Can You Wash Hair During Periods? Debunking the Myth

• Researched and written by: Nishtha Chaudhary, MSc (Digital Marketing Strategy)

• Edited by: Vaibhavi Kodnani

• Medical inputs by: Dr Poonguzhali Liston, MBBS, MS OBG, FMAS, DRM, FRM, CIMP

• Medically reviewed by: Dr Yash Bahuguna, MBBS, MS, DNB, ISGE Certified Practitioner for PCOS

TL;DR

• Washing hair and bathing during periods is completely safe. There is no scientific evidence that water exposure affects menstruation.

• A hair wash does not stop menstrual blood flow. The menstrual cycle is regulated by internal hormonal changes, not external factors like water.

• Hormonal changes during periods can increase scalp oil, so continuing to wash hair can help manage greasiness or dandruff.

• A warm bath or warm shower may provide relief by relaxing pelvic muscles and easing period cramps.

• Maintaining good hygiene during periods helps prevent irritation or infections and supports overall well-being. 

Washing Your Hair and Menstruation: What’s the Connection?

For generations, many cultures across South Asia have passed down the belief that women should not wash their hair during their periods.[1] Some versions of this belief go further, suggesting avoiding bathing on the first three days, delaying a head bath, or skipping shampooing altogether.[1] 

You may have heard different explanations behind this belief: contact with water during your period could stop menstrual blood flow, cause future health issues, or affect fertility.[2] 

However, menstruation is a natural part of the menstrual cycle. Each month, your body goes through various hormonal changes and prepares for a potential pregnancy. When pregnancy does not occur, hormonal shifts cause the lining of the uterus to shed, resulting in a period.[3] 

Because menstruation is driven by internal hormonal changes, external factors like washing your hair have no effect on it. 

Debunking Common Myths Related to Washing Hair During Periods

There are several bathing and hair washing myths that can cause unnecessary anxiety when you're on your period. Understanding the science behind these myths can help you make better decisions. 

Does washing hair on your period decrease blood flow?

Origin of the belief: This belief stems from the idea that exposure to cold water on the scalp can cause vasoconstriction, or narrowing of blood vessels. Some people assume this could reduce blood circulation and potentially decrease menstrual blood flow.[4] 

What science says: Menstrual bleeding is regulated by hormonal changes within the uterus. When estrogen and progesterone levels fall just before a period, this drop triggers the release of hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins. These compounds cause uterine contractions and help regulate blood flow as the uterine lining breaks down and sheds.[6] External activities such as washing your hair or bathing do not influence these hormonal processes.

Final verdict: There is no evidence that washing your hair affects menstrual blood flow. It is completely safe to wash your hair whenever you choose.

Does showering on your period make you infertile?

Origin of the belief: In certain South Asian communities, missed or irregular periods are commonly associated with infertility. Because of this belief, people sometimes discourage activities such as bathing during menstruation, assuming that exposure to water might stop menstrual bleeding and harm future fertility.[2]

What science says: Fertility depends on biological processes that take place inside the body. Hormones released by the brain send signals to the ovaries to regulate ovulation and the menstrual cycle.[7] Bathing does not interact with these internal reproductive processes or affect the ability to conceive. Many other factors can influence fertility, including age, overall reproductive health, and certain lifestyle factors like smoking or alcohol use.[8]

Final verdict: There is no evidence linking bathing or washing hair during menstruation with fertility problems.

Is taking a bath during your period harmful?

Origin of the belief: In some communities, people have traditionally advised women to avoid bathing during periods because they believed it could cause irregular periods, body aches, or swelling.[2] These ideas likely developed from misunderstandings about menstrual symptoms and the discomfort many people experience during their period. 

What science says: Bathing does not interfere with your period. In fact, warm water may help relax pelvic muscles and ease period cramps.[9]

Additionally, hormonal changes during menstruation can lead to higher oil production in the scalp.[10] This means regular hair washing can help manage oiliness and keep the scalp clean during your period.

Final verdict: There’s no evidence that bathing during periods is harmful. Maintaining menstrual hygiene is safe and beneficial.

What’s a Comfortable and Safe Way to Bathe During Your Period?

Maintaining personal hygiene during your period goes beyond cleanliness; it can also help ease physical symptoms such as period cramps and fatigue.

Tips on taking a bath 

Bathing with warm water is generally the most comfortable option during menstruation. It can help relax uterine muscles, improve local blood flow, and ease cramps, lower back pain, and thigh pain. These benefits are supported by research on heat therapy for menstrual pain.[9]

Here are some tips you may follow:

• Take a short warm shower or a 15–20 minute warm bath.

• Avoid very hot water, as it can sometimes cause tiredness, lightheadedness, or a temporary drop in blood pressure.[13] This may feel more noticeable if you already have low energy or are prone to dizziness during your period due to blood pressure changes or anemia. 

• If you are tired or dizzy, consider taking a bath while being seated on a stool. Also, make sure someone is at home to help if needed.

Tips on shampooing

There is no reason to avoid washing your hair during your period. You can continue to wash your hair using your usual shampoo or soap and normal routine.

Some people notice that the scalp feels oilier around their period due to hormonal fluctuations that affect oil production.[10] This is normal, and washing your hair as needed can help maintain cleanliness. 

Remember: If you feel particularly tired, dizzy, or unwell during the first few days of your period, you may choose to delay washing your hair until you feel better. 

Tips on cleaning the intimate area

Maintaining proper period hygiene also involves gentle care of the intimate area. The vagina is naturally self-cleaning, meaning it maintains its own acid-base balance (pH) and healthy bacteria, so it does not need internal washing. Only the outer vaginal area (vulva) needs regular cleaning.[14]

Good hygiene practices include:[14,15]

• Wash the vulva with warm water. If needed, you may use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid strong, fragrant cleansers as they can irritate these sensitive tissues.

