You may have heard some hair myths and still believe in them. Now is the time to let go of these misconceptions and achieve your best hair. Here are some common hair myths:

Baldness comes from your mother’s side

While you may inherit certain traits from your mother, baldness is not exclusively one of them. Though approximately 80% of baldness is caused by heredity, multiple factors affect hair strength.

A study by McGill University found that various genes—many not solely from mothers—contribute to hair abundance or loss. In fact, about one-third of men experience hair loss by age 45, primarily due to a testosterone-and-enzyme combination called DHT.

Even if genetics play a role, there are ways to keep your hair fuller for longer. If you’re experiencing hair loss, consult a dermatologist for recommendations. They may suggest over-the-counter or prescription solutions such as finasteride and minoxidil (also known as Propecia and Rogaine).

Dry scalp and dandruff are the same

Extra conditioner won’t cure those pesky flakes and itchiness. Many people think they have a dry scalp, but it’s often dandruff, says Dr. Angela Lamb, a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Flaking typically results from the scalp’s reaction to naturally occurring fungus or yeast. Factors like weather changes or stress can exacerbate this condition.

Fortunately, antidandruff shampoos containing ingredients like salicylic acid and selenium sulfide can treat dandruff effectively. So, you don’t have to avoid dark shirts anymore, as dandruff is manageable with the right treatment.

You should shampoo your hair every day.

Shampooing your hair daily is generally not recommended, as it can do more harm than good. While cleanliness is often a priority, daily shampooing isn’t beneficial for hair quality, according to stylist Colin McCarthy.

Unless men have very fine hair that becomes greasy quickly, they should avoid shampooing daily and instead aim for once or twice a week. Over-shampooing strips your hair of natural oils, which are essential for maintaining healthy, shiny hair.

Without these nutrients, hair may overproduce oil, creating a cycle of greasiness. A daily rinse is sufficient to refresh after a workout, but shampooing should be limited to when you’re especially active.

Hair growth products are not effective.

If you’ve never had thick, healthy hair, it’s easy to dismiss hair growth products as gimmicks. However, certain brands can help slow hair loss or even restore previous thickness. Prescription medication like Propecia prevents testosterone from converting into DHT, targeting male pattern baldness on the mid-scalp and vertex area.

Rogaine, on the other hand, stimulates shrunken hair follicles, helping to restore the hair’s natural growth cycle, and, when applied topically, can lead to thicker strands. Not all hair growth products work for everyone, so it’s best to consult your doctor for personalized recommendations.

Stress is the main cause of gray hair.

Though stress isn’t ideal for your body, scientists agree that it won’t make your hair turn white overnight. Studies suggest that genetic factors play a more significant role in hair graying than environmental factors. This means that if your hair turns gray, it’s likely due to inherited traits rather than stress. To keep gray hair looking vibrant, you can use purple shampoos to moisturize and prevent brassiness in dried-out strands.