5 Hair Care Habits That Seem Helpful But Actually Cause More Harm Than Good

29 September, 2024

Myth 1: You Should Frequently Change Your Shampoo

It’s a common misconception that regularly changing shampoo brands and types is necessary to maintain hair quality and prevent hair loss. As a result, many people end up with multiple bottles of shampoo in their bathrooms, believing that they are doing their hair a favor. However, this is not true.

The Right Way: Leaving a shampoo bottle open for too long can lead to expiration and deterioration. Additionally, different brands and ingredients in each bottle increase the risk of scalp sensitivity. Opt for a shampoo with relatively natural and simple ingredients that can maintain a healthy scalp without the need for frequent changes.

Myth 2: Buy Oil-Control and Cooling Shampoo in the Summer

While an oil-control and cooling shampoo can be a great choice for the hot summer months, it’s not suitable for everyone. For instance, if you have dry or sensitive skin and use this type of shampoo, it can strip away the natural oils that protect your scalp, leading to issues like dandruff or an itchy scalp.

The Right Way: Those with oily hair can benefit from using an oil-control shampoo daily. For other hair types, it’s recommended to use this type of shampoo once a week for a deep clean.

Myth 3: Daily Hair Washing Leads to Hair Breakage and Loss

Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair daily does not increase hair breakage and loss. In fact, hair has its own growth cycle and will maintain a balanced state, with normal hair loss being less than 100 strands per day. If you’re concerned, you can use one of the following methods to check for potential hair loss.

– Pluck Test: Use your thumb and index finger to pluck a section of about 50-60 hairs. Gently pull from the root to the tip. If more than 3 hairs come out, you may have abnormal hair loss.

– Pillow Test: When you wake up, collect the hairs on your pillow and multiply that number by 3-4 to estimate your daily hair loss.

So, if you wash your hair daily and your average daily hair loss remains within the normal range, there’s no cause for concern.

Myth 4: Brushing Your Hair Daily Promotes Blood Circulation and Hair Growth

Some celebrities have attributed their thick and healthy hair to regular brushing. They believe that brushing stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, ensuring a smooth supply of essential nutrients for hair growth. However, if the bristles of your brush are too sharp or you brush too vigorously, it can overstimulate and damage your scalp, even affecting the hair follicles.

The Right Way: When choosing a brush, opt for one with rounded bristles. Avoid brushing too vigorously, and instead, use a gentle massaging motion that feels comfortable.

Myth 5: Apply Hair Care Products Whenever Your Hair Feels Dry

Dry and brittle hair can be a nuisance, but resist the urge to slather on hair care products or oily treatments whenever your hair feels dry. Overusing hair masks, leave-in conditioners, and other oil-based products can lead to product buildup, making your hair feel greasy. Additionally, these products can clog hair follicles and cause inflammation or acne on your scalp.

The Right Way: The best way to care for your hair is to incorporate daily conditioning. Use hair masks and leave-in conditioners regularly, as this will be more effective than applying multiple products at once.