Q&A for How to Use a Loofah

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Question

Can you eat a loofah?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You can eat young loofah, which you can find in some Asian markets. Do not attempt to eat your bathroom sponge, which is from a very old, dried plant.

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Question

Why should I use a loofah?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Loofahs are a great way to gently exfoliate skin. They can carry a lot of bacteria, however, if not properly cared for and dried between uses, so they may not be the best choice for everyone.

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Question

Is using a loofah unsanitary?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Loofahs can be hard to clean. If you dry it completely between uses, it is considered sanitary.

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Question

Is using a loofah exfoliating?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, loofahs provide exfoliation. Unlike many other exfoliants, they are gentle enough to use every day.

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Question

Can you put a loofah in the dryer?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

No, you cannot. The dryer will melt the natural fibers. Let your loofah air dry outside in the sun, instead.

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Question

By using a loofah, will I retain my original skin tone?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, the loofah should not effect the tone of your skin. Just use minimal pressure as too much friction from any source can darken the skin.

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Question

Since we should not exfoliate our bodies daily, what should we use as an alternative for the loofah?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A well dampened loofah should be soft enough for daily use. If you find it too abrasive, you may want to just use your hands every other day.

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Question

How would I wash my private parts with a loofah?

Community Answer

You probably shouldn't wash your private area with a loofah, as the area is delicate and sensitive. Plain water and soap would work for intimate area or use a specifically formulated intimate wash.

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Question

How do I remove dead skin cells when using a loofah?

Community Answer

You should apply soap or body wash on your skin, and scrub with a loofah. Then rinse off, which should remove some of the dead skin cells.

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Question

Can I use a dry loofah on my face?

Community Answer

No, because the skin on your face is very sensitive. It would cause damage.

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Question

Will a loofah remove pimple holes from my face?

Community Answer

Loofahs are more for body cleansing than anything. Your face is much more sensitive than the rest of your body, so it's probably not a good idea to use something that you've washed your feet with on your face. Try getting a face cleanser, or an exfoliate.

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Question

Why are there seeds in my loofah?

Community Answer

Most loofahs are made out of actual cucumbers or "luffa," the specific name for the type of cucumber. That's probably why there are seeds in some loofahs.

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Question

Can you eat a loofah?

Community Answer

Yes and no. You can't eat the loofah sponge that you use for cleaning your skin, but you can cook and eat a young, immature luffa gourd.

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Question

Can you put a loofah in the dryer?

Community Answer

No, because the dryer is too hot and will melt the natural fibers. You should allow it to air-dry in front of a fan or in a well-ventilated area instead.

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Question

Should I stick to a loofah or use washcloths?

Community Answer

Washcloths have to be replaced far less often and are, in general, less expensive. If you are looking to save money, go with the washcloth. They are also better for sensitive skin; however, they don't scrub dead skin as well.

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Question

How effective is a loofah at cleaning?

Community Answer

The loofah is a really good item for removing dead skin, cleaning dirt and stains, and exfoliating your skin. I love mine with really warm, almost hot water and liquid dial body wash.

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Question

Can I use a dry loofah on my feet?

Community Answer

No this would damage your skin. Put warm water on the loofah to make it soft first.

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Question

How often should I exfoliate?

Community Answer

About every other day. Just wash your face with face wash and use moisturizer on the days you are not exfoliating.

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Question

Is using a loofah unsanitary?

Community Answer

Only if you don't take care of it and keep it clean. Because of how porous it is, a loofah can trap, harbor, and breed bacteria. If you clean and sanitize it properly, however, you should not run into this problem.

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Question

Can I cut my loofah in half lengthwise, as it's rather unwieldy at present?

Community Answer

Yes, you can cut your loofah in half. You can also cut the center stuff out and lay it flat. Then you have something resembling two to three sponges from one loofah, depending on the size. It's less messy to cut it while it's moist.

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Question

How many family members can share one loofah?

Community Answer

You really should not share it with others because it is not hygienic. Everyone should have their own loofah.

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Question

Which side of the loofah do I use?

Community Answer

Use the smooth side, which is the outside of the original plant. It is the tighter weave. The inside is way too coarse.

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Question

Why is my loofah still really abrasive after soaking in hot water for an hour?

Community Answer

Actually, it should soften almost right away. If it doesn't, try another.

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Question

Can men use loofahs?

Sasha Haley

Community Answer

Of course! Loofahs make your skin healthy and smooth. They also promote circulation in your body, and they are not gender-specific.

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Question

Can I use a loofah without soap and only water?

Sasha Haley

Community Answer

Of course! Loofahs are just for making your skin smoother, and they are basically a sponge or exfoliator suitable for use on your body.

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Question

What material is better than loofah?

Derin Isik

Community Answer

For washing your body, usually loofah is the most common choice but you can also use a silicone exfoliating brush. A silicone exfoliating brush is the ideal alternative to a loofah. This multi-purpose scrubber is designed to repel bacteria from growing and is made from fast-drying material, so you don't have to worry about moisture and humidity.

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Question

So basically, can I use a loofah to replace exfoliating body scrubs? Or do I use them together after using body wash?

Community Answer

Loofahs are mainly used to create foam for soap, they do not exfoliate. If you want to exfoliate your skin, try getting a body scrub. Use separately.

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