5 Scalp Myths You Can Stop Believing
Let’s chat scalp myths. Because not everything your friend’s hairdresser’s cousin said is actually true... 😉
If you’ve ever battled flakes, itchiness, or a scalp that just feels “off,” you’ve probably heard some questionable advice. Dr Google and TikTok are full of scalp “hacks” that sound convincing, but don’t always have science on their side.
As self-proclaimed scalp nerds (a badge we wear proudly!), we’re here to bust some of the most common myths, explain what’s actually going on up there and share the tools that can get you back to a healthy, happy scalp.
Myth #1: “Dandruff is just dry skin you can cure.”
Not quite. Dandruff may look like dry skin, but it’s caused by something far peskier - a yeast imbalance on the scalp called Malassezia. Yeast naturally lives on everyone’s skin; it’s only when it overgrows that problems may occur.
There are actually two main types that cause issues: Malassezia restricta and Malassezia globosa. When these species throw an overproduction party, your scalp reacts with flakes, redness, inflammation and itchiness. That’s why your regular supermarket shampoo won’t cut it, the yeast needs to be kept in check.
We avoid old-school anti-dandruff ingredients like Pyrithione Zinc and Selenium Sulphide. They can have a narrower anti-fungal range and come with harsher side effects - not our ethos.
Myth #2: “If it’s not foaming, it’s not working.”
Big, fluffy bubbles might be satisfying and fun, but we promise, they’re not a sign of cleanliness. Foam usually comes from harsh detergents like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) - both of which strip your scalp’s natural oils, dry it out and make irritation far worse.
Our Milk Shampoo uses gentle, natural cleansers derived from Coconut and Glucose. They don’t whip up a bubble party, but they do give you a thorough, scalp-friendly clean.
Pro tip: To get the most out of a low-foam formula, ensure your hair is completely wet before shampooing. Lather the product between your hands first, then massage it into your scalp (not just your hair). You’ll feel the difference in how nourished and calm your scalp feels afterwards!
If you shampoo twice, you'll also find the second shampoo to be far 'foamier' as the first wash removed most of the dirt and oils.
Myth #3: “Go as long as possible without washing.”
Sure, over-washing can cause dryness, but under-washing can cause just as many problems. Skip washing for too long and you end up with an overload of oils, dead skin cells, sweat and yeast, making flakes and irritation worse.
The sweet spot? For most people, washing every 3-4 days keeps your scalp’s natural microbiome balanced and lets your natural oils do their job without inviting yeast overgrowth. If you’re a gym junkie or work up a sweat at your job, it’s totally fine to wash more often, just make sure to use a natural shampoo that’s gentle and doesn’t strip your hair and scalp, or dive into the magical world of dry shampoo powder - which just might be the best thing since sliced bread.
🛒 Ready to enjoy a gentle, natural, but super effective shampoo? Shop our best-selling Milk Shampoo!
Myth #4: “Glycolic & Salicylic Acid for a flaky scalp.”
We love Glycolic and Salicylic Acids for skincare; they’re great at exfoliating and removing dead skin cells. But here’s the catch: they don’t actually treat Dandruff. They can give temporary relief by clearing visible flakes, but they don’t target yeast or calm inflammation. Plus, if you use them too often or in too high a concentration, they will dry out and irritate your scalp, making symptoms worse instantly or over time. It’s like shovelling manure without fixing the broken fence, the cows will just wander back in and make a mess again. 😉
Myth #5: “All Silicones are bad.”
Silicones get a bad rap, but honestly, not all of them are created equal. Oil-soluble Silicones can be found in most hair care products, but are primarily found in conditioners. They are heavy, tricky to wash out and don’t break down easily in waterways, so we avoid them.
Instead, we stick to plant-based oils like Jojoba, Coconut and Olive, which hydrate deeply, smooth strands and keep your hair soft without any build-up. We also love Milk Protein in our Natural Conditioners for its ability to protect and revitalise hair strands, keeping split ends at bay.
🛒 Want to explore Silicone-free Conditioners? Shop our faves here →
The Moral of the Story?
Your scalp is unique and blanket rules rarely work for everyone. But, we think we have some pretty versatile Hair & Scalp Care products that most heads love. Instead of believing every TikTok trend or “miracle cure” you hear about, pay attention to what your scalp is telling you and work with it, not against it.
🛒 Ready for your healthy head era? Shop our 5-star scalp saviours!
