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Beauty trends come and go — but some can leave lasting damage. A viral haircare movement gaining traction on social media is now raising concerns among experts, who warn it may do more harm than good.

The trend, known as #NoPoo or “hair training,” encourages people to completely отказаться от шампуня in order to “rebalance” the scalp and improve overall hair health. It has become especially popular among Gen Z influencers, many of whom claim that the initial adjustment period is worth the long-term benefits.

However, specialists say the science tells a different story. While many of the trend’s supposed advantages are based on anecdotal evidence, research suggests that avoiding regular washing can lead to dandruff, scalp irritation, slower hair growth, and worsening skin conditions.

One of the most persistent myths — that frequent washing causes hair loss — is also misleading. In reality, experts warn that the opposite habit, washing too infrequently, may contribute to androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common form of hair loss.

When hair thinning begins, the scalp is already under stress from dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and produces thinner, shorter, and less pigmented strands.

Skipping regular cleansing can worsen the problem. Excess sebum buildup may trigger inflammation, microbial imbalance, and oxidative stress — all factors that accelerate follicle miniaturization and disrupt healthy hair growth.

Sebum itself plays a protective role for both scalp and hair, but in excess it can trap DHT around the follicle and interfere with the scalp’s natural microbiome.

Studies published in Skin Appendage Disorders have shown that microbial imbalances — particularly the overgrowth of fungi and bacteria — can significantly ухудшить состояние волосяных фолликулов.

People who go long periods without washing often report itching, increased oiliness, and a heavy buildup around the follicles. This may be caused by keratin debris, oxidized sebum, and microbial overgrowth — a combination that can effectively “suffocate” the scalp and compromise hair health.

While sulfates in shampoos are often criticized for being too harsh, there is no scientific evidence linking them to hair loss. These cleansing agents primarily affect the outer layer of the hair and scalp, and may only cause dryness or irritation in sensitive individuals — without impacting the follicles themselves.

As the #NoPoo trend continues to spread online, experts urge caution: when it comes to scalp health, less washing isn’t always better.

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