5 Common Shampoo Myths Debunked

Well, we think we know all about shampooing our hair coz that’s one thing we have been all our lives. But surprisingly, there’s so much misinformation doing the rounds. You must have got unsolicited advice from a well meaning cousin about how washing your hair daily will cause thinning, or how dry shampoo can damage your lustrous locks. Well to put your mind at ease, we get an expert to sift facts from fiction. Read on and thank us later

Myth: You shouldn’t frequently shampoo your hair

Fact: The most common misconception that came to the fore during the lockdown was since you are at home, there’s no need to shampoo. Some in fact, resisted shampoo for a whole week. That’s not the right thing to do, says Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, Medical Director and founder of Isaac Wellness. “You can shampoo your hair according to the lifestyle you lead. If you work out very often, you can use a sulphate-free shampoo to wash your hair every alternate day. Otherwise, I'd say twice a week,” she adds.

Myth: Use a gentle shampoo to arrest hair fall

Fact: Hair fall occurs due to different reasons. It’s advisable to consult a doctor and get proper treatment. For instance, dandruff can also lead to hair fall. “Dandruff is a fungal infection due to over secretion caused by our sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. Opt for medicated dandruff shampoos with ZPTO and ketoconazole up to twice a week. Read through the instructions, making sure you keep it on your scalp for about 5 minutes and lather these medicated shampoos on your scalp, rinsing it out through the lengths. Make sure you don't skip washing your hair to avoid oil build-up on your scalp if you have dandruff,” says Dr Geetika. Likewise, shampoo for an oily scalp is different from that for dry scalp. There’s no one shampoo solution for all your problems. 

Myth: Pick a shampoo that reads “pH-balanced”

Fact: All shampoos are ph-balanced. Shampoos usually have a non-threatening pH range of five to seven. So according Dr Geetika, the things you should look out for are: “A shampoo should ideally be sulphate and phalate free. If you have fine hair, you should use a lighter shampoo that doesn't weigh your hair down whereas if you have coloured hair, you should stick to a professional range that helps maintain colour and shine.”

Myth: Your hair gets used to a certain shampoo, so you need to change it every few months

Fact: This isn’t true. Your hair doesn’t get used to anything. It’s just  how a formula acts on your hair. So if you have a favourite brand, there’s no reason to switch to another shampoo.

Myth: Skip conditioner if you have greasy hair

Fact: Greasy hair is a result of oily scalp, when there’s too much sebum secretion by the scalp tissues, causing build-up. So skipping conditioner wouldn’t help the situation. Rather a conditioner hydrates, nourishes and protects your hair. What you can do is apply it to the ends and avoid scalp.