Perhaps the biggest shampoo myth is that it’s necessary to wash every day. Most women didn’t start washing their hair daily until the marketing campaigns of the 1970s. Cosmetic marketing convinces us that we need daily shampoos for healthy hair, when in fact our scalp’s natural oils are usually enough to keep hair looking good. Daily shampooing can actually dry hair out, stripping it of its natural oils and making it feel dull and lifeless. It begins a vicious cycle where hair feels dirty and unattractive after even one day without washing, causing people to wash again. 

The latest big business in hair care has been the development of “No-Poo” products, which cleanse hair without harsh chemicals. There are also powdered shampoos, for working through hair on days when you don’t wash, and special shampoos that are free of sodium laurel and laureth sulfate, despite the fact that neither detergent has been shown to be dangerous. Some people have even stopped shampooing entirely, and have been pleased to discover that their hair feels bouncier, shinier, and healthier than ever before.

Like many products, consumers are questioning its efficacy, its necessity, and its impact on the environment, but there’s no evidence to make us doubt its safety. Ultimately, it’s a matter of preference. Some people choose to wash every day, and some less. Many people with curly or delicate hair avoid frequent shampooing, but anyone who loves a daily washing should go ahead and lather up.

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