Practices around hygiene stir up some strong reactions, disgust being a common one. It can be hard to discern between successful marketing that has invented the problems its products solve and passing health fads.
The line between what makes hygiene practices unpopular or non-negotiable may be thinner than you think.
Here are 12 unpopular hygiene practices that test the limits of what we believe to be healthy or just plain gross.
Washing Your Hair Every 10 Days
Some swear that washing their hair every 10 days (or less) has improved their scalp condition and made their hair silkier and less oily. For those with longer locks, using a good quality brush to distribute natural oils down the strands is said to keep hair in tip-top condition in the days between washing.
Using Unscented Soap
Body, laundry, and face soap—it could be better for your skin if you use unscented versions. Some people have reported that their dermatitis, skin rashes, dryness, and eczema have vanished since forgoing fragrance. It also means no other scents clash with your perfume or cologne.
Never Wearing Polyester
It’s not you; it’s the socks. When wearing polyester socks, the unbreathable fabric breeds bacteria and is probably the culprit of foot odor. The same goes for polyester clothing, especially gym wear. Though it could be less convenient (and even more expensive), wearing natural, antibacterial, breathable fabrics is better for skin health.
Cleaning Your Ears Without Cotton Swabs
Instead of cotton swabs, some people use ear irrigation kits or simply allow water to rinse their ears during showers. They argue that cotton swabs push wax further in, creating blockages. Although this approach is safer for ear health, it can be unsettling for those used to the squeaky-clean feeling swabs provide.
Using Glycolic Acid on Your Armpits
Using acid on your body does not sound appealing. However, mild glycolic acid is generally considered safe to use on your skin. It sloughs off dead cells that can clog pores and hair follicles, reducing breakouts and ingrown hairs. Many say applying it under their arms every few days is the secret to reducing sweating and body odor.
Flossing Before Brushing
It may seem counterintuitive, but some dentists say flossing before brushing is the correct way to clean teeth. It removes plaque and food particles so your toothbrush can reach crevices better.
Washing Your Face with Only Water
There is so much marketing around cleansers being the only way to clean your face. They line shelves in pharmacies and department stores, so it can be hard to believe that forgoing them won’t lead to breakouts and other skin conditions. But a surprising number of people say that using only water to wash their face has saved their skin.
Washing Less Frequently
People are often horrified when someone says they don’t shower every day. But some severe dry skin and eczema sufferers say washing so frequently is painful, leaving their skin stripped of oils, inflamed, and unbearably itchy. They also say no one notices, as they don’t smell and their skin is in better condition.
Brushing Your Teeth in the Shower
Brushing your teeth in the shower is an interesting way to multitask. While some are appalled at the thought, others say they find it relaxing, and as a result, they don’t rush cleaning their teeth.
Only Washing Certain Body Parts with Soap
The argument about stripping your body of natural oils comes up often with these kinds of hygiene practices. Only washing the chest, underarms, and intimate areas with soap and the rest of the body with water is, for some, a way to stay hygienic without causing damage to their skin’s natural defense system.
Using Baking Soda as Toothpaste
Some people skip commercial toothpaste altogether and use baking soda instead. They claim it’s an effective way to whiten teeth, remove plaque, and freshen breath without the additives found in store-bought options. However, critics warn that its abrasiveness could harm enamel if overused.
Using Oil Instead of Deodorant
Some people swear by natural oils like coconut or tea tree oil as alternatives to traditional deodorant. These oils have antibacterial properties, which can help reduce odor without the synthetic ingredients found in many commercial products. While not everyone is a fan, supporters say it’s a game-changer for sensitive skin.
To Wash or Not to Wash
Do we need to scrub away negative hygiene biases? We need to look at the cold (pun intended) hard evidence. If you feel your skin and overall health are improved, it proves the practice is hygienic – no matter what shampoo and cleanser bottles tell us. Stepping out of our comfort zone could be the self-care you never knew you needed. Just make sure it’s medically sound.
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