There’s this old-school advice that floats around—skip washing your hair during your period, or you could mess with your health. Sounds dramatic, right? People hear it from grandmothers, internet forums, or beauty circles, and suddenly it’s gospel. I’ll tell you straight: living in Dubai’s heat and humidity means the idea of postponing a wash for days just isn’t practical. Dubai summers don’t care if it’s ‘that time of the month;’ if you need a hair wash, you need a hair wash. Let’s untangle where this belief comes from and whether there’s any truth buried inside.
Tracing the Origins: Where Did This Hair Myth Come From?
Folklore isn’t just about fairy tales; it shapes beauty routines too. This particular myth pops up in places as far apart as East Asia, South Asia, parts of the Middle East, and some cultures in Europe. Usually the warning goes like this: if you wash your hair during your period, your body will get ‘cold’ or your flow will increase. Sometimes it’s linked to headaches, hair fall, or even infertility. The story changes depending on who you ask. What unites all these warnings? They don’t really come with hard evidence, just generations of repetition.
Fact: Menstruation is a natural, monthly part of most women’s lives. There’s no sudden weakening of your hair follicles or scalp. If anything, wash routines help manage discomfort. In a 2019 review in the International Journal of Trichology, dermatologists found no link between hair washing and hormone-driven changes in hair loss or texture during menstruation.
So, why do ideas like this stick? Comfort. Centuries ago, hot water baths weren’t so easily available, especially when you were menstruating and maybe feeling wiped out. Avoiding hair washes may have been about minimizing chores, not some magical health trick.
But just for fun—ever noticed this doesn’t pop up with other body parts? No one says don’t wash your arms or legs. The hair-on-head exception makes this myth even stranger.
What Actually Happens to Your Scalp and Hair During Menstruation?
Okay, let’s go science-y. During your menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone go on a roller coaster ride. That can make your skin oilier or drier (yes, mood swings aren’t the only thing flipping out). The scalp is skin, after all, and the sebaceous glands here sometimes pump out more sebum. Some women notice a more oily scalp during certain cycle phases, while others claim hair feels brittle or lifeless. It’s individual.
Should you change your routine? Not really. Regular gentle washing actually helps. Letting oil, sweat, and products build up—especially in Dubai’s sticky climate—can lead to breakouts or itchy scalp, which is the last thing you need when you’re already dealing with cramps. Stick to hydrating shampoos if your hair feels dry, or a gentle clarifying one if it’s extra oily. Added bonus: a relaxing scalp massage can ease tension and boost your mood.
I always suggest avoiding super-hot water; it strips moisture from hair and scalp, period or not. And if you love heat styling, just dial down the temperature, since hair can be a touch more fragile at this time.
Here’s a funny thing: Some high-end Dubai spa therapists actually recommend coming in during your cycle for a head massage. “We often see women feel much better afterward—less headache, more relaxed, and confident,” says Noura Khatib, a senior therapist I trust. “Cleansing rituals can feel extra soothing when you nurture yourself.”
How Do Hormonal Changes During Periods Impact Hair Care?
This is where things get real. Those hormones—estrogen, progesterone, testosterone—are the true backstage crew for your entire body. They sometimes leave your roots oilier during the first few days of your period and dry out ends by the end of your cycle. What about shedding? ‘Period hair fall’ isn’t actually proven; seasonal or postpartum shedding are more likely culprits. Any breakage you see is usually from rough towel drying or skipping conditioner, not from an innocent wash session.
You might find your scalp feels a bit more sensitive. If that’s you, stick to mild, sulfate-free formulations and use lukewarm—not hot—water. I prefer a gentle scalp exfoliation once a week if product build-up gets heavy (but nothing too harsh).
If you visit a Dubai spa for a blowout during your period, let the stylist know if your scalp feels sensitive, so they use a light touch. The right essential oil blend—lavender, rose, or mint—can work wonders for both your hair and mood. There’s no medical reason to avoid a spa hair mask, a gentle scrub, or even a nourishing oil treatment during menstruation. In fact, many women notice these treatments help them feel pampered and uplifted.
Are There Any Real Risks to Washing Hair on Periods?
The short answer: No science backs up the fear. There’s zero research linking hair washing with increased menstrual cramps, headaches, or future infertility. Obstetricians worldwide have debunked this myth countless times. Dr. Ashwini Bhalerao-Gandhi, consultant gynecologist and past president of the Mumbai Obstetric and Gynecological Society, says,
“Menstruation is not a sickness. Cleanliness of the scalp, just like the rest of the body, is part of healthy self-care—even during periods.”
If you get migraines that happen to flare up around your period, super cold water could possibly trigger a headache. In that case, stick to warm (not freezing) water. That’s more about general comfort than some mystical menstrual science.
There’s also no real restriction to spa visits, hair coloring, or even fancy hair treatments. Of course, everyone’s experience is different, and you should listen to your body. Some women feel a bit more fatigued, so if you want to just keep things simple, dry shampoo can tide you over a day.
How Can You Make Hair Washing More Comfortable During Your Period?
Let’s face it—sometimes you’re just too tired to fuss. Here’s what helps me when those period blahs hit:
- Keep your bathroom stocked with a super gentle, non-stripping shampoo.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to prevent tugging at tangles.