• Clean the intimate area gently with your hands rather than scrubbing. Over-washing or irritation can disturb the natural protective environment of the vulva.

• Do not douche or insert cleansing products into the vagina. This can disrupt the natural bacterial balance and increase the risk of vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis. 

Berry's Guide: How to Maintain Period Hygiene

Following a proper period hygiene routine can help prevent bacterial growth and skin irritation and support your overall well-being. These practices are supported by medical evidence and research on menstrual health.[14,15]

• Change products every 4–8 hours: Whether using pads or tampons, regularly changing to fresh products can help prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth. If you have a heavier flow, more frequent changes may be necessary to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of skin irritation. If you use a menstrual cup, empty and clean it daily, and sanitise it after your period ends. 

• Change products before and after bathing: It is good practice to remove your used pad or tampon before bathing and replace it with a fresh one after drying off. This helps maintain cleanliness and prevents prolonged moisture exposure.

• Wash your hands before and after changing products: Hand hygiene is essential. This simple step helps prevent the transfer of bacteria to the sensitive genital area.

• Wear breathable cotton underwear: Synthetic fabrics can trap heat and moisture, which may cause fungal growth and increase the likelihood of irritation. Cotton underwear allows better airflow, helping keep the area dry and comfortable.

• Wipe from front to back: This simple but important practice helps prevent bacteria from the anal area from spreading to the vagina. It becomes particularly important during menstruation, when the genital area is more exposed to moisture and blood.

• Clean the hair and scalp: If your scalp feels oilier than usual during your period, wash your hair as needed.

The Bottom Line

Washing hair during your period is completely safe. Cultural myths about hair washing or bathing during periods affecting blood flow or fertility lack medical evidence. Hormonal changes can increase oil production and skin sensitivity, making proper hygiene during menstruation even more important. Regular bathing and hair washing can help maintain cleanliness and may also ease symptoms such as period cramps. If you have further concerns about your menstrual health or symptoms, it’s best to discuss with a doctor. 

FAQs on Washing Hair During Menstruation

Does your period affect your hair?

Yes, hormonal changes during menstruation can increase scalp oil production, contributing to greasiness, hair fall, or dandruff. 

Can I wash my hair during the first day of my period?

Yes, it is completely safe to wash your hair on the first day of your period. In fact, you can wash your hair on any day of your cycle.

What should you avoid during your period?

Avoid douching or using scented intimate products, as they can disrupt the vagina’s natural balance. Do not leave tampons in place for more than 8 hours. Change pads and empty menstrual cups regularly to maintain hygiene.

References

1. Garg S, Anand T. Menstruation related myths in India: strategies for combating it. Journal of family medicine and primary care. 2015 Apr 1;4(2):184-6.

2. Minnal A, Zaidi MZ, Ashraf M, Khan A, Abdullah MA, Shaikh BT. Menstrual health hygiene, awareness, myths, and health-seeking behaviors among women: A qualitative study from a peri-urban settlement of Islamabad, Pakistan. Journal of Public Health Research. 2025 Nov;14(4):22799036251399277.

3. Thiyagarajan DK, Basit H, Jeanmonod R. Physiology, menstrual cycle. InStatPearls [Internet] 2024 Sep 27. StatPearls Publishing.

4. Espeland D, de Weerd L, Mercer JB. Health effects of voluntary exposure to cold water–a continuing subject of debate. International journal of circumpolar health. 2022 Dec 31;81(1):2111789.

5. Rothchild J, Piya PS. Rituals, taboos, and seclusion: Life stories of women navigating culture and pushing for change in Nepal. The Palgrave handbook of critical menstruation studies. 2020 Jul 25:915-29.

6. Gasner A, Aatsha PA. Physiology, uterus. InStatPearls [Internet] 2023 Jul 30. StatPearls Publishing.

7. Reed BG, Carr BR. The normal menstrual cycle and the control of ovulation.

8. Sharma R, Biedenharn KR, Fedor JM, Agarwal A. Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of your fertility. Reproductive biology and endocrinology. 2013 Jul 16;11(1):66.

9. Jo J, Lee SH. Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life. Scientific reports. 2018 Nov 2;8(1):16252.

10. Grymowicz M, Rudnicka E, Podfigurna A, Napierala P, Smolarczyk R, Smolarczyk K, Meczekalski B. Hormonal effects on hair follicles. International journal of molecular sciences. 2020 Jan;21(15):5342.

11. Birch MP, Messenger A. ‘Bad hair days’, scalp sebum excretion and the menstrual cycle. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2003 Jul;2(3‐4):190-4.

12. Zouboulis CC, Deloche C, Faure J, Deuel E, Taieb C, Skayem C, Kovylkina N. Menstrual cycle patterns as a key to understand hair and scalp disorders: An international study on 17,009 women. Journal of Womens Health and Development. 2024 Dec 20;7(4):177-83.

13. Steward CJ, Menzies C, Clarke ND, Harwood AE, Hill M, Pugh CJ, Thake CD, Cullen T. The effect of age and mitigation strategies during hot water immersion on orthostatic intolerance and thermal stress. Experimental Physiology. 2023 Apr;108(4):554-67.

14. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy Habits: Menstrual Hygiene. Accessed March 4, 2026

15. Lohova-Matisa E, Rezeberga D, Miskova A. Feminine Intimate Hygiene: A Review of Healthy and Unhealthy Habits in Women. Medicina. 2025 Jul 19;61(7):1302.