There are many myths circulating about women who are menstruating. One of them is the prohibition on washing hair or shampooing during monthly guests. So, is it true that you shouldn't wash your hair while you're menstruating?
Shampooing is a form of hair care that should be done regularly. Besides being useful for removing dirt and oil on the scalp, shampooing can also prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria that are easier to grow on oily scalps.
Washing Hair During Menstruation Can Be Done
Although the purpose of shampooing is very good for health and maintaining appearance, not a few women believe that washing hair or shampooing during menstruation can be harmful to health.
Some of them believe that when they are menstruating, the pores on the scalp will open wide, so shampooing at this time can trigger headaches. Others think that shampooing during menstruation can increase the menstrual blood that comes out or vice versa, inhibit blood flow.
Actually, this assumption is a myth that you don't need to believe. Until now, there have been no studies or case studies that report the dangers of shampooing while menstruating.
In fact, washing hair during menstruation needs to be done more often than usual. This is because during menstruation, the production of sebum or oil on the scalp will increase. So, during menstruation you may feel that your hair is easier to limp compared to when you are not menstruating.
Imagine if you don't wash your hair during your period, while generally your period is 2-7 days. Oil on your scalp can build up and cause inflammation. As a result, you can experience an itchy scalp, dandruff, and an unpleasant smell in your hair.
Besides not being allowed to wash your hair, there is also a myth that during menstruation women are forbidden to take a bath. This prohibition is completely unreasonable and does not need to be followed, yes. In fact, showering during your period, especially using warm water, can help relieve stomach cramps and improve your blood flow.
Tips for Maintaining Cleanliness During Menstruation
Maintaining cleanliness should actually be improved when you are menstruating. For that, there are some tips that you can follow, including:
- Use pads and change every 3 or 5 hours.
- If you use disposable sanitary napkins, wrap the used sanitary napkins in a plastic or paper bag, then throw them in the trash.
- When you use menstrual cup or menstrual pad that can be reused, wash thoroughly with soap and dry in the sun to dry before using them again.
- Keep bathing regularly 2 times a day.
- Wash your hair or shampoo if your hair feels limp.
- Clean the vaginal area after urinating, defecating, or when changing sanitary napkins. Make sure you prioritize washing the vagina over the anus, not the other way around.
- Don't forget to wash your hands with soap until they are clean every time you finish using the bathroom and before doing the next activity.
By knowing the information above, now you don't need to hesitate to take a shower or wash your hair during menstruation, right? Are you menstruating or not, you still have to maintain personal hygiene, so that you are protected from various types of diseases.
If you still have questions about menstruation or body hygiene during menstruation, don't hesitate to ask your doctor. You can directly consult via chat with doctors in the ALODOKTER application.
