Trends in hair care and cleansing: A knowledge, attitude, and practice study

Abstract

Background: In the present era, everyone would like to have healthy, glamorous, and shiny hair. The technology has advanced the cleansing and hair beautification process. Hair cleansing or washing is the act of keeping hair clean by washing with shampoos, soaps or other detergent products, and water. Shampoos aid in cleaning and maintenance of hair. Hair conditioners are used to improve hair's texture and manageability and give hair a smooth and resilient feel. Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe the knowledge, attitude, and practice of men and women toward cleansing of hair with respect to Indian scenario. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey conducted on male and female patients who attended dermatology outpatient department. A prestructured questionnaire about hair care and cleansing was used to assess 50 male and 50 female patients in the age group of 11–60 years. Results: In this study, we found that about 65% of participants washed their hair once a week. Hard water was used to wash hair by 44%, shampoos were used for cleansing in 65%, followed by soaps in 25%, no cleanser in 8%, and soap nut in 2%. Hair conditioners were used by 20%. Egg and other substances, such as hibiscus and soap nut, were used by 20% before cleansing. Oil before cleansing was used by 9%. About 48% of participants felt the need for a change of a cleanser after 6 months. The whole scalp hair was cleansed by 48% of the participants, whereas 14% concentrated more on the front of the scalp, followed by 6% who cleansed their hair ends more than the center or front. Conclusion: In the current Indian scenario, most of the people have to be counseled about the proper methods of hair cleansing and hair care, and to shrug out the age old myths concerning hair cleansing.

Keywords

• hair care
• hair cleansing
• shampoos