A member asked:

Please share some do's and don'ts when it comes to hair care.

74 doctors weighed in across 92 answers

Comb: Comb your conditioner through your hair in the shower and then don't rinse before blotting dry.

Answered 5/2/2015

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Dr. William Harris answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Glued-on: Glued-on fake eyelashes and hair-weaves will pull out and damage hair more than other choices.

Answered 4/4/2013

5.3k views

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For: For dry, curly hair, skip shampooing at least every other night.

Answered 7/27/2016

5.3k views

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Dr. William Harris answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Rotate: Rotate your brands of haircare products quarterly to rejuvinate the effect of shampoos/conditioners.

Answered 4/4/2013

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Do: Do not over process hair, it causes breakage and hair loss.

Answered 9/29/2016

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The: The more you shave the more hair grows... Is probably not true.

Answered 10/22/2017

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Women: Women who lose hair may be iron deficient. Checking a ferritin level may get to the "root" of this.

Answered 11/13/2016

5.3k views

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Dr. Thomas Namey answered

Specializes in Rheumatology

Don't: Don't wash your hair and skin excessively. Avoid chlorinated swimming pool water!

Answered 6/19/2013

5.3k views

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Dr. Thomas Namey answered

Specializes in Rheumatology

Biotin,: Biotin, 5000 to 7500mcg/day is a great hair supplement. No regular vitamin has 100% mdr!

Answered 6/19/2013

5.3k views

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Dr. Arthur Balin answered

Specializes in Dermatology

Use: Use lower settings when blow drying permed, bleached or damaged hair as it is more fragile.

Answered 2/7/2014

5.2k views

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Dr. Arthur Balin answered

Specializes in Dermatology

If: If your hair is long brush the hair upside down with a flat brush and put volumizer on the roots.

Answered 4/4/2013

5.2k views

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Dr. Geoffrey Rutledge answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Baby: Baby shampoo isn't really necessary to keep your infant's hair clean, but if you use it, rinse well.

Answered 6/5/2013

5.2k views

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Dr. Geoffrey Rutledge answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Waxing: Waxing between laser hair removal sessions increases outcome.

Answered 2/27/2015

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Dr. Geoffrey Rutledge answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Female: Female hair loss responds to oral tagamet (cimetidine).

Answered 3/19/2015

5.2k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Shiny: Shiny dark hair: steep 2 black tea bags for 10 min. Cool, pour on washed hair. Leave in for 10 min.

Answered 6/9/2013

5.2k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Shiny: Shiny blond hair: steep 2 chamomile tea bags for 10 min. Cool, pour on washed hair. Leave in for 10 min.

Answered 4/19/2013

5.2k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Moisturize: Moisturize hair: apply mashed banana with ½ avocado to dry hair for 10 minutes. Rinse.

Answered 6/14/2013

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If: If your hair starts becoming curly or brittle, have your thyroid checked--maybe hypothyroid.

Answered 6/18/2017

5.1k views

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Dr. Libby Putnam answered

Specializes in Podiatry

If: If you've got dandruff that won't go away with special shampoos, ask your doctor: could be fungus!

Answered 8/19/2014

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Rogaine (minoxidil): Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia are both fda approved for treatment of alopecia.

Answered 5/29/2021

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Do: Do not use harsh chemical relaxers or heating elements too close to the scalp.

Answered 7/4/2013

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Avoid: Avoid too many heat treatments of hair. It dries out hair.

Answered 3/29/2014

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Excessive: Excessive sun exposure can dry out hair. Consider a hat.

Answered 12/9/2013

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Most: Most people assume they have dandruff when they have dry scalp. Dandruff shampoo will worsen it.

Answered 4/26/2014

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Minimize: Minimize use of chemicals on your hair. Provide adequate nutrition for your body. Comb massage!

Answered 2/17/2014

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Dr. Gregory LaMorte answered

Specializes in Periodontics

Avoid: Avoid using hair styling products with alcohol which dries out hair.

Answered 7/16/2013

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Dermatologist: Dermatologist give injections into scalp that really sound worse than they are.

Answered 7/23/2013

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Tight: Tight braids stress out your roots and should be removed immediately. I used to have a ponytail.

Answered 10/13/2014

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Avoid: Avoid excessive chemical exposure by hair. Get balanced diet with adequate nutrients and vitamins.

Answered 6/2/2014

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Try: Try to minimize "back combing" your hair because it roughs them up and causes breakage.

Answered 5/5/2014

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Minimize: Minimize use of a hot comb if you want to reduce breakage.

