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29
“I Can Smell It From Here”: Man Who Hasn’t Used Shampoo For 8 Years Reveals Remarkable Results
A man vowed 8 years ago to avoid shampoo for a lifetime to solve what seemed like an incurable scalp disease that had him “covered in grotesque flakes,” causing him extreme itching.
Aidan started his YouTube channel by going viral with a video on May 11, 2016, showcasing the extreme level of dandruff present on his scalp. The video gained more than a million views and led to his first no-shampoo update two years later.
Highlights
- Aidan stopped using shampoo 8 years ago and found it solved his scalp disease.
- He reported significant improvements in scalp health and hair quality.
- Aidan advocates for 'no shampoo', attributing better hair health to natural oils.
- Experts warn that not using shampoo may increase fungal growth on the scalp.
“Shampoo was only invented around 100 years ago, and human beings didn’t have disgusting hair before that point, so let’s just quit using it and see what happens,” he said in the video.
The change was almost immediate, with a healthy head of hair growing where there was none before and a scalp free of flakes or irritation. The video surpassed his first testimonial, generating over 10 million views and cementing a consistent trend of the man documenting his progress, urging others to follow in his footsteps.
RELATED:
A YouTuber showed the results of his 8-year-long journey using nothing but water to wash his hair, stating that it has “improved his hair” significantly
Image credits: Garden of Aidan
Aidan’s scalp problem forced him to endure restless nights, scratching his head to the point of self-injury and trying multiple shampoos with no success. “I eventually discerned that the shampoo was actually making this problem worse,” he explained.
Fed up with his condition, he decided to stop using hair products, including conditioner. “I very quickly found that this actually relieved my scalp,” he recalled.
Image credits: Freepik (Not the actual image)
His renewed confidence led him to allow his hair to grow again, as he had been shaving it in hopes of stopping the itching. Its quality surprised him. “It was a lot nicer without using shampoo,” he revealed, stating that it had grown thicker, softer, and healthier than when he was using haircare products.
Image credits: Garden of Aidan
Aidan, who kept his promise by uploading an update video celebrating 8 years without shampoo on September 9, finds shampoo so detrimental to hair health because it strips away the scalp’s natural oils.
Aidan wants others to try his method, stating that it cured his scalp condition and left him with healthier locks than ever before
Image credits: Garden of Aidan
He explains that when these oils are artificially removed, the body compensates by producing extra amounts, creating a vicious cycle that can lead to excess sebum production in people with naturally greasy skin.
“When you quit using shampoo, your scalp is still producing all this excess oil,” he says. Over time, however, the scalp adjusts. “You can break that cycle, and your scalp will adapt to produce the amount of oil it should.”
The YouTuber warned those interested in trying his method that the initial period would be uncomfortable, as the hair would be more oily than usual. Still, he urged them to stick with it, pointing to his progress as proof.
“I haven’t used shampoo, conditioner, or hair products for the last eight years. It improved my scalp condition—or completely fixed it—and it also improved my hair health,” he stated. “Why not try it?”
Experts state that not using shampoo can contribute to the proliferation of Malassezia, a fungus that can cause skin diseases and feeds on sebum
Image credits: Garden of Aidan
Aidan is not alone in his belief, as the rejection of shampoo has created a movement called “No Poo,” with online communities sharing their success stories of using only water to wash their hair.
On the other hand, a joint study conducted by dermatologists from the universities of Ohio and Minnesota concluded that decreased shampoo wash frequency resulted in longer accumulation times for secreted sebum, which, upon reaching the surface, gets chemically altered and irritating.
“In an epidemiological work studying Caucasian, Chinese, and African American individuals, lower shampoo wash frequency was associated with a higher prevalence of scalp issues such as dandruff,” the paper read. “Low wash frequency has also been observed to result in increased prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis in African Americans.”
Image credits: Freepik (Not the actual image)
The study points towards Malassezia, a fungus commonly found on the human scalp, as the main culprit behind scalp issues. The organism thrives in the oily environment created by accumulated sebum, significantly when shampoo use is reduced or eliminated, as it feeds on the lipids.
However, it’s important to note that Procter & Gamble, the company behind the popular shampoo brands Head & Shoulders and Pantene, funded the study.
Netizens gave mixed reactions to Aidan’s method, with some criticizing him for a perceived lack of hygiene and others advocating for it
Image credits: Karina Carvalho / Unsplash (Not the actual image)
“I can smell it from here,” one user joked. “I would be so itchy if I couldn’t wash my hair at least once weekly.”
“Yeah, the results were that he didn’t get laid,” another laughed.
“My son hasn’t washed his hair with shampoo for about 15 years, and it’s thick, curly, and gorgeous!” a reader shared.
While not fully agreeing with Aidan’s no-shampoo method, others shared the benefits they’ve experienced by washing their hair with less frequency.
“I hate that there is a ton of truth in this. I stopped washing my hair as often (once every week or two), and my hair is way less greasy,” one reader said.
