Why shouldn't we wash our hair during periods?

Dispelling the Myth: Why It's Perfectly Safe to Wash Your Hair During Your Period

It’s a belief passed down through generations in many cultures around the world: "Don't wash your hair while you're on your period." For many, this has been a strict rule followed out of tradition or concern that it might lead to illness, headaches, or even stop the menstrual flow.

So, is there any truth to this old wives' tale? The direct and medically sound answer is no. It is perfectly safe and healthy to wash your hair during your period.

Where Did This Belief Come From?

This myth has no medical basis whatsoever. Its origins are largely rooted in cultural and historical beliefs about menstruation. In many ancient traditions, menstruation was considered a time of ritual impurity or vulnerability. It was believed that a menstruating person was more susceptible to "evil spirits" or that their body was in a state that should not be disturbed.

The idea that washing your hair could cause a problem might have come from a few places:

• Beliefs about Cold: Some traditions believed that exposing your body to cold, especially your head, could halt the natural flow of menstruation or cause an illness.

• A Time for Rest: In other cases, the rule may have been meant to encourage a person to rest and avoid strenuous activity, including the labor of washing and drying long hair with limited resources.

Over time, these cultural customs were passed down as rules, losing their original context and becoming a source of confusion and concern.

The Scientific Reality: An Independent Process

From a biological standpoint, washing your hair has absolutely no effect on your menstrual cycle or the shedding of your uterine lining.

• Separate Systems: Your reproductive system and your scalp are completely separate and function independently. Your menstrual flow is regulated by hormones, not by whether your hair is wet or dry.

• No Effect on Blood Flow: Getting your head wet will not slow down or stop the flow of menstrual blood. The contractions that cause your period are controlled by your body's internal processes, not external temperature.

In fact, maintaining your personal hygiene, including washing your hair, can be a great form of self-care during your period. It can make you feel clean, refreshed, and more comfortable.

The Bottom Line

The belief that you shouldn't wash your hair during your period is a myth, not a medical fact. While it's important to respect cultural traditions, it's also empowering to know the science behind your body.

The most important rule during your period is to listen to your body and do what makes you feel your best. If a warm shower and a clean scalp make you feel more comfortable and relaxed, there is absolutely no reason to avoid it.