- Avoid tight ponytails; let your scalp relax without tension.
- Try a scalp massage as you lather up—it feels extra calming during cramps.
- Dry your hair with a soft T-shirt instead of a rough towel to prevent breakage.
If you love spa treatments, period week is a perfect time to splurge on a head massage or conditioning mask. Most spas in Dubai are set up with privacy and comfort in mind, so you don’t need to feel shy about booking an appointment just because of your cycle.
What Do Spa Experts in Dubai Think About This Menstrual Myth?
I asked a few colleagues and therapists at well-known wellness centers—turns out, Dubai’s top spa pros don’t give this myth much weight. Clean hair, they say, isn’t just about looks; it’s about feeling fresh and confident, especially if you’ve got meetings or nights out planned.
Here’s another tip they shared: peppermint or rosemary-infused scalp rinses can leave you feeling cool and refreshed, which I love during the city’s hottest months. And yes, spas keep products and towels as hypoallergenic as possible. So you’ll walk out feeling like yourself, not like you’re surviving some forbidden ritual.
If you have a custom, keep it if it makes you feel better. But know it’s a comfort thing and not something your hair or scalp actually needs for health.
Why Is This Belief Still Hanging Around?
This superstition sticks mostly because periods are still taboo in so many cultures—not just Dubai, but worldwide. Taboo topics breed myths. And when our mothers or grandmothers pass down wisdom, we listen out of respect or habit. Many wellness professionals say the best way to break the cycle is through open chat and honest education, not confrontation.
If you’re like me and grew up hearing ‘don’t wash your hair—your flow will increase,’ it’s easy to wonder what might happen. But each generation can choose the caring, evidence-based way forward. You don’t have to be a rebel; you just have to do what makes sense for you and your body.
Modern science just keeps coming back to this: hair care is about personal preference, regular cleansing, and relaxation—full stop.
Does Skipping Hair Washes Affect Scalp Health During Periods?
Actually, skipping hair washes for days—period or no period—can create new problems. Oil, sweat, and styling products mean more scalp buildup and that means more itching and even dandruff for some people. Over time, clogged follicles can mess with hair growth, especially in humid places like the UAE.
If you’ve got an oily scalp, stick to your regular wash schedule. For dry hair, focus on nourishing, not medicating. And no, there’s no need for harsh cleansers—just keep it gentle and consistent.
Do Period Products or Exercise Impact When to Wash Hair?
Absolutely. Pads, tampons, cups—they don’t impact when you should wash your hair, but exercise does. If your workout is dance, hot yoga, or running down Jumeirah Beach, you’re going to want to rinse off more often. Menstruation doesn’t change that.
Just use products that suit your scalp, not the calendar. My personal routine doesn’t change; if I sweat, I’ll wash, period or not.
Is There Anyone Who Should Avoid Hair Washing During Menstruation?
Only if you have a specific scalp medical condition, like severe eczema or untreated infections, should you skip washing when advised by a dermatologist. But this is rare and unrelated to periods. Everyone else? Wash if you want, skip it if you’re tired. Listen to your own comfort over old advice.
Can Hair Care Rituals Ease Period Discomfort?
Turns out there’s something to that ‘pamper yourself’ idea. The rhythmic touch of massage, warm water, and cozy towels activates your body’s relaxation response. Studies from Japan and Sweden show that self-care rituals—like a scalp massage—can help reduce anxiety and cramping.
So, swapping herbal remedies for a spa-grade calming hair treatment isn’t just self-indulgence—it’s smart wellness. It might not cure cramps, but it definitely perks up mood and confidence.
Menstrual Myths and Modern Self-Care: Bridging Past and Present
Some women might keep the ‘no hair wash’ tradition as a comfort ritual, and that’s totally fine. Culture and self-care don’t have to clash—just be aware of the science behind them. Pick the rituals that actually help you feel better, not ones that add worry or extra effort.
If you love a ritual, reinvent it. Maybe try a fragrant scalp oil or herbal rinse instead. The most important thing is that your hair—and you—feel cared for.
Tips for Staying Comfortable and Clean All Month Long
- Shampoo when your scalp feels oily or itchy, period or not.
- Drink more water, especially if you feel bloated or fatigued.
- Consider a silk pillowcase—softer on your scalp and hair during sensitive days.
- Let your hair air-dry if you’re extra tired—ditch the harsh towels and heat tools.
- If you love herbal scents, add a few drops of essential oil to your routine for a spa-like touch at home.
Don’t let old-school rules decide when you get to feel fresh. Personal comfort trumps myth every time.
FAQ
- Is it safe to wash hair during your period? Yes, there’s no medical reason to avoid hair washing during menstruation.
- Can washing hair increase menstrual cramps? No, scientific studies show no connection between hair washing and cramping.
- Should I avoid spa hair treatments during my period? No need; most spa treatments are perfectly safe and can actually help you relax.
- Does hair fall more during periods? Not directly. If you notice extra shedding, it’s more likely due to seasonal changes or stress, not hair washing.
- Are there any proven benefits to skipping hair washes on your period? No, regular washing with gentle products is best for scalp health, even when you’re menstruating.