“I wash my hair 2 times a week, and it’s so much healthier and less greasy,” another explained. “I had to switch from showering daily to every couple of days because I have psoriasis, and showering daily causes a flare-up.”
“I would be so itchy.” While some users agreed with the idea of washing less frequently, most were skeptical about quitting shampoo altogether
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What do you think ?
~nope~ 4 weeks ago
Literally everyone has a different body, why is this even a debate 😭 just do what works for you and let’s not argue over it
Woodsie 4 weeks ago
I wash my hair and lot less than I used to. Was washing it every other day and it was always oily. Now I wash it once a week, I may need to use dry shampoo on the 5th day or 6th day, I use a good quality dry shampoo and good shampoo and conditioner, wash my hair twice. It's much healthier than when I was washing it more frequently.
Al Fun 4 weeks ago
Did this guy ever get medical attention? This sounds like a case for the dermatologist.
LouLou 4 weeks ago
That's what I thought, it's a skin condition that was being triggered by shampoo. But on the other hand, he solved it himself and he's happy with the solution
Load More Replies...
BrownEyedPanda 4 weeks ago (edited)
There are so many schools of thought on this subject, it's difficult to align with just one. Some people find it necessary to wash their hair two or more times a week; others, once a week. For African-American hair (very coily), it's advised to wash the hair once a week or every two weeks, as excessive washing can dry out both scalp and hair, increasing irritation and reducing tensile strength in the hair.
Kelly Scott 4 weeks ago
You have to go several months without "washing the hair" before your scalp adjusts. I've never been able to find out if that meant not washing entirely or just washing with water. I tried no poo for a month and my hair was still greasy and oily. I then washed it in warm water and in a week, it was greasy and oily again. So I gave up. If I was doing something wrong, someone please let me know. Personally, I would think skin and hair depends more on your diet than washing/not washing the hair.
Bat cat in a hat 4 weeks ago
It need many months to adjust, start leaving an extra day between washing the hair for a few weeks, then leave two extra days and so on. It varies depending on weather, exercise, diet etc but you need to take it slow.
Load More Replies...
Lisa T 4 weeks ago
My adult son stopped using shampoo a while back, just washes with water (every day). It always looks clean and doesn’t smell. I also used to wash my hair every day due to oiliness/dandruff. Now I’ve cut down to 2-3 times a week and my hair is so much better. Shampoo strips natural oils and therefore if you use it every day, your hair creates more oils to counteract it
zububonsai 4 weeks ago (edited)
Yes, my partner does the same, washing his hair daily only with water but without shampoo. He smells not at all and his hair looks clean (maybe like a biiit like "day2"?). He solved his psoriasis/snow flake scalp problem this way on his own. When we met 15years ago he had massive psoriasis, open wounds, red irritated bumps, overproducing oil himself... it was a mess. We tried different shampoos (like his GP recommended) ...and in the end he decided to skip the products and just do the "water washing".
Load More Replies...
PeachPossum 4 weeks ago
Some shampoos have overly strong detergents that strip the hair and scalp of natural oils and lubricants. If skipping one day turns your head into a giant greaseball, switch to a milder shampoo, like baby shampoo. I have eczema. Since I work full time from home, I no longer need to shampoo every day or every other day. I'm down to once a week, and my eczema flareups are almost nonexistent. Now that cold, dry weather is here, I do have a bit more of a problem but nothing that can't be solved with moisturizers.
Deta Rossiter 3 weeks ago
not using shampoo, and not washing your hair is two different things, using shampoo make smy hair dry and afro like, not using shampoo, with regular rinsing bring out the natural curls in my hair, and my hair does not stink either.
BrokeDog 4 weeks ago
I suffer from psoriasis … and my scalp is severely irritated , all the time. We are in the long process of trying to find the right meds, etc., to calm down the non-stop, body-wide irritation (also causing extreme psoriatic arthritis )! My hair is SO oily, tho … I cannot see going shampoo free … EVER!
Veronica Jean 4 weeks ago
Ditching shampoo is not new: in fact, many curly haired people have discovered shampoo is awful for your hair and scalp. However, most use an alternative, non lathering method to cleanse rather than nothing. It does work well :)
PrettyJoyBird 4 weeks ago
Article said he still washes with water when showering
Load More Replies...
Surly Scot 4 weeks ago
I tried this and managed almost 4weeks before the smell was making me gag and I had to go back to at least using soap in my hair. Sorry, this doesn't work for everyone.
Bad Alchemy 4 weeks ago
Frankly, I'm really tired of people promoting not showering or using soap or another product, because they think it's better for you and "natural." Ya'll can't smell yourselves, but we can. If you have sensitive skin, find a simple, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, weird chemicals-free product and go with that, but use something for crying out loud.
Laserleader 4 weeks ago (edited)
History: Shampoo was created by a woman of African origins in the southern part of the US to combat severe scalp damage and hair loss of people who worked in open fields with little ability to wash afterwards. It is a MEDICINE that reduces acne and fungus, increases moisture, and removes dirt. Conditioner was invented later to add lipids and proteins to hair that is stripped by shampoo.
