Does Hair Hold Germs?

Most know that clothing, bedding, furniture, and other items can hold germs. But could your own hair be full of them? That’s the question of the day. In this article, we’ll share whether your hair could be harboring germs. Let’s get into it! 

Hair Can Hold Germs

Our hair acts like a sponge, absorbing water, smells, and pollution. But that’s not all. Yes, our hair can hold germs as well. If an ill person sneezes in your vicinity, the germs can latch onto your hair. If you touch your hair later and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes, there’s a chance you could contract that illness, too.

Try Not to Obsess About Germs in Hair

Remember that hair isn’t usually the way illnesses are passed around. Perhaps this is because viruses don’t tend to survive very long on the hair’s surface. They can survive much longer on your hands, which are usually germ-ridden. It’s for this reason that healthcare professionals recommend that you wash your hands before eating.

How to Reduce Germs in Your Hair

Shampooing your hair on a regular basis is enough to keep germs at an acceptable level. But if you want to take things a step further, try an antibacterial shampoo or a germ spray for hair. 

Still, we exist in a world covered in germs, so the effort likely won’t be worth it. You could wash your hair with your antibacterial shampoo or spritz it with your anti-germ spray and encounter germs again in minutes. Products that kill bacteria are better suited to those who have certain scalp conditions, such as:

• Folliculitis

• Dandruff

• Impetigo

Instead of trying to keep hair bacteria at a minimum, you may find it easier to avoid touching your hair while eating. That way, you won’t transfer bacteria to your hands and then ingest it along with your food. And ensure your hands are clean before you eat.

How Often to Wash Your Hair

Based on the information above, you might already suspect that the longer you go without washing your hair, the dirtier it will get, and the more viruses it may be harboring. If that’s what you thought, you’d be right. But that doesn’t mean that you should wash your hair incessantly. You’ve got to consider your hair type, how healthy your hair is, and more.

In general, most people find that washing their hair one to three times a week works best. Everyone’s hair is different, though, and you might need to try multiple hair-washing frequencies to find out what works best for you. Don’t know what type of shampoo to use? Read this article.

So, there you have it - hair can hold germs, but that’s no reason to panic. Just remember proper hand hygiene and live your life. Side note: If you haven’t experienced the transformative results Daily Dose leave-in conditioner brings, the time to treat your hair is now! Check it out here. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your hair now and in the future.

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.