As a dermatologist, it’s my duty to bust the most common hair care myths that have been circulating for decades. There are so many myths about hair care that people believe to be true, but in reality, they can do more harm than good to your hair. In this guide, I will discuss the most common hair care myths and debunk them with scientific evidence.
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Know Hair Care Facts & Debunk Myths with Hair Specialist – Dr. Nidhi Paliwal
All of us including our families have believed in so many hair myths since ages. The most common one starts immediately post birth.
We call it Mundan ceremony where it is believed that if you shave off baby’s head he/she will get thicker fuller hair! Which is the biggest hair related myth of all times.
I did that ceremony for my baby as well but that was only because I wanted to follow the culture and ceremony and not because I believed she will get thicker hair.????
Instagram Post about Hair Care Myths by Dr. Nidhi Paliwal
Just like this there are many other famous hair myths which we have believing in blindly.
Check out the post where I state some facts! ????
Hair Care Myths and Realities
Hair Care Myth #1: Brushing your hair 100 times a day makes it healthier
Fact
Brushing your hair too often can cause breakage and damage. It can also stimulate oil production, which can make your hair look greasy.
While it’s important to brush your hair to detangle it and distribute natural oils, overdoing it can be harmful. Brushing your hair excessively can cause breakage and split ends, especially if you have fine or fragile hair. Additionally, brushing your hair too often can stimulate oil production, which can make your hair look greasy and require more frequent washing.
Tip: Brush your hair gently and only when necessary. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles to avoid damage.
Hair Care Myth 2: Cutting your hair makes it grow faster
Fact
Cutting your hair does not affect its growth rate. Hair growth is determined by genetics, hormones, and other factors beyond your control.
While getting regular trims is important for maintaining healthy hair, it doesn’t make your hair grow faster. Hair growth is determined by genetics, hormones, and other factors beyond your control. Cutting your hair can only make it appear healthier and thicker by removing split ends and preventing further damage.
Tip: Get regular trims to keep your hair looking healthy and prevent split ends.
Hair Care Myth 3: Using a hair dryer causes hair loss
Fact
Using a hair dryer does not cause hair loss, but using it at high heat for an extended period can damage your hair and make it more prone to breakage.
Using a hair dryer is a common way to style your hair, but it doesn’t cause hair loss. However, using it at high heat for a long time can damage your hair and make it more prone to breakage. It’s important to use a hair dryer on a low heat setting and hold it at least 6 inches away from your hair to minimize damage.
Tip: Use a hair dryer on a low heat setting and hold it at least 6 inches away from your hair.
Hair Care Myth 4: Washing your hair every day is necessary
Fact
Over-washing your hair can strip it of natural oils and make it dry and brittle. It’s best to wash your hair 2-3 times a week, depending on your hair type and lifestyle.
While it’s important to keep your hair clean, washing it too often can strip it of natural oils and make it dry and brittle. The frequency of hair washing depends on your hair type and lifestyle. People with oily hair may need to wash their hair more frequently, while people with dry or curly hair may only need to wash it once or twice a week.
Tip: Use a gentle shampoo and focus on massaging it into your scalp. Only wash your hair when necessary.
Hair Care Myth #5: The more shampoo you use, the cleaner your hair will be
Fact
Using too much shampoo can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.
While it’s important to use enough shampoo to clean your hair and scalp, using too much can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. The amount of shampoo you need depends on your hair length and thickness, but a quarter-sized amount is usually enough.
Tip: Use a small amount of shampoo and focus on massaging it into your scalp.
Hair Care Myth #6: Dandruff is caused by a dry scalp
Fact
Dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, which feeds on natural oils produced by the scalp.
Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is not caused by a dry scalp. It’s caused by an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, which feeds on natural oils produced by the scalp. This can lead to inflammation and flaking.
Tip: To treat dandruff, use a shampoo specifically formulated to target the fungus that causes it. You can also try using tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy. If your dandruff persists or is severe, consult a dermatologist for further treatment options.
Hair Care Myth 7: You should rinse your hair with cold water to make it shinier
Fact
While cold water can help seal the cuticle and add shine to your hair, it’s not necessary. Using a good quality conditioner and avoiding excessive heat styling can also make your hair shinier.
