8 Hair Care Myths Checked – What Really Helps & What You Can Skip
When it comes to hair, there are hundreds of tips: Your friend recommends this shampoo, social media reveals a new must-have every week that is supposed to completely transform your hair, and new trends seem to be the gamechanger for a healthy mane.
But what is the deal with the hyped trends, are they worth the attention and is it worth trying them out?
In the myth check, we take on some myths that persist stubbornly.
Content
Myth 1: "You should wash your hair daily – or preferably as rarely as possible."
When it comes to the question of how often one should wash their hair, opinions vary widely. Some swear by daily washing, while others preach, as long as possible without washing to endure in order to "train" the scalp. The truth lies – as so often – somewhere in between.
Daily washing can be stressful in the long run: it strips the scalp of its natural oils, which actually ensure that hair and scalp remain healthy and protected. The mechanical stress caused by friction during shampooing, drying with a towel, and regular blow-drying also takes a toll on the hair – especially when it is wet and therefore particularly sensitive.
But the other extreme – deliberately "letting the hair go greasy" over many days – hardly brings any benefits either. Ignoring greasy hair does not mean that sebum production suddenly regulates itself. Rather, the re-greasing depends heavily on the individual hair and skin type: curly, strong hair often stays fresh longer, while straight hair gets greasy faster – simply because the sebum travels more easily down to the ends.
In addition, external factors such as styling products, sports, environmental influences, or tight hairstyles can make the hair appear greasy more quickly.
Short answer: How often you should wash your hair depends on you – not on a general ruleMyth . Pay attention to your feeling, your hair type, and your lifestyle. Because neither daily scrubbing nor going weeks without washing is ideal in the long run. A balanced approach is the best way to healthy scalp and beautiful hair.
Myth 2: "If I use a hair mask, I no longer need conditioner."
This myth can be easily debunked: Yes! Many people think that the hair mask is such a rich treatment that it completely replaces the conditioner. Although it is definitely a boost and intensively cares for your lengths and ends, a conditioning balm should still be applied in the previous step, as the mask is to be understood as an additional treatment.
Colored Care
Dyeing often leaves hair severely dried out and damaged. The Otium Color Life Shine Mask not only restores shine and smoothness to the hair through intensive care but also strengthens color retention. An all-around treatment, in other words!
Myth 3: "If I cut my hair more often, it will grow faster."
This myth persists stubbornly – but it is not true. Hair growth happens in the hair root, deep beneath the scalp. The lengths you see consist of keratinized tissue – that is, cells that are already dead. Whether you regularly trim the ends or not therefore has no effect on how fast your hair actually grows.
Why still go to the hairdresser regularly? Quite simply: With each day your hair grows, the ends are exposed to external influences such as sun, friction, and heat – making them susceptible to split ends and breakage. By trimming the ends regularly, you prevent small damages from "working their way up," and you avoid losing more length than necessary in the end.
Conclusion: Frequent trimming does not make your hair grow faster – but it helps you maintain length because your hair stays healthier. If you want to know what you can really do for long, strong hair, feel free to check out our article on hair growth:
Myth 4: "You must not brush wet hair."
This statement is not entirely wrong – but also not completely right. Because yes, you mayBrush wet hair – but only if you do so very gently.
The reason for caution lies in the hair structure: Hair is particularly sensitive when wet. The outer cuticle layer – the protective layer surrounding the hair – is open, making it more stretchable, elastic, but also more prone to damage. If the hair is combed roughly or with the wrong brush, it can quickly break, split, or lose elasticity.
If you want to detangle your hair immediately after washing, you should keep the following in mind: It is best to use a brush with flexible bristles or a wide-toothed comb. Always start at the ends and work your way up carefully. And: Take your time. Rushing through combing when your hair is wet can cause more damage in the long run than it helps.
Those who want additional protection can opt for a Leave-in product grip – it makes brushing easier and simultaneously protects the hair from mechanical stress. The collagen care spray is suitable for damp and dry hair and does not need to be rinsed out. After application, the hair becomes wonderfully elastic and smooth.
