Is it offensive to ask someone if they wash their hair?

Question

I am asking because I have dreads and someone asked me if i washed my hair. I was offended and someone said I should not be so I needed other opinions. PS. I wash my hair every other day.

Answer 1

yes, because the asking implies that they don't.

Answer 2

Hmm...depends. I would say overall, no. In your case, if it's someone who's asking out of general curiousity, then it's more than likely an innocent question. Many years ago I saw a black guy on the street who had the most beautiful dreadlocks I've ever seen. He asked me for a light, and we got into a conversation about it. I asked him how often he washed his hair and what did he use. Not out of meanness on m part...I knew nothing about dreads and wondered how he could wash it on a fairly regular basis and not ruin his hair. He told me he washed it once a week with orange juice. He even let me smell and feel his hair. LOL It was pretty cool...his hair felt sort of like wool, and it didn't have an odor to it (and this was in July in Virginia!) at all...sort of smelled like wool, too.

If someone looks at you very pointedly with a scowl on their face and has their nose turned up and says, "Don't you ever wash your nasty hair??" yes, that would be rude (assuming your hair was clean and wasn't greasy or smelly.

Answer 3

First, why do you need to know? If it's just to cut them down I wouldn't go about asking them. Leave them alone.

If you are trying to be a friend and help them with hygiene maybe be less subtle... ask, instead, "What kind of shampoo do you use?" Then when the answer comes be ready to suggest products that might help cut down on the person's dry, oily, or so on hair problem. Suggest/or imply that it would really help bring out the person's natural highlights or curl or something positive.

Be upbeat and be kind. Personal criticism is some of the hardest to take. Think about it if someone was trying to tell you something about your appearance! (ouch, huh?)

Answer 4

Yes, asking if someone washes their hair is almost as offensive as asking them how much they weigh.

Answer 5

If it's just some random person then I would be offended. It's nobody's business how often you wash your hair.

Answer 6

It didnt worry me when I had my dreads - If someone asked me now that i no longer have them, I would probably be embarrassed. It depends on the situation - if it was in public - deffinately offensive!! It would also depend on how long you knew the person. Imagine how you would feel if someone asked you????

Answer 7

I suppose it is, for most people. But, geez, if it looks like it needs it, it probably does. If I went around looking like a bum, I think I would expect people to offend me. Can't speak for others, though.

'nuff said?

Answer 8

yeah kinna
try and work to it
like have a conversation about the shower you had
then ask them how theres was
then talk about shampoo
then there u go

Answer 9

Too up close and personal for me. It's none of their business. You're not on their payroll, you don't owe any answers to anyone.

Answer 10

Yeah, I would figure. Why don't you try recommending a specific type of shampoo to them instead.

Answer 11

I am curious. How do you wash such hair?