Stefan Hermans/istockphoto
READ MORE ABOUT:
Clean hair has often been associated with proper bodily hygiene. However, a new study out of the University of Missouri suggests that dirty hair may be good for overall bodily health. Why? Dirty hair absorbs seven times more ozone than clean hair does. That means, the ozone levels around the heads of the unwashed are substantially lower than the clean-headed. People with dirty hair would, in theory, breathe in less ozone.
Ground-level ozone is one of the more dangerous pollutants found in big cities. It's so harmful that citizens are often asked not to exercise outdoors during peak-ozone hours. People who live in cities with high levels of ozone are also 25%-35% more likely to die of lung cancer. I don't like those odds.
I would love to tell you that by not washing your hair as often, you will be able to avoid lung cancer. The authors of the study are hesitant to say if there is any benefit to keeping your hair dirty. They did go on record saying that "there may be a net benefit."
Having dirty hair is problematic as well. First off, it's kind of gross. Secondly, 4-oxopentanal, a pollutant, will get caught in your dirty hair and cause respiratory irritation, which is admittedly better than lung cancer but still bad.
What's the point of this article?
Well, I would suggest that skipping a shower here and there isn't so bad for your health. I believe that being overly clean may be just as problematic as being unclean. (I'm not a scientist or a doctor.) Skipping one ten-minute shower a week can save 25 gallons of water. That's good for the environment, and theoretically, it can keep your lungs bit healthier too.
More on Hair
Fertilize Your Garden with Hair!
Highlight Blonde Hair with... Rhubarb?
You Want to Do What with Your Empty Shampoo Bottle?
View and Vote: Green Celebrities
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
-
- {}
