Don't Use Hand Sanitizer on Your Hair - The Risks and Safer Alternatives

The Effects of Using Hand Sanitizer on Your Hair and Scalp

Hand sanitizers are effective for killing germs on your hands when soap and water aren't available. But some people have taken to using hand sanitizers on other parts of their bodies, including their hair and scalp. Does this practice actually offer any benefits, or could it be damaging?

Let's explore how hand sanitizer works, its ingredients, and the potential risks and side effects of using it on your hair. We'll also cover safer alternatives for keeping your locks clean between washes.

How Hand Sanitizers Work on Germs

Hand sanitizers contain ingredients like alcohol, benzalkonium chloride, and benzethonium chloride that help rapidly destroy bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. When you rub hand sanitizer over your hands, these antimicrobial agents break down the germs' proteins and lipids, effectively killing them or deactivating them.

Hand sanitizers work so quickly that most formulas kill over 99.9% of germs in less than 30 seconds. This makes them highly convenient when soap and water aren't around. Just a small dollop rubbed thoroughly over your hands can instantly zap away contagions.

Active Ingredients in Hand Sanitizers

Here are the most common active germ-fighting ingredients found in hand sanitizer formulas:

• Alcohol - Usually isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. Makes up 60-95% of most hand sanitizers.
• Benzalkonium chloride - An antimicrobial agent derived from the organic compound benzyl.
• Benzethonium chloride - A germ-killing ingredient commonly used in skin antiseptics.
• Triclosan - An antibacterial agent now restricted by the FDA due to safety concerns.

Some sanitizers also contain hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, or povidone-iodine. Look for an alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol for the most reliable germ-fighting action.

Dangers of Using Hand Sanitizer on Hair

While hand sanitizers are designed for use on the hands, some people apply them to their hair. However, this carries several risks and downsides:

• Skin and eye irritation - Getting hand sanitizer on your scalp or in your eyes can cause burning, stinging, and redness.
• Dryness - The alcohol in hand sanitizers strips moisture from your hair and scalp, worsening dryness or frizz.
• Damage - Harsh ingredients like alcohol can weaken hair strands, increasing breakage and split ends.
• Scalp disruption - Overuse could throw off the pH balance of your scalp and impact hair growth.
• Toxic exposure - Ingesting hand sanitizer can cause alcohol poisoning, especially in children.

Hand sanitizers just aren't designed for repeated use on anything but your hands. The benefits don't outweigh the risks of misusing these antibacterial products on large surface areas like your scalp and hair.

Does Hand Sanitizer Even Kill Germs on Hair?

There's no evidence that using hand sanitizers on your hair will actually kill a significant number of germs or offer any extra cleanliness. Your hair and scalp don't harbor nearly as many microbes as your hands, which touch dirty surfaces all day long.

Your scalp's natural oils also make it difficult for hand sanitizers to penetrate deeply enough to kill germs residing on the skin under your hair. So this practice really offers no germ-fighting advantage.

Better Options for Cleansing Hair Between Washes

If you want to refresh your hair between wash days, stick to gentler products designed for hair, not hands:

• Dry shampoo - Absorbs oil and adds volume at the roots.
• Cleansing conditioner - Gently cleanses without drying out hair.
• Diluted apple cider vinegar - Has antimicrobial properties without harshness.
• Water only - Rinse hair with water to remove buildup.

You can also use a boar bristle brush to distribute your scalp's natural oils down the hair shafts for a quick shine boost between washes.

Signs of Scalp and Hair Damage from Hand Sanitizer

Using hand sanitizer occasionally likely won't cause lasting damage. But frequent use can take a toll on your scalp and hair. Look for these signs of hand sanitizer-related damage:

• Inflamed, itchy, dry scalp
• Brittle, breaking hair
• Increase in split ends
• Hair falling out more than usual
• Lackluster, dry hair texture
• Reduced softness and shine

Discontinue using the hand sanitizer immediately if you notice any irritation or damage. See a dermatologist if scalp irritation persists. For hair damage, resist the urge to aggressively brush or style until hair has recovered.

Tips for Repairing Hair Health After Hand Sanitizer Use

To nurse your scalp and hair back to full health after any hand sanitizer-related setbacks:

• Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
• Cut back to washing 1-2 times per week.
• Brush hair gently with a wide-tooth comb.
• Avoid heat styling tools until hair is repaired.
• Apply an oil or hair mask 1-2 times per week.
• Trim any split ends.
• Take biotin supplements to support hair growth.

With time and TLC, your hair should regain its natural softness, shine, and strength.

When to See a Doctor about Hair or Scalp Issues

You should make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist if you experience:

• Lasting itchiness, redness, or tenderness of the scalp
• Significant hair loss or thinning
• No improvement in damage after stopping hand sanitizer use
• Sores, bumps, or other abnormalities on the scalp

A skin or hair disorder may require prescription treatments to resolve. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.

The Takeaway

Hand sanitizers are meant for your hands only. Putting these harsh antimicrobial products on your hair and scalp can cause irritation, dryness, breakage, and other unwanted effects. For hair refreshing between washes, stick to gentler options like dry shampoo. With proper care, your hair can bounce back from any hand sanitizer-related damage.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.