CHENNAI: 5 Hair care myths and scientific facts behind them

Hair fall and dandruff are very common problems, but many people believe incorrect information about hair care. Let’s break some common hair myths in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

Myth 1: Oiling the hair stops hair fall

Hair oiling is often believed to nourish hair and prevent hair fall. However, this is a misconception. The nutrients present in oils cannot be absorbed into the hair shaft or hair roots. While oil may temporarily improve hair shine and reduce friction, excessive oiling can worsen scalp conditions. Over-oiling, especially in individuals with oily scalps, increases the risk of dandruff and fungal growth, which may further aggravate hair fall.

Myth 2: Daily shampooing always damages hair

The belief that washing hair daily leads to breakage is neither completely true nor completely false. Hair wash frequency should depend on scalp type and oil production. People with oily scalps may require more frequent washing to maintain scalp hygiene, whereas those with dry scalps may need fewer washes. Blanket statements about daily shampooing causing hair damage are inaccurate. The right shampoo and proper technique matter more than frequency alone.

Myth 3: Dandruff occurs only due to a dry scalp

Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is more commonly associated with an oily scalp rather than a dry one. The primary cause of dandruff is fungal overgrowth, particularly Malassezia, which thrives in oily environments. Applying oil to an already oily scalp can worsen dandruff and lead to increased itching and hair fall.

Myth 4: Washing hair with cold water reduces hair fall

There is no strong scientific evidence linking water temperature to hair fall reduction. While extremely hot water can damage hair and irritate the scalp, bathing with cold water does not directly prevent hair fall. Hair shedding is influenced by genetics, hormones, nutrition, and scalp health—not water temperature alone.

Myth 5: Natural products are always better than chemicals

The assumption that natural products are always superior is misleading. For individuals with oily scalps or heavy dandruff, shampoos containing sulphates may be necessary for effective cleansing. Sulphate-free or purely natural shampoos may not adequately remove oil buildup, leading to worsening scalp issues. Product choice should be based on scalp condition, not marketing labels.

Healthy hair care is about understanding your scalp and choosing the right routine. Following facts instead of myths will help you manage hair fall and scalp problems better.