Answered 9/29/2016

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In: In some cases, internal causes such as thyroid disease, diabetes, etc., may cause hair loss.

Answered 5/18/2014

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DONT: Don't shampoo daily. Do condition monthly with hair oil. Eat foods high in folic acid.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Use: Use cleansing conditioners or sulfate-free shampoos to avoid drying your hair out.

Answered 5/23/2018

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Do: Do not strip hair with harsh shampoo. Try wen products (wen.Com).

Answered 5/8/2016

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Don't: Don't just wash your hair. Massage your scalp as well to stimulate secretion of helpful oils.

Answered 8/7/2014

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Deep: Deep condition weekly; don't blowdry if you don't 'have to', biotin/b-complex vitamins. Lots of h2o.

Answered 10/23/2014

4.9k views

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Blow: Blow drying your hair is not the best for your hair. Curling irons aren't your friend.

Answered 8/27/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Harold Peltan answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Although: Although electric hair straighteners (flat irons) are popular, they do cause serious damage to hair.

Answered 11/22/2013

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Dr. Harold Peltan answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Do: Do use moisturizers and conditioners if you have dry hair.

Answered 9/23/2014

4.9k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Ponytails-: Ponytails- elastic bands can weaken hairs & cause breakage over time.

Answered 10/4/2015

4.9k views

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Dr. Thomas Wright answered

Specializes in Phlebology

The: The best medicated shampoo for dandruff is Nizoral (ketoconazole) shampoo.Best results apply and let dry for 10 min.

Answered 6/30/2014

4.9k views

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Dr. Thomas Wright answered

Specializes in Phlebology

Nizoral, (ketoconazole): Nizoral, (ketoconazole) selsun blue and head n shoulder all help dandruff /seborrheic dermatitis. In that order.

Answered 12/16/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

HAIR: Hair health: tightly wrapping wet hair in a towel can tear the strands.

Answered 9/11/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

HAIR: Hair health: when removing snarls in your hair, work at the ends first.

Answered 9/11/2013

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

HAIR: Hair health: regular ingestion of brewer's yeast can help to strengthen & enhance hair growth.

Answered 9/11/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. William Harris answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Don't: Don't shampoo every day unless you have to -- it will dry out your scalp and hair.

Answered 9/11/2014

4.9k views

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Dr. William Harris answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Don't: Don't blow-dry you hair -- the heat damages your hair unless you have a thermal protection product.

Answered 9/14/2013

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Dr. William Harris answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

When: When you color your hair, stay away from bleaching products -- that leads to damage and hair loss.

Answered 9/16/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. William Harris answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Cut: Cut 1-2 inches off at least every 6 months to remove split ends to prevent further breakage.

Answered 9/16/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. William Harris answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Don't: Don't buy grocery store shampoo - buy quality, salon-grade shampoo for better hair health.

Answered 9/16/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. William Harris answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

If: If you start, use rogaine (minoxidil) twice every day! once you stop, the effect is lost and the benefit stops.

Answered 9/16/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. William Harris answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

If: If you color your hair, don't get into a swimming pool because it will leach out the color.

Answered 9/16/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. William Harris answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Don't: Don't shampoo every day unless you have to -- it will dry out your scalp and hair.

Answered 9/16/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Syed H. Sajid answered

Specializes in General Adult Psychiatry; Child & Adolescent Psychiatry ( 1 yr. Fellowship), sees all types of patients for Medication Management from ages 6-99yo

Leafy: Leafy vegetables, carrots and beans are good for hair. Use luke warm water to wash your hair.

Answered 12/10/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Syed H. Sajid answered

Specializes in General Adult Psychiatry; Child & Adolescent Psychiatry ( 1 yr. Fellowship), sees all types of patients for Medication Management from ages 6-99yo

To: To use hot tools to style or color, bleach, or perm hair often can damage hair's protective layer.

Answered 12/10/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Syed H. Sajid answered

Specializes in General Adult Psychiatry; Child & Adolescent Psychiatry ( 1 yr. Fellowship), sees all types of patients for Medication Management from ages 6-99yo

Their: Their are hair products to mend the damage. Conditioners with protein will repair the split ends.

Answered 12/9/2013

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Too: Too little thyroid thins your hair and makes it brittle. Too much testosterone can cause hair loss.

Answered 5/8/2016

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Don't: Don't use too many hair-care and styling products. Many of these contain harmful chemicals.

