Washing and basics
Q: How often should I wash my hair? A: Depends on scalp: oily = 3–4x/week, normal = 2–3x/week, dry = 1–2x/week.
Q: Should I shampoo twice? A: Only if hair has heavy product or is very oily. Otherwise once is enough.
Q: Cold water at the end — does it work? A: Yes. Helps flatten cuticle for shine and reduces frizz. Worth 10 seconds.
Q: Is it bad to go to bed with wet hair? A: Not ideal. Damp hair tangles more and can grow bacteria at scalp. Sleep with hair at least 70% dry.
Products
Q: Can I skip conditioner? A: Only if your hair is very fine or oily and doesn't tangle. Most people benefit from some form of conditioning.
Q: Do I need a separate shampoo and conditioner? A: Yes. 2-in-1 products compromise both functions.
Q: How much shampoo should I use? A: Nickel-sized for short, quarter-sized for medium, 2 quarters for long. Too much = buildup, too little = uneven cleansing.
Q: Expensive shampoo — worth it? A: Sometimes. Check INCI, not price. Read our guide.
Growth and loss
Q: What makes hair grow faster? A: Nothing external. Hair grows ~1.25 cm per month. You can only ensure you keep what grows by preventing damage and breakage.
Q: Do biotin supplements work? A: Only if you're deficient (rare). For most people, they're placebos.
Q: Why is my hair suddenly shedding more? A: Common triggers: illness, postpartum, stress, weight loss, medication. Usually reversible. See our hair loss article.
Problems
Q: Why is my hair always frizzy? A: Three possibilities: humidity-driven, dryness, or damage. Each has a different fix.
Q: Hair feels dry even after conditioning — why? A: Could be: over-cleansing, wrong conditioner for your hair type, or protein overload. Check the protein balance article.
Q: Why do I have dandruff that won't go away? A: Likely seborrheic dermatitis, not simple dry scalp. Try ketoconazole shampoo 2x/week for 6 weeks.
Styling and heat
Q: What temperature is safe for flat irons? A: Max 150°C for damaged, 180°C for normal, 200°C for virgin thick hair. Always with protectant.
Q: How often can I bleach my hair? A: Maximum every 6–8 weeks for healthy hair. Shorter intervals = severe damage.
Q: Can I combine bleach and permanent color in one day? A: Possible but risky. Only with bond-builders and a skilled stylist.
Routine
Q: How often should I use a mask? A: Once a week is standard. Twice if very damaged.
Q: Protein or moisture — which first? A: Test first. If hair is mushy/limp = protein. If hair is crunchy/stiff = moisture. See protein-moisture balance.
Q: Oil before or after shampoo? A: Oil before is a "pre-poo" treatment, soaks into hair pre-wash. Oil after seals moisture in. Both have value.
Health and medical
Q: Can stress cause hair loss? A: Yes. Telogen effluvium typically shows 2–4 months after a major stress event.
Q: Does diet affect hair? A: Yes. Protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins are essential. Severely restrictive diets show up in hair within 3–6 months.
Q: Hair loss postpartum — normal? A: Yes. 3–6 months after birth, shedding spikes as hormones normalize. Usually resolves by 12 months.
Environment
Q: Why is my hair worse in winter? A: Dry air + heating = dehydrated scalp and hair. Add humidifier, switch to richer conditioner.
Q: Pool chlorine — how do I protect my hair? A: Wet hair with tap water first (it absorbs less chlorine), apply a silicone serum, then cap. Clarify after with chelating shampoo.
More questions?
Still have specific questions? Take the Mutaly quiz — it personalizes answers based on your hair profile.