Israelis Explore Shampoo-Free Hair Care Amidst Medical Skepticism
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
An increasing number of Israelis are opting for natural hair care, including washing hair with only water, to reduce hair loss and product use. While proponents like Meirav Greenberg and Odaiya Twito report positive personal experiences, medical experts like Dr. Yaala Ben-Naftali caution against potential scalp issues and state there's no evidence of reduced hair loss. Experts recommend washing hair based on type and consulting doctors for scalp conditions.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Some Israelis are adopting shampoo-free hair care, washing with water to reduce hair loss and product use.
- Dr. Yaala Ben-Naftali warns of potential scalp buildup, itching, and worsened inflammation from avoiding shampoo.
- Experts state there is no scientific evidence that avoiding shampoo reduces hair loss.
- Hair washing frequency should be tailored to hair type, ranging from daily to weekly.
- Meirav Greenberg and Odaiya Twito are among those experimenting with natural hair care methods.
- Medical advice emphasizes consulting dermatologists for scalp conditions and choosing appropriate hair products.
A growing trend in Israel sees individuals, like 52-year-old Meirav Greenberg, abandoning traditional shampoo for natural hair care methods, often washing their hair only with water. Greenberg, who stopped using all hair products 18 months ago, claims this significantly reduced hair loss she experienced while using shampoo. Despite initial scalp itching, which subsided after a few months, she found her hair did not necessarily look better but required less time and effort. She also uses diluted vinegar occasionally and hair dye every two months, avoiding scalp contact.
This approach aligns with the "No Poo" movement, advocating for cleaning hair without commercial shampoos. However, medical professionals express caution. Dr. Yaala Ben-Naftali, a plastic and aesthetic surgery specialist, warns that immediately stopping shampoo can lead to a buildup of oil and dirt, causing itching and potentially worsening inflammation and seborrhea. She states there is no scientific proof that foregoing shampoo reduces hair loss, attributing normal daily loss of 50-100 hairs to genetics, hormones, diet, and stress.
Another proponent, 34-year-old Odaiya Twito, adopted a less frequent washing schedule after a trip to India in 2014, sometimes washing her hair only once a month or every two days, and other times every two months. She uses natural shampoos and homemade masks, believing her hair is healthier and less greasy. However, she acknowledges that hair loss persists despite her methods.
Dr. Ben-Naftali advises that hair washing frequency should depend on hair type: daily or every other day for oily hair, every 2-3 days for normal hair, and once a week or less for dry, curly hair. She stresses the importance of consulting a dermatologist for scalp conditions and choosing appropriate products. She also clarified that dandruff shampoos should not cause dandruff, and lice are transmitted through contact, not hygiene habits.