For years, many Filipinos have followed hair care routines popularized in Western countries. From skipping daily shampoo to embracing heavy oils and styling products, these habits have slowly become the standard, thanks to the dominance of American and European hair care brands in the local market. But according to celebrity hairstylist, Mark Anthony Rosales, what works in colder climates may not necessarily work for Filipinos living in tropical weather.

“In the Philippines, the build-up just continues if you don’t wash your hair,” Mark tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle.

For Mark, who has spent more than a decade studying not just hair styling but scalp health, one of the biggest misconceptions among Filipinos is the belief that skipping shampoo helps “rest” the hair. While this may work for people living in colder countries where the scalp produces less oil, he says the Philippine climate creates an entirely different situation.

“Here in Manila, we sweat more. The scalp produces more oil because of the heat and humidity,” he explains. “If you don’t shampoo every day, the build-up becomes triple.”

Build up is not dandruffHe also said that many Filipinos mistake product residue and oil build-up for dandruff. He then explains that even after washing, the scalp naturally continues producing oil, which becomes worse when mixed with sweat, pollution, and styling products.

“We tend to think we have dandruff, but sometimes what people are scratching off is actually product build-up,” he says. “We love applying serum and oils, but because of the dirt sitting on the scalp, the products are no longer absorbed properly.”

Over time, this can develop into what he calls a “follicle cap,” a hardened layer of residue that regular shampooing can no longer easily remove. He also pushes back against the long-held fear that washing hair daily automatically damages it. Instead, he believes the problem lies in the kind of shampoo people use.

What to use“That’s why we promote skinification for hair,” he says, referring to ingredients more commonly associated with skincare, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. “The key is using sulfate-free shampoo.”

He notes that many shampoos commonly available in the Philippines contain paraffin, which temporarily creates a silky effect but may eventually dry out the hair and contribute to hair fall. For consumers unsure what to buy, he says simply checking labels for terms like “sulfate-free” or “paraffin-free.” Among the products he personally recommends are shampoos with hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, ingredients he says help moisturize the scalp without making it greasy.

Still, the Mark’ed Salon owner  emphasizes that hair care is never one-size-fits-all. Different lifestyles, scalp conditions, and habits require different routines.

“Five problems, one solution? I don’t think that’s possible,” he says. “People have different habits, different skin types, and different ways of taking care of their hair. You really have to know your hair status first.”

In his salon, every customer’s scalp is screened first using a scalp screener machine and they are also asked about their lifestyle and hair care routine. Instead of overhauling routines overnight, he encourages Filipinos to gradually transition into healthier habits by mixing products into their routine little by little. For him, the foundation of proper hair care begins with mastering the basics: shampoo and conditioner.

Mark also discourages leaving hair soaking wet after washing. According to him, excess water lingering on the scalp can contribute to further build-up.Tying hair while still damp is another habit he warns against since wet strands are more fragile and prone to breakage.

Lastly, he emphasizes that healthy hair is not about chasing instant results or copying viral Western routines. In a country where heat, humidity, sweat, and pollution are everyday realities, he believes Filipinos need routines designed for their actual environment.