5 Hair Lies You’ve Been Told—And the Truth You Need to Know
As a professional hairstylist with decades of experience, I’ve realized that some of the advice we’ve been giving to clients for years might not be entirely accurate—or even helpful. It’s not that stylists are trying to mislead you; we’re working with the best knowledge available at the time.
But as experts like trichologist Abbey Yung have shown, science and technology evolve. And it’s our responsibility to stay open to new information and adjust our advice accordingly.
So, let’s talk about some common hair care myths, debunk them, and explore what’s really best for your hair health.
1. Shampooing Daily Is Bad for Your Hair
For years, the advice has been to avoid daily shampooing to prevent stripping natural oils. The concept of “training” your scalp to produce less oil became trendy.
The truth? A healthy scalp is essential for hair growth, and regular washing is key to maintaining it. A dirty scalp can lead to problems like yeast overgrowth and clogged follicles, which can weaken hair. While not everyone needs to shampoo daily, it’s perfectly fine if your scalp feels best that way.
Takeaway: Forget rigid rules. Pay attention to your scalp's needs. If it feels clean and comfortable with daily washes, go for it! If not, adjust accordingly.
2. Hair Vitamins and Minoxidil Solve All Hair Loss Problems
Hair thinning can be frustrating, and the promise of solutions like supplements or topical treatments feels hopeful. But hair loss is often multi-faceted—caused by factors like hormonal shifts, stress, diet, or even physical damage.
The truth? While these products can help in some cases, they’re not magic cures. Identifying the root cause is essential. Overuse of heat styling, tight ponytails, or chemical treatments can cause breakage that no vitamin will fix.
Takeaway: Think holistic. Address internal factors like nutrition and stress while also treating your hair gently. And remember, patience is key with hair growth!
Tip: If you do not like the way topical minoxidil feels in your hair, check out oral minoxidil
3. Clarifying Shampoos Are Too Harsh for Frequent Use
Clarifying shampoos have long been seen as a "once-a-month" product to strip away product buildup.
The truth? Modern formulations are far more gentle.. Many clarifying shampoos now focus on cleansing without stripping the hair, meaning you can use them more often, depending on your hair type.
Takeaway: If your clarifying shampoo leaves your hair feeling refreshed, not dry, it’s fine to use it regularly. Listen to how your hair feels.
4. Only High-End Products Work Well
As a stylist, I’ve recommended salon-grade products, believing they offered superior results. However, not all expensive brands justify their price tags. Some drugstore brands deliver similar, or even better, results.
The truth? The line between drugstore and salon-quality products is blurrier than ever. Some affordable options use the same ingredients as high-end lines—minus the fancy marketing.
Takeaway: Research and experiment to find products that work for you, regardless of the price.
Check out some of Abbey Yung's favorite budget-friendly and luxury haircare products HERE.
5. Air Drying Is Always Better Than Blow Drying
The belief that heat equals damage has driven many to air-dry exclusively. But while excessive heat can harm hair, air-drying isn’t always ideal either.
The truth? Prolonged dampness puts hair in its most fragile state and can lead to breakage. Studies suggest that blow-drying on low heat from a safe distance can be less damaging than leaving your hair wet for hours.
Takeaway: Strike a balance. Use a low heat setting on your blow dryer, and keep the nozzle moving. This is one of my favorite hairdyers. It has great air flow, plus less heat which means quicker drying time and less damage.
Final Thoughts
The haircare world is full of myths that have been passed down for decades. By staying informed and open to new ideas, you can develop a routine that works for you—without falling for outdated advice.
Do these myths resonate with you? Have you heard or believed them before? Share your experiences in the comments, and let’s start a conversation about what works for real hair.
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