When it comes to men’s grooming, there’s no shortage of advice — but a surprising amount of it is outdated, misunderstood or just plain wrong. From how often you should wash your hair to whether daily styling causes damage, old myths continue to shape how men approach haircare today.
At Dear Barber, we believe great style starts with the right knowledge. So here are three of the most persistent myths in men’s grooming — and the truth behind them. Once you understand these fundamentals, your hair becomes easier to manage, easier to style, and noticeably healthier.
Myth 1: “You must wash your hair every day”
For decades, men were told that washing their hair daily was part of good hygiene. But the truth is, daily shampooing does more harm than good for most hair types. Over-washing strips the scalp of its natural oils — the same oils that keep hair soft, manageable and easier to style.
The truth:
Most men should wash their hair 2–4 times per week, depending on lifestyle and scalp condition. Gym-goers or those with naturally oily hair may need an extra rinse, but not always a full shampoo.
Why it matters for styling:
Natural oils give hair grip, texture and flexibility. When hair is too clean, it becomes fluffy, dry and harder to shape — meaning you end up using more product just to achieve the same result.
Myth 2: “Wearing hats causes baldness”
This myth has been around forever, usually backed by claims that hats “restrict circulation” or “suffocate the scalp.” Thankfully, there’s no scientific evidence to support it.
The truth:
Hats do not cause male-pattern baldness. Genetics and hormones are the real drivers of hair loss. A hat cannot weaken or kill hair follicles.
So why do people believe it?
Tight hats can cause hair breakage — but this affects the hair strand, not the follicle. Once the hair grows out, it grows normally.
Good hat habits:
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Choose hats that fit comfortably
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Avoid rough fabrics that create friction
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Make sure the scalp stays clean when you’re wearing hats regularly
Your hair won’t thank you for poor hygiene… but the hat isn’t the villain.
Myth 3: “Using styling product every day damages your hair”
Many men still believe that daily use of pomade, cream or paste “clogs the scalp” or “weakens hair.” But this myth dates back to older, petroleum-heavy formulas from decades ago.
The truth:
Modern water-based styling products — like those in the Dear Barber range — are designed to be used daily without damaging hair.
What actually matters:
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Applying the right amount — too much product causes build-up
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Proper application technique — focus on mid-lengths and ends, not your scalp
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Regular cleansing — shampoo your roots thoroughly to remove product
Bonus tip:
Overloading product often comes from poor prep. Clean, towel-dried hair requires less product and styles more naturally.
Final Thoughts
Strong, healthy, easy-to-style hair starts with understanding what actually works — not what gets repeated online. By ditching these myths and focusing on scalp health, lightweight styling routines and correct washing habits, your hair will look better every day.
If you want help choosing the best products for your routine, Dear Barber has a full range of styling solutions designed for modern men and barbers alike.
Take our quick and easy hair styling quiz to find the right Dear Barber styling product for your hair -> TAKE QUIZ