Can You Wash Your Hair With Hand Sanitizer Instead Of Shampoo?

Can You Use Hand Sanitizer as Shampoo?

can you use hand sanitizer as shampoo

Are you out of shampoo but stocked up on hand sanitizer? Good news: you can use that hand sanitizer as a quick substitute to wash your hair.

The alcohol in hand sanitizer can absorb moisture, which in turn removes the excess oils from your hair. And if there are any germs or bacteria in your hair, the hand sanitizer helps eliminate those as well.

So, can you wash your hair with hand sanitizer? The answer is yes – but it shouldn’t be your first choice.

Using hand sanitizer as shampoo is fairly simple, and it’s easiest if you have hand sanitizer spray. Simply spray the sanitizer onto your hair, or pour some onto your hand if you don’t have the spray kind, and massage it into your roots.

Is it Safe to Put Hand Sanitizer in Your Hair?

While hand sanitizer can be an effective shampoo replacement, you should avoid using it as a long-term solution, as it can pose a few risks.

When you use hand sanitizer on your scalp, it can cause dry skin and lead to dandruff. And while it’s great at removing excess oils, it can also result in dry, damaged hair.

What Happens if You Get Hand Sanitizer in Your Eyes?

what happens if you get hand sanitizer in your eyes

If you think getting sanitizer in a cut is painful, you definitely don’t want it getting in your eyes. When hand sanitizer comes in contact with your corneas, it can cause serious burning and swelling.

So if you decide to use hand sanitizer as a shampoo substitute, you will need to be very careful. If hand sanitizer gets into your eyes, immediately flush them with clean water. And if the pain does not subside or gets worse, contact a medical professional.

Can You Use Wet Wipes on Your Hair?

can you use wet wipes on your hair

Like hand sanitizer, wet wipes can help remove oils from your hair. If necessary, you could use them as a temporary shampoo substitute.

Since wet wipes tend to contain gentler chemicals, and they’re less likely to get into your eyes, this method is a little safer than using hand sanitizer.

Does Hand Sanitizer Lighten Hair?

does hand sanitizer lighten hair

Large amounts of alcohol can lighten your hair color. However, this is not a recommended method of lightening your hair as too much of it can cause serious damage to your roots.

If you use a small amount of hand sanitizer to wash your hair, however, it is unlikely to cause any change to your hair’s natural color.

Alternative Ways to Clean Your Hair Without Shampoo

alternative ways to clean your hair without shampoo

While it’s a decent method in a pinch, washing your hair with hand sanitizer isn’t the best option out there. Here are a few alternatives to consider before using hand sanitizer:

  • Dry shampoo. You can buy this at most convenience stores.
  • Baby powder. To use baby powder as a shampoo alternative, simply pour a small amount onto your hands and pat it onto your scalp.
  • Water. If you have the time for a shower but don’t have any shampoo, a thorough rinse can eliminate oily hair.

While these methods won’t work quite as well as shampoo, they’re suitable as a temporary fix.

James Marshall

About the author

James is a business management professional and consultant with a former background in maintenance, repair, and hands-on projects. He enjoys DIY tasks and maintenance around the home as well as part-time writing. Read more »