The recent social media trend of ditching shampoo, popularly known as the #nopoo or #noshampoo movement, has caught on with teenage boys and young men. However, experts are raising red flags about this practice due to its potential adverse effects on scalp health.
Initially, the no-shampoo method was reportedly started by eco-conscious women aiming to reduce their beauty product footprint. Now, the #noshampoo wave has engulfed teenage boys and young men, who are saying goodbye to shampoos and conditioners and opting for the water-only washing method.
A young TikToker named Kainoa Lam posted videos encouraging fans to forgo applying shampoo altogether or reduce the number of times they use the product.
“After I started doing no shampoo, my hair got thicker, more textured and it started to smell better,” Kainoa said in a video, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
Young men and teen boys are riding the #noshampoo wave of ditching shampoo and using only water to wash their hair
Another TikToker, Humza Islam, also has several videos advocating for the #noshampoo movement on his social media page. Humza explained in one video that it took him about 2-3 months of not using shampoo to see the results he wanted.
The same video garnered mixed reactions, with some echoing Humza’s opinions, while others disapproved of the #noshampoo method.
“I tried the no shampoo before but I got dandruff,” one said.
“My scalp gets itchy asf if I don’t wash it,” another said.
“I havent shampooed for 7 months , my hair is still little bit greasy, it smells , it has dandruff and its itchy … how long do i have to wait more ???” one asked.
Among the #noshampoo supporters who commented on his video was a TikTok user who said, “I've been doing nopoo for over 4 years. Life changing.”
“9 months without shampoo and honestly it was hella worth it . My hair is a lot sexier then when I use shampoo. And I don’t have much dandruff at all,” another #noshampoo supporter said.
Several people on TikTok are advocating for the #noshampoo movement
Dr Angela Tewari, a London-based dermatologist who specializes in hair, spoke to the Daily Mail and said water alone might not remove dirt and oil in some cases.
"This approach is based on the theory that if you just wash your hair with water, your scalp will adjust and produce exactly the right amount of oils to keep your hair in optimum condition," Angela told the outlet.
“But I can't find any evidence that this is the case,” she added.
Some experts said it's all about finding the right product that suits an individual's hair texture
Image credits: cottonbro studio / Pexels
"Moreover, your scalp and hair collect dirt, oils and sweat — and in order to remove those effectively, you need surfactants [i.e. cleaning detergents]. Water alone won't remove that dirt and oil," Angela went on to say.
Anabel Kingsley, a trichologist with the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic in London, said shampoo habits should be based on one’s hair type and choosing the right products.
“Using the right products for your hair texture that deliver the correct levels of moisture for your hair should not be stripping,” Anabel said. “If regularly shampooing makes your hair feel dry, you are using the wrong shampoo.”