle of oil overproduction. The no-poo method, Riley says, helps break this cycle by letting your scalp regulate its oil production naturally.

And dermatologist Dr. Engelman notes that while anyone can benefit from the no-poo method, certain hair types may see better results. Curly hair, in particular, tends to dry out because the natural oils have a harder time moving down the hair shaft. The no-poo method can help keep curls moisturized, leading to more defined curls and less frizz.

For those with fine, fragile hair, Engelman states that ditching shampoo can improve bounce and volume, which is what shampoo companies pay big bucks to deliver.

In fact, many shampoos contain harsh detergents that can dry out and flatten the hair. Without these harsh chemicals, your hair retains more natural oils, resulting in better volume.

The thing about going “no-poo” is it doesn’t always have an immediate effect. 

Riley maintains it can take 2 to 6 weeks. Riley explains that your scalp, used to being stripped of oils, needs time to adjust and regulate oil production. During this adjustment period, you might deal with oily hair as your scalp finds its balance.

Going No-Poo is Easy

Like most things, there’s no right way to go no-poo. 

Many people use apple cider vinegar, while others rely on just water. Some curly-haired individuals prefer co-washing (using conditioner only). A cleansing conditioner can remove buildup and hydrate at the same time, maintaining moisture without causing dryness.

You can mix methods too. For example, wash with water regularly and use apple cider vinegar occasionally. Whether you ease into it or go cold turkey, it’s all about what works best for you.

If you currently wash your hair every day, start by extending the time between washes and gradually phase out shampoo. Then, incorporate alternatives like apple cider vinegar, which is great for handling dandruff and product buildup, Riley suggests.

And if you’re wondering how often you should was your hair, consider that it depends on your hair type and lifestyle. Straight hair tends to get oily faster, necessitating more frequent washing. Curly hair might only need a once-a-week wash to maintain its shape and moisture. Consider your climate and activity level too. If you’re in a humid area or have a physically demanding job, you might need to wash more often to keep your scalp healthy.

If you’re concerned about smell, especially if using apple cider vinegar, you can add essential oil to your hair to help with that, but consider it may make your hair a bit oilier.

I know going no-poo can feel strange at first, but many swear by it for healthier, balanced hair. Although there might be an oily adjustment period, sticking with it can lead to long-term benefits for your hair and scalp. Plus, you won’t have to spend money on shampoo and it’s better for the environment.

Not to mention, if you already have skin conditions, this could help bring back balance that irritating shampoos could exacerbate.

So there you have it. 

The reasons to go no-poo, in a nutshell.

Talk soon,

Dr. Wiggy

www.HealthAsItOughtToBe.com