Answered 3/6/2014

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The: The longer, thicker, curlier, and more processed your hair, the longer it can go between washes.

Answered 1/16/2014

4.8k views

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Dr. Jane Steiner answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Ignore: Is your hair thick? Is your hair thin? Does it have wave or curl?

Answered 12/10/2013

4.8k views

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Dr. Jane Steiner answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Ignore: One does not necessarily need to wash one's hair every day, unless it is very oily or dirty.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Dr. Jane Steiner answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Ignore: For thick curly hair, don't wash daily- get hair wet but use only conditioner.

Answered 12/9/2013

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Ignore: Eat healthy. Do not use shampoos that strip hair of natural oils.

Answered 5/7/2016

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Ignore: Limit splitting hair: when hair is wet, brush hair gently after putting stay-in conditioner in hair.

Answered 5/7/2016

4.7k views

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Try not to use a curling or flat iron daily as it dries out the hairs and will cause them to split.

Answered 12/1/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: 500mg evening primrose oil twice a day for at least 6 weeks is a supplement that helps hair, nails.

Answered 12/1/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Washing daily is drying and bad for your hair.

Answered 12/2/2013

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Ignore: Massage your scalp when washing hair. It stimulates blood flow to scalp and feels great!

Answered 12/20/2013

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Ignore: Do moisturize your scalp and hair regularly to keep t soft and manageable.

Answered 12/22/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Sheila Calderon answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

To: To avoid ingrown hair gently exfolliate ; wash daily. Rinse with cool water and use an astrigent.

Answered 12/31/2013

4.6k views

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Dr. Tod Haller answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: Don't assume dandruff is really dandruff. Can be dry scalp, which is very different.

Answered 1/6/2014

4.6k views

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Dr. Thomas Namey answered

Specializes in Rheumatology

Ignore: Shampoo no more than twice weekly if possible, especially in winter! your scalp will love you!

Answered 1/17/2014

4.6k views

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Dr. John Leander Po answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

Ignore: Avoid sharing combs and brushes with others since it can potentially spread infection such as mrsa.

Answered 3/17/2014

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Ignore: Do massage ur scalp to stimulate blood supply to the roots of your hair follicles, brush hair daily.

Answered 2/2/2014

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Ignore: Don't use harsh chemicals.Don't forget to clean your combs and brushes.

Answered 2/2/2014

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Ignore: Do not allow oil to build up in your scalp.Do shampoo when your hair starts looking oily.

Answered 2/2/2014

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Ignore: Don't tie your hair back too tightly , this stretches the hair shaft causing it to break and split.

Answered 2/2/2014

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Remember: Remember when you shave, ur hair grows back thicker. Try waxing , hair growth wll eventually slowdown.

Answered 2/7/2014

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Ladies!: Ladies! shaving makes hair grow faster ; thicker. Instead try waxing. Slows growth;hair is finer.

Answered 2/7/2014

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DO: Do not share comb or brush with classmates. Risk of head lice increases with this practice.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Ignore: Washing regularly encourages hair growth.

Answered 9/3/2014

3.9k views

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Ignore: Do use products formulated fir your hair type.

Answered 7/27/2014

3.8k views

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Dr. Diane Ojugbeli answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Ignore: Whenever possible let your hair air dry. It will thank you with less breakage.

Answered 9/29/2016

3.8k views

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Dr. Liesa Harte answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Ignore: If you or your hairdresser notice more hair loss than usual, have your thyroid hormones checked.

Answered 8/3/2014

3.8k views

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Dr. Liza Shiff answered

Specializes in Anti-Aging Medicine

Ignore: Use Moroccan argon oil or olive oil overnight in your hair to hydrate and fix dryness.

Answered 2/19/2015

3.2k views

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Dr. Richard Zimon answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Do NOT BRUSH many times per day despite many old wives tales that it makes your hair look better!!!!

Answered 3/18/2015

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Ignore: Brushing your hair daily stimulates follicles and brings natural oils down to keep hair strong.

Answered 4/27/2015

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Ignore: Good nutrition and sleep. Folate, (folic acid) gelatin and food grade diatomatious earth will make hair shine!

Answered 7/6/2015

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Dr. answered

Ignore: Don't share combs, brushes if possible to reduce spread of lice.

Answered 4/12/2017

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Ignore: Iron supplements may not necessarily help unless patient truly has iron deficiency anemia.

Answered 5/25/2017

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Ignore: Do treat wet hair gently--detangle with a spray and a hair pick or wide tooth comb.

Answered 8/7/2019

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