Busting Shampoo Myths That May Be Hurting Your Hair Health

TikTok users have been rediscovering the magic of drugstore shampoo. It turns out you don't need to drop outrageous amounts of money to get gorgeous hair, and many of the products available at your local Walgreens can help you get the shiniest hair of your life. Classic brands like Herbal Essences, Kristin Ess, Avalon Organics, and Suave Essentials have a new viral following.

Years of treating drugstore shampoo with ultimately unfounded submissions got us wondering what other shampoo myths have been getting in the way of our hair goals. Women.com spoke exclusively with Dr. Ross Kopelman, a hair restoration surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration, to bust some of the lingering myths about hair care products. "I always encourage patients to focus on overall scalp health for the best results," explains Kopelman, stressing that there are rarely one-size-fits-all answers when it comes to hair health. Still, here are a few common misconceptions that might be hurting you, and some tips about what to focus on instead.

It can be tempting to assume that more expensive products deliver better results but the reality just isn't that straightforward, explains Dr. Ross Kopelman. "It's not about the price or brand name — it's about the formulation," he says. Someone with an oily scalp will see some benefits from using clarifying shampoo, while someone with a dry or sensitive scalp should look for a formula that's gentle and hydrating. When you're selecting a product, focus less on the price and don't skip on reading the ingredient list.

"Expensive shampoos may have appealing marketing, but many drugstore options deliver great results for basic cleansing," says Kopelman. At the end of the day, he notes, a bad shampoo is one that "doesn't address your unique hair concerns." That's great news for the drugstore brands that are seeing a resurgence in popularity — and for your wallet. You don't need to spend a lot of money on shampoo, especially if the product isn't tailored to your particular hair concerns.

Another common hair care myth alleges that sulfates and silicones are damaging for hair. But, again, the truth is just not that simple. "These ingredients aren't inherently bad; their impact depends on your hair type and how often you use products containing them," says Dr. Ross Kopelman. This is another instance where the answer depends on your individual hair.

"Sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate, are powerful cleansers, but they can be too harsh for some people, particularly if you have dry or color-treated hair," explains Kopelman. "Silicones, on the other hand, provide shine and smoothness but can build up over time, leaving hair feeling heavy or weighed down." He recommends avoiding sulfates if your hair tends to be dry and notes that those with thin or fine hair may want to stay away from silicones, but that doesn't mean a blanket ban on either ingredient. And they aren't going to permanently damage your hair or scalp either. Instead, focus on what is working well for your hair, and look for products designed for your hair type.

The idea that over-washing hair causes drying and damage out is one of the most persistent hair myths, with influencers regularly urging their followers to shampoo just once or twice a week so promote hair health. "The truth is, shampooing every day doesn't cause dry hair or hair loss as long as you're using a gentle, appropriate product for your hair type," says Dr. Ross Kopelman. It's true that overuse of harsh products can strip natural oils and lead to dryness. But here, again, Kopelman emphasizes the importance of finding the appropriate products for your hair concerns and needs. In fact, washing infrequently can create its own problems. "Under-washing can lead to scalp issues like dandruff or clogged follicles, which can hinder healthy hair growth," he notes.

So don't stress out about how frequently you're washing your hair. You aren't permanently damaging your hair. "Hair loss from shampooing is also a misconception — what you're seeing in the drain is hair that was already shedding naturally," he adds.

This a myth that has long hounded the entirety of the beauty industry. But the reality is you don't need to rotate your products to ensure they stay effective. Your hair doesn't "get used" to a shampoo, even after you've used it for a while.

That said, there can be advantages to occasionally rotating in a new product into your routine, says Dr. Ross Kopelman. "It's less about needing to swap shampoos and more about managing how products interact with your hair and scalp," he explains. "Some shampoos can leave behind residue over time, particularly those with silicones, which can make hair feel dull or heavy. When I see patients experiencing this, I suggest rotating shampoos occasionally or incorporating a clarifying shampoo into their routine to remove buildup." In other words, it's not so much about a product losing its efficacy; rather, sometimes, you'll need to bring in a targeted treatment to support your regular routine.