Teen boys and young men are ditching shampoo in a new social media trend. (Representational)
Adolescent boys and young men have started a new trend – ditching shampoo – and experts are sounding alarm bells, cautioning against potential hair and scalp woes even as some enthusiasts tout its benefits.
On social media, especially in the US and on TikTok, hashtags like #noshampoo are trending with teens praising the benefits of ditching shampoo.
Proponents of the no-shampoo approach, including influencers like Kainoa Lam and Humza Islam, are lauding its purported benefits. Lam, known as @kainoalam on TikTok, shared his positive experience, attributing thicker, wavier hair and improved texture to his no-shampoo regimen. However, not all experiences mirror this success story, as evidenced by TikTok commenters reporting hair loss and dandruff woes after attempting the trend.
According to Dr. Anastasia Therianou, a dermatologist and scalp specialist based in London told New York Post that the decision to forgo shampoo can trigger a cascade of issues ranging from dandruff to hair loss.
She said that neglecting proper scalp hygiene may lead to inflammation, flakiness, and an imbalance in the scalp’s microbiome, potentially resulting in the proliferation of yeast like malassezia, a common culprit behind dandruff.
Humza Islam, another advocate of the no-shampoo lifestyle, outlines his method dubbed “hair training,” which involves gradually reducing reliance on traditional haircare products. He recommends techniques such as water-only cleansing, scalp massages, and the use of specialized tools to maintain hair health sans shampoo.
While the allure of natural haircare may be enticing, dermatologists and haircare experts urge caution, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices.
Furthermore, experts highlight the advancements in shampoo formulations, noting that modern products are gentler on hair and scalp. They advocate for a personalized approach to haircare, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right shampoo for individual needs rather than abandoning the practice altogether.
