9 Beauty Rules That Don't Apply to Everyone

Wash Your Hair Daily

You may be trained to cleanse your mane like clockwork, but you could actually be causing your tresses unneeded distress. “Generally, only women with fine or oily hair need to wash it every day to prevent strands from getting too greasy or weighed down,” says Nexxus Creative Director Kevin Mancuso. Those with dry or coarse hair can usually wait a few days before lathering locks, he says, as this helps your scalp’s natural moisture rebalance itself.

Cut Your Nail Cuticles

This is a big no-no for just about everyone, says New York dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, M.D. “Cuticles protect the nail matrix from exposure to bacteria, and the more you cut them, the more you expose your nails to infection,” she says. If you have a piece of cuticle sticking out or a jagged edge, then it’s OK to gently clip, but try to push the cuticles back instead.

Trim Your Hair Every 6 to 8 Weeks

This rule only stands for those women with short cuts that require maintenance to preserve the style, or women with severe damage from over-bleaching, relaxing or perming hair. Frequent trims aren't going to help your hair grow any faster, since hair grows from the root. But if you have split ends, trims will keep them from splitting all the way up the hair shaft.

Exfoliate Dead Skin

Women with dry, flaky or sun-damaged skin on their faces should use an exfoliator, says Dr. Waldorf. “Cell turnover happens naturally and more effectively on its own when skin is in good condition,” she says. “Exfoliation can irritate an otherwise healthy complexion.”

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Keep Eyeliner Off Your Bottom Lids

The only women who should heed this advice are those with close-set or small eyes, says Lucero. The rest of us can rim top and bottom lashes. “Doing so adds more drama, defines the shape of your eyes and creates the illusion of fuller lashes,” she says. Powder shadow, applied with an angled brush, has a more subtle effect, while liquid liner lends a smoldering look.

Take a Shower Daily

Unless you’re prone to body odors or have exercised until you’re dripping with sweat, you don’t have to lather up daily, says Dr. Waldorf. Getting too squeaky-clean can cause your skin to become parched, especially if you’re using an antibacterial soap. The dryness from overwashing can create tiny openings, which make your skin more vulnerable to bacteria. A hydrating body wash will replenish moisture while keeping you fresh.

Shampoo First, Then Conditioner

This applies only to women with dry or coarse strands. Those with fine or oily hair should condition before they shampoo, advises Mancuso. “This still hydrates and cleans the hair, but it also washes away any excess product that might otherwise weigh hair down."

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