Not all hair advice is worth following – here’s what to avoid.
Some hair care tips sound like magic fixes. But according to dermatologist Jenny Liu, MD FAAD, they don’t always hold up. In her recent Instagram video, she called out a few popular tricks that don’t actually work the way they’re supposed to and might even end up being harmful.
Hair oiling is believed to help hair grow, but Dr. Liu points out that there is scant evidence to support this. “Hair oiling is often hyped, but lacks scientific evidence,” she explains. While some oils, like argan or peppermint, may support scalp health or reduce breakage, studies to prove substantial growth benefits are lacking.
It doesn’t imply that oiling is of no use; it can help with hydration and circulation in the scalp if it is coupled with massage. But expecting it to make hair grow significantly faster? That’s a stretch.
Some users in the comments supported her claims, saying they had also noticed reduced hair fall after stopping the frequent oiling, while a host of others, particularly from the curly girl community or cultures where oiling is a tradition, stood firm to their beliefs on it.
The belief in the possibility of apple cider vinegar (ACV) being a substitute for shampoo gained traction; however, Dr. Liu objects to this notion. She claims that using it as a primary cleanser can irritate the scalp and disrupt its natural barrier.
That said, some users have reportedly had positive experiences, especially people with scalp conditions. “I did an apple cider vinegar mix when I had severe eczema, and it worked wonders for me,” one person commented.
But for most people, relying solely on ACV instead of shampoo isn’t the smartest move. A well-formulated shampoo cleanses well without disturbing the natural barrier of the scalp, something vinegar doesn’t promise.
The no-shampoo method has been making rounds. Some believe that washing hair with water only or with shampoo alternatives prevents shedding, but Dr. Liu says the opposite may be true. Avoiding shampoo altogether will cause the oil and the accumulated product build-up to clog the follicles, bringing even more hair loss. Regular cleansing is key for scalp health and preventing excessive shedding.
Not every trending hair care tip is backed by science. Some remedies do work for some individuals. But the truth is that proper cleansing, moisturizing, and nutrition go a long way in keeping the hair healthy rather than any trending hack. Prioritizing what is truly good for the hair is always a better long-term strategy than hunting for a quick fix.
Featured Images via @freepik, @derm.talk, @freepik.
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