I can't tell you how many times I've gotten into arguments with my abuela over washing my hair when I'm on my period. Apparently, a ton of other old school Latinas really believe these old-school myths about your period, including that you should NEVER wash your hair while on the red. The reasoning behind this, I don't know. Some claim it can dry out your hair or even make it fall out. I have yet to experience any of this and haven't found scientific evidence to back these silly theories up, so I refuse to fall for them!
Readmore ¿Qué más? 10 Latina beauty myths we have to stop believing!
The kinds of things some Latinas really believe we shouldn't do when it's that time of the month are totally insane. Believe me, not washing your hair is just the least of them. Check out these other Latina period myths that make absolutely no sense!
You shouldn't wash your hair: Like I said, my abuela has been telling me this for years. But luckily it's totally NOT true. Could you imagine not washing your hair or showering, especially during your period. That's kind of gross.
You need bed rest: I actually find that the opposite applies. The more exercise I do when I'm on my period, the better I feel. It actually helps alleviate my cramps and really helps shift my mood–in a good way of course!
You shouldn't cut your hair: I'm always hearing the older hairstylists at my local Dominican hair salon telling their clients they can't get a haircut if they're on their period. There's this crazy belief that your hair won't grow. Don't worry, its total BS!
If your period is irregular you won't have kids: This is definitely not always the case. Everyone is different, so if you have concerns make sure to consult with your doctor first, before getting advice from abuelita.
You can shorten your periods: My mom says that back in the day a lot of women in Dominican Republic would use all-natural remedies to help lighten and regulate their period. Whether these things really work or not is beyond me. But if you struggle with heavy periods you should consider consulting with your OB-GYN instead. Birth control tends to be the best solution for this problem.
Don't let your daughter use tamponsif she's a virgin: I'm sure you've heard this myth at some point in your life. I don't think you have to worry too much about this one, last time I checked you could only lose your virginity if you actually have sex.
You can't get pregnant: It might be very unlikely, but a woman can absolutely still get pregnant during her period. The chances of a woman who follows a 28 to 32-day cycle experiencing this is low. But according to doctors, women with shorter cycles can. Since sperm live for up to five days, a woman could totally get pregnant if she has sex on the last day of her period, and say she ovulates three days later.
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