Panda Boom 4 weeks ago
When you say "created by", what do you mean? Shampoos have been used since ancient times.
Load More Replies... ~nope~ 4 weeks ago
Literally everyone has a different body, why is this even a debate 😭 just do what works for you and let’s not argue over it
Woodsie 4 weeks ago
I wash my hair and lot less than I used to. Was washing it every other day and it was always oily. Now I wash it once a week, I may need to use dry shampoo on the 5th day or 6th day, I use a good quality dry shampoo and good shampoo and conditioner, wash my hair twice. It's much healthier than when I was washing it more frequently.
Al Fun 4 weeks ago
Did this guy ever get medical attention? This sounds like a case for the dermatologist.
LouLou 4 weeks ago
That's what I thought, it's a skin condition that was being triggered by shampoo. But on the other hand, he solved it himself and he's happy with the solution
Load More Replies... BrownEyedPanda 4 weeks ago (edited)
There are so many schools of thought on this subject, it's difficult to align with just one. Some people find it necessary to wash their hair two or more times a week; others, once a week. For African-American hair (very coily), it's advised to wash the hair once a week or every two weeks, as excessive washing can dry out both scalp and hair, increasing irritation and reducing tensile strength in the hair.
Kelly Scott 4 weeks ago
You have to go several months without "washing the hair" before your scalp adjusts. I've never been able to find out if that meant not washing entirely or just washing with water. I tried no poo for a month and my hair was still greasy and oily. I then washed it in warm water and in a week, it was greasy and oily again. So I gave up. If I was doing something wrong, someone please let me know. Personally, I would think skin and hair depends more on your diet than washing/not washing the hair.
Bat cat in a hat 4 weeks ago
It need many months to adjust, start leaving an extra day between washing the hair for a few weeks, then leave two extra days and so on. It varies depending on weather, exercise, diet etc but you need to take it slow.
Load More Replies... Lisa T 4 weeks ago
My adult son stopped using shampoo a while back, just washes with water (every day). It always looks clean and doesn’t smell. I also used to wash my hair every day due to oiliness/dandruff. Now I’ve cut down to 2-3 times a week and my hair is so much better. Shampoo strips natural oils and therefore if you use it every day, your hair creates more oils to counteract it
zububonsai 4 weeks ago (edited)
Yes, my partner does the same, washing his hair daily only with water but without shampoo. He smells not at all and his hair looks clean (maybe like a biiit like "day2"?). He solved his psoriasis/snow flake scalp problem this way on his own. When we met 15years ago he had massive psoriasis, open wounds, red irritated bumps, overproducing oil himself... it was a mess. We tried different shampoos (like his GP recommended) ...and in the end he decided to skip the products and just do the "water washing".
Load More Replies... PeachPossum 4 weeks ago
Some shampoos have overly strong detergents that strip the hair and scalp of natural oils and lubricants. If skipping one day turns your head into a giant greaseball, switch to a milder shampoo, like baby shampoo. I have eczema. Since I work full time from home, I no longer need to shampoo every day or every other day. I'm down to once a week, and my eczema flareups are almost nonexistent. Now that cold, dry weather is here, I do have a bit more of a problem but nothing that can't be solved with moisturizers.
Deta Rossiter 3 weeks ago
not using shampoo, and not washing your hair is two different things, using shampoo make smy hair dry and afro like, not using shampoo, with regular rinsing bring out the natural curls in my hair, and my hair does not stink either.
BrokeDog 4 weeks ago
I suffer from psoriasis … and my scalp is severely irritated , all the time. We are in the long process of trying to find the right meds, etc., to calm down the non-stop, body-wide irritation (also causing extreme psoriatic arthritis )! My hair is SO oily, tho … I cannot see going shampoo free … EVER!
Veronica Jean 4 weeks ago
Ditching shampoo is not new: in fact, many curly haired people have discovered shampoo is awful for your hair and scalp. However, most use an alternative, non lathering method to cleanse rather than nothing. It does work well :)
PrettyJoyBird 4 weeks ago
Article said he still washes with water when showering
Load More Replies... Surly Scot 4 weeks ago
I tried this and managed almost 4weeks before the smell was making me gag and I had to go back to at least using soap in my hair. Sorry, this doesn't work for everyone.
Bad Alchemy 4 weeks ago
Frankly, I'm really tired of people promoting not showering or using soap or another product, because they think it's better for you and "natural." Ya'll can't smell yourselves, but we can. If you have sensitive skin, find a simple, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, weird chemicals-free product and go with that, but use something for crying out loud.
Laserleader 4 weeks ago (edited)
History: Shampoo was created by a woman of African origins in the southern part of the US to combat severe scalp damage and hair loss of people who worked in open fields with little ability to wash afterwards. It is a MEDICINE that reduces acne and fungus, increases moisture, and removes dirt. Conditioner was invented later to add lipids and proteins to hair that is stripped by shampoo.
Panda Boom 4 weeks ago
When you say "created by", what do you mean? Shampoos have been used since ancient times.
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