Can You Use Dog Shampoo On Human Hair? Vet-Approved Answers!

Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!

Can you use dog shampoo on human hair? Learn from a vet’s answers on the pros and cons of using pet shampoos on your hair and scalp.

When it comes to washing our hair, most of us have a go-to shampoo that we trust to get the job done. But what if you’re in a pinch and the only shampoo available is your dog’s? Can you use dog shampoo on human hair? The answer is not a straightforward yes or no, as it depends on the specific shampoo and your individual hair type.

Can You Use Dog Shampoo On Human Hair

As a professional hair stylist, I have often been asked if it is okay to use dog shampoo on human hair.

My answer is always a resounding no. While dog shampoo may seem like a cheaper and convenient alternative to human shampoo, it is not formulated for human hair and can actually cause more harm than good.

But to be very sure, I looked at famous Australian TV & radio veterinary presenter and speaker, Dr Katrina Warren’s website, including her Instagram page for accurate information on this topic.

According to her, “bacteria and yeast that live on their skin – these microorganisms release by-products that combine with water and smell awful as the water evaporates.”

Therefore, dog shampoo is designed to cater to the specific needs of a dog’s skin and coat. It contains different pH levels and ingredients that are not suitable for human hair. Using dog shampoo on human hair can lead to dryness, irritation, and even hair loss.

One of the main differences between dog shampoo and human shampoo is the pH level. The pH level of dog shampoo is higher than that of human shampoo, which means it is more alkaline.

Human hair, on the other hand, has a pH level of around 5.5, which is slightly acidic. (Lambers, H et al. “Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora.” International journal of cosmetic science vol. 28,5 (2006): 359-70. doi:10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00344.x) Using a shampoo with a higher pH level can strip the natural oils from the hair and scalp, leaving it dry and brittle.

Another reason why dog shampoo is not suitable for human hair is that it contains different ingredients. Dog shampoo often contains fragrances and additives that are not meant for human use. Additionally, some dog shampoos contain insecticides and other chemicals that can be harmful to humans.

Ingredients in Dog Shampoo

As a pet owner, I have often wondered what ingredients are in the dog shampoo that I use on my furry friend. The same curiosity may arise when considering using dog shampoo on human hair.

Dog shampoos are formulated to cater to the specific needs of a dog’s coat and skin. They contain ingredients that are safe for dogs but may not necessarily be safe for humans. Some of the common ingredients found in dog shampoos include:

Surfactants – These are the cleaning agents that help to remove dirt, oil, and debris from a dog’s coat. They are usually derived from coconut or palm oil and are safe for dogs.
Conditioners – These are added to dog shampoos to help soften the coat and prevent tangles. They may contain ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, or oatmeal.
Fragrances – Dog shampoos may contain fragrances to make them more appealing to pet owners. However, some fragrances can cause irritation to human skin.
Preservatives – These are added to dog shampoos to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. They may include ingredients such as sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate.
pH Adjusters – Dog shampoos are formulated to have a pH level that is suitable for a dog’s skin. pH adjusters are added to maintain this balance.

pH Levels in Dog Shampoo and Skin Compatibility with Humans

As a professional hairdresser, I often get asked if it is safe to use dog shampoo on human hair. While it may seem like a cost-effective solution, it is important to understand the differences between dog and human skin and hair.

One of the major differences is the pH levels. Dog shampoo is formulated to maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5, which is more alkaline than human skin and hair. Human skin and hair, on the other hand, have a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5, which is slightly acidic.

Using dog shampoo on human hair can disrupt the natural pH balance, leading to dryness, itching, and even hair loss. Additionally, some dog shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to human skin.

While some dog shampoos claim to be safe for human use, it is always best to use products specifically formulated for human hair. These products are designed to maintain the natural pH balance of human skin and hair, ensuring healthy and shiny locks.

All I can say is that while it may be tempting to use dog shampoo on human hair, it is not recommended due to the differences in pH levels and potential harm to human skin. I advise you stick with products specifically formulated for human hair to maintain healthy and beautiful locks.

Risks of Using Dog Shampoo for Humans

As a professional in the hair care industry, I strongly advise against using dog shampoo on human hair. Although it may seem like a quick and easy solution, there are potential risks and negative consequences that can result from using dog shampoo on human hair.

First and foremost, dog shampoo is formulated specifically for a dog’s pH balance and skin type. Human skin and hair have a different pH balance and require different ingredients to maintain healthy hair. Using dog shampoo on human hair can lead to dryness, irritation, and even damage to the hair and scalp.

In addition, dog shampoos often contain fragrances and other additives that can be harmful to humans. These additives can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and other negative side effects.

Furthermore, dog shampoos are not designed to remove the same types of oils and dirt that human hair is exposed to. This means that using dog shampoo on human hair may not effectively clean the hair and scalp, leading to a buildup of oils and dirt that can cause further damage.

It may seem like a quick fix, using dog shampoo on human hair is not recommended. It’s important to use products that are specifically formulated for human hair to ensure healthy, clean, and beautiful hair.

Is Dog Flea Shampoo Effective on Lice?

As a writer, I have researched the use of dog flea shampoo on human hair. However, many people have also asked if dog flea shampoo can be used to treat lice in human hair.

Dog flea shampoos contain pyrethrins, which are insecticides that are effective at killing fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Pyrethrins work by targeting the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death.

Lice, on the other hand, are a different type of parasite that live on human hair and feed on blood from the scalp. Lice are not affected by pyrethrins, and therefore, dog flea shampoo is not effective at treating lice in human hair.

It is important to note that using dog flea shampoo on human hair can be harmful and may cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even chemical burns. Therefore, it is recommended that if you have lice, you should use a treatment specifically designed for human use.

While dog flea shampoo may be effective at killing fleas and other parasites on dogs, it is not recommended or effective for treating lice in human hair. It is important to use products specifically designed for human use to avoid potential harm and ensure effective treatment.

What Is the Difference Between Human Shampoo and Dog Shampoo?

As a professional pet groomer, I am often asked if it is okay to use dog shampoo on human hair. While it may be tempting to use the same shampoo on both yourself and your furry friend, there are some key differences between human and dog shampoo.

One major difference is the pH level. Human skin has a pH level of around 5.5, which is slightly acidic. Dog skin, on the other hand, has a pH level of around 7.5, which is more alkaline. This means that dog shampoo is formulated to be less acidic than human shampoo, which can cause irritation and dryness if used on human hair.

Another difference is the ingredients used in the shampoo. Human shampoos often contain harsher detergents and chemicals, such as sulfates, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause damage. Dog shampoos, on the other hand, are formulated with gentler ingredients that are safe for dogs to lick and ingest.

Additionally, dog shampoos often contain ingredients that are specifically designed to target common skin and coat issues in dogs, such as fleas, ticks, and allergies. These ingredients may not be necessary or effective for human hair.

Conclusion

To sum it up, dog shampoo is formulated differently than human shampoo. Dog shampoo is designed to be gentle on a dog’s sensitive skin and coat, while human shampoo is formulated to clean and nourish the scalp and hair.

Some dog shampoos may contain ingredients that are safe for dogs but could be harmful to human hair, such as high levels of pH or fragrances that could irritate the scalp. However, there are some dog shampoos that are safe for human use and can even provide benefits for certain hair types.

Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.