Myth 5: "More is better" – or not?
Especially in hair care, the impulse is often strong to use as many products as possible. A new shampoo here, a mask there, plus a serum, a spray, an oil – preferably all at once. After all, you want your hair to be perfectly cared for.
But this is exactly where the problem lies: Too many products – especially when they are not coordinated – can quickly overwhelm your hair. This is particularly true for fine or straight hair, where heavy textures or rich oils can make the hair look flat, become greasy faster, or even appear dull. Additionally, certain ingredients can cancel each other out or weigh the hair down with residue.
The better strategy:
Fewer products, but carefully selected – tailored to your hair type and current care needs. Instead of blindly layering ten products, it makes more sense to invest in a few high-quality essentials that do exactly what they are supposed to do: cleanse, protect, and strengthen.
Estel also stands exactly for this approach: high-quality care series that are efficient, effective, and clearly coordinated with each other. You don't need a cluttered bathroom shelf – you need a routine that works for you.
It's not about applying as much as possible – but the right amount. And you can tell by the fact that your hair feels healthy, looks good, and doesn't need any further "emergency measures."
Our Recommendations
Myth 6: "Colored hair is permanently damaged."
This statement keeps many people from dyeing their hair – out of fear of irreparable damage. However, this is only partially true.
It is correct: Every coloration – especially bleaching – affects the hair structure. The outer cuticle layer is opened, color pigments penetrate inside, and the hair loses moisture and stability.
But: With the right care, you can not only repair colored hair but also keep it healthy in the long term. It just requires a little more attention.
The following are especially important:
- Products specially designed for colored hair
- moisturizing care
- regular protein boosters to strengthen hair structure
- Heat protection when you blow-dry or style
Our Tips
Use gently cleansing products
Use products specifically for your color and against color fading
Avoid aggressive shampoos
Use rich, high-quality care
Myth 7: "Home remedies like coconut oil or olive oil are just as good as professional care products."
You often read this myth – and of course, the idea is tempting. A product from the kitchen cabinet that works wonders. Unfortunately, the reality is different.
Plant-based oils such as coconut oil, argan oil, or olive oil can give hair a temporary shine and make the ends smooth. However, they do not penetrate deeply into the hair structure and can leave residues that make the hair look heavy and greasy. This can quickly lead to a stringy appearance, especially with fine hair.
Professional care products, on the other hand, are formulated to work exactly where it is needed – deep within the hair structure. They combine active ingredients such as keratin, ceramides, silk proteins, or hyaluronic acid with modern carriers that deliver the care precisely to where it is needed – without weighing it down.
Our tip:
Home remedies can be an occasional supplement – but they cannot replace sustainable care. Instead, invest in products that are truly tailored to your hair type. Your hair will thank you in the long run.
Myth 8: "Heat protection is unnecessary if I only blow-dry briefly or use a flat iron on a low setting."
Unfortunately not. Heat is heat – even if it is only brief or "not quite as hot." Damage to the protein structure of the hair begins at around 60–70 °C – especially with wet or untreated hair.
Blow-drying, straightening, curling – all of these have a lasting effect. Without heat protection, hair loses moisture, becomes brittle, tends to break, and loses elasticity. Often, you only notice this weeks later when the lengths look dull or the ends break off.
A good heat protectant forms a fine protective layer around each strand of hair, reducing direct heat exposure and preserving the hair structure. And no – it doesn't make your hair greasy or weigh it down if you choose the right product for your hair type.
Our tip:
Always apply your heat protection to damp or dry hair before blow-drying or styling. And be careful not to straighten or curl directly at the scalp – the hair is especially sensitive there.
Conclusion
Some tips and wisdom about hair care persist stubbornly, even though the truth is different. After this myth check, you are now well equipped for your optimal hair care routine. Have fun styling your hair!