While rinsing your hair with cold water can help seal the cuticle and add shine, it’s not a necessity. Using a good quality conditioner and avoiding excessive heat styling can also make your hair shinier.
Tip: Use a good quality conditioner and avoid excessive heat styling to keep your hair looking shiny.
Hair Care Myth 8: Hair products can repair split ends
Fact
Once your hair is split, the only way to get rid of it is to cut it. Products can only temporarily seal the ends together, but the damage is still there.
Once your hair is split, it’s impossible to repair it with products. Products can only temporarily seal the ends together, but the damage is still there. The only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off.
Tip: Regular trims can help prevent split ends from forming in the first place.
Hair Care Myth 9: Using a clarifying shampoo will remove all buildup from your hair
Fact
While clarifying shampoos can remove some buildup from your hair, they can also strip it of natural oils and cause dryness. It’s important to use them in moderation and follow up with a good conditioner.
While clarifying shampoos can remove some buildup from your hair, they can also strip it of natural oils and cause dryness. It’s important to use them in moderation and follow up with a good conditioner to prevent dryness.
Tip: Use clarifying shampoos in moderation and follow up with a good conditioner.
Hair Care Myth 10: Sleeping with wet hair will make you sick
Fact
Sleeping with wet hair won’t make you sick, but it can cause breakage and damage to your hair. Wet hair is also more susceptible to tangling and matting.
Sleeping with wet hair won’t make you sick, but it can cause breakage and damage to your hair. Wet hair is also more susceptible to tangling and matting, which can be difficult to detangle in the morning.
Tip: Let your hair air dry or use a hair dryer on a low heat setting before going to bed.
Hair Care Myth 11: Using a satin pillowcase will prevent hair breakage
Fact
While satin pillowcases can reduce friction and prevent hair breakage, they won’t prevent it entirely. Other factors, such as hair ties, heat styling, and chemical treatments, can also cause breakage.
While satin pillowcases can reduce friction and prevent hair breakage, they won’t prevent it entirely. Other factors, such as hair ties, heat styling, and chemical treatments, can also cause breakage.
Tip: Use satin pillowcases to reduce friction and prevent hair breakage, but also be mindful of other factors that can cause breakage.
Hair Care Myth 12: Brushing your hair 100 strokes a day will make it healthier
Fact
Brushing your hair excessively can actually cause damage and breakage. While brushing can help distribute natural oils throughout your hair, there’s no need to do it excessively.
Brushing your hair 100 strokes a day won’t make it healthier. In fact, excessive brushing can cause damage and breakage. While brushing can help distribute natural oils throughout your hair, there’s no need to do it excessively.
Tip: Brush your hair gently and only as often as necessary to detangle it and distribute natural oils.
Hair Care Myth 13: Cutting your hair will make it grow faster
Fact
Cutting your hair doesn’t affect its growth rate. However, getting regular trims can help prevent split ends, which can make your hair look thinner and shorter.
Cutting your hair won’t make it grow faster. The rate at which your hair grows is determined by genetics and other factors. However, getting regular trims can help prevent split ends, which can make your hair look thinner and shorter.
Tip: Get regular trims to keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends.
Hair Care Myth 14: You should shampoo your hair twice to get it clean
Fact
Shampooing your hair twice can actually strip it of natural oils and cause dryness. In most cases, one shampoo is enough to get your hair clean.
Shampooing your hair twice won’t necessarily make it cleaner. In fact, it can strip your hair of natural oils and cause dryness. In most cases, one shampoo is enough to get your hair clean.
Tip: Shampoo your hair once and follow up with a good conditioner to keep it clean and healthy.
Hair care is an important part of our daily routine, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction. By debunking these common hair care myths, we hope to help you make better decisions about how to care for your hair. Remember to always consult a dermatologist or hair care professional if you have specific concerns about your hair or scalp. With the right knowledge and care, you can have healthy, beautiful hair for years to come.
“”Dr. Nidhi Paliwal, MBBS, MD( Dermatology), specializes in problems of skin, hair & various cosmetic issues. Her strong traits include passion to help and emotional endurance, she understands how deep dermatologic and cosmetic concerns can affect an individual and is always ready to work with the patients to bring out the best results. Doctor Nidhi Paliwal has presented many papers and posters at various national conferences and has also won awards for best paper presentation.”