Top 5 Hair Myths

Many factors play role in the healthiness of hair, and where there is complexity, there is also misinformation. If you’re someone who blow dries your hair everyday for shine, or someone who thinks combing your hair 100 times per day will give you healthy golden locks, you may be disappointed to learn your efforts have been fruitless or even counterproductive.

Myth #1: If you always use the same shampoo, eventually it will stop working.

Explanation: There is no correlation between bad hair and repeat use of shampoo. It’s important to use shampoo for your type of hair (colored, fine, frizzy etc.) but if you love your shampoo stick with it!

Solution: It’s always great to try something new but like the old saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” “Some shampoos and conditioners can leave behind residue, which might make it difficult to see results over the long term,” says Doug DiCanio, a stylist at Blow in New York City. “Use a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks to remove excess build-up in your hair, and you should be able to see continued great results from your favorite products.”

Myth #2: A cold-water rinse makes your hair shinier.

Explanation: This beauty myth is a half-myth. Cold water does improve the shininess of hair but not dramatically. It is not recommended to wash your hair in cold water often.

Solution: For comfort and shininess, use luke warm water once a week to increase circulation. Use conditioners and styling products that contain silicones and oils to smooth the cuticle. And limit damage to your hair from straightening treatments, hot tools, and frequent dyeing.

Myth #3: Brushing 100 strokes a day will make your hair shinier.

Explanation: Some have said that brushing 100 times a day stimulates circulation in the scalp and creates natural oils, but in fact, over-brushing causes friction in the scalp, which can lead to cuticle damage, breakage and split ends.

Solution: Brush minimally for detangling and styling. Avoid using a brush with natural bristles and use a wide comb instead. Use the right tools—a wide-toothed comb or a paddle brush with ball-tipped, plastic bristles. Avoid boar-bristle brushes—natural bristles aren’t uniform, so they’re especially harsh on your hair and scalp.

Myth #4: If you pluck out one gray hair, two or three will grow in its place.

Explanation: Plucking out gray hair simply does not create more grey hair but it creates scalp irritation which can be harmful to the hair follicle. “Each hair follicle can reproduce [one hair] after being plucked, regardless of the color,” says Fabian Lliguin, stylist and Rahua brand creator. In fact, plucking is a bad idea. Think about what happens when you over-pluck your eyebrows. “Too much plucking will create a bald spot instead,” Lliguin, warned.

Solution: If you start to see gray hairs try a gray corrector which uses a small amount of dye to cover grays. Or if they are too many, start dyeing your hair.

Myth #5: Split ends can be mended with the use of the right products.

Explanation: Split ends are caused when the hair is dry and brittle. It’s important to keep your hair moisturized but they won’t disappear with the right product.

Solution: Select a conditioner that moisturizes your hair and make sure you are getting a quick trim every 6-8 weeks. This will ensure that the ends are healthy.