Hair myths
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10 Hair Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction in Hair Care

Have you ever heard a hair tip and wondered, “is that really true”? Trust me, standing behind the chair for over twenty years, I have heard it all. From ways to make your hair grow faster to ideas like cutting your hair makes it longer, there is no shortage of myths floating around the hair world.

Let’s jump in and check out some common myths I have heard over the years. Let’s get to the bottom of things and debunk some common hair myths and separate fact from fiction in hair care.

While most hair care myths are pretty harmless, these misconceptions can lead to ineffective hair routines or even damage to your hair over time. In the HSIB community we are all about keeping things pretty and simple, so let’s get to the bottom of theses myths so we can do just that!

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Common Hair Care Myths

From whether trimming your hair makes it grow faster to the necessity of washing your hair every day, it’s time to debunk some of the most common hair care myths and replace them with facts.

Myth 1: Trimming Your Hair Frequently Makes It Grow Faster

One of the most persistent hair care myths is that trimming your hair regularly will make it grow faster. While this belief has been passed down through the ages, it’s not entirely accurate.

Fact: Hair grows from the roots, not the ends. The rate at which your hair grows is determined by factors such as genetics, age, and overall health, not how often you cut it. On average, hair grows about half an inch per month, regardless of how often it’s trimmed.

So why the confusion? Trimming your hair doesn’t accelerate growth, but it does prevent split ends and breakage. Damaged ends can make your hair look thinner and shorter over time, as breakage can cause hair to snap off before it reaches its full length. Regular trims (every 6-8 weeks) help maintain the health of your ends, giving the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. But they won’t influence the actual growth rate of your hair.

Myth 2: Washing Your Hair Everyday Means Cleaner Hair

Many people believe that washing their hair every day is essential for cleanliness and hygiene. This is especially common among those who feel that skipping a wash leaves their hair looking oily or dirty. However, daily washing can actually do more harm than good.

Fact: Washing your hair every day is not necessary for most people, and in fact, it can strip your hair of its natural oils. Your scalp produces sebum (natural oil) to protect and nourish your hair.

Washing too frequently removes these oils, potentially leading to dry, brittle hair and an overproduction of oil as your scalp compensates for the loss. This can create a vicious cycle where you feel the need to wash more often because your hair appears greasier more quickly.

For most people, washing their hair two to three times a week is sufficient to keep it clean and healthy. If your hair is particularly oily, you can use dry shampoo between washes to absorb excess oil without stripping your hair of its natural moisture.

Dry shampoos do NOT all work amazing. It may take a little experimenting to find one that is right for you, but make sure it is natural and free of harmful ingredients. My go to dry shampoo’s are Toups & Co. Organics and Innersense Organic Beauty Refresh.

Ultimately, the right washing frequency depends on your hair type and lifestyle, but daily washing is not necessary for most individuals.

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Myth 3: Brushing Your Hair 100 Strokes a Day Promotes Healthy Hair

brushing hair

This myth likely originated in the days when elaborate hair brushing was part of many women’s daily beauty routines. The idea was that brushing your hair frequently stimulates the scalp, distributing oils evenly through the hair and making it shinier and healthier.

Fact: While brushing your hair can help distribute natural oils, 100 strokes a day is excessive and can cause more harm than good. Over-brushing can lead to hair breakage, especially if you’re using the wrong type of brush or brushing too aggressively. It can also cause unnecessary friction, leading to split ends and weakening the hair shaft.

Instead, focus on gentle brushing and only as much as necessary to detangle your hair and smooth it out. A wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft or flexible bristles is ideal. For those with curly or textured hair, it’s often best to detangle with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers when the hair is wet and conditioned to avoid breakage.

Myth 4: Hair Products Stop Working After a While

It’s common to hear people say that a particular shampoo, conditioner, or styling product seemed to “stop working” after a while. This leads many to believe that hair becomes immune to certain products, requiring you to switch up your routine regularly.

Fact: Hair does not build up a resistance to products. What often happens is that over time, products can leave a residue on the hair, particularly if they contain heavy silicones or oils. This buildup can weigh your hair down, making it appear dull or lifeless, which leads to the assumption that the product is no longer effective.

Another common reason for buildup on the hair is from your water. Whether you live in the country or the city, all water contains some minerals and contaminants. This could be the real or additional factor as to why your products don’t seem to be working as well as they once did.

To address this, try using a clarifying treatment once a week or every other week to remove buildup and restore your hair’s vitality. Also, be mindful of using too many heavy styling products, which can accumulate on the hair shaft. Switching products occasionally may be refreshing, but it’s not a necessity for maintaining healthy hair.

I always recommend a quality professional non-toxic brand for your hair care needs. My absolutely favorite go-to clean brand is Innersense Organic Beauty. Their products are made with the hightest quality organic ingredients and perform even better than most traditional brands!

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Myth 5: Cold Water Rinses Make Your Hair Shinier

It’s often said that rinsing your hair with cold water at the end of a shower will make your hair shinier by closing the cuticles and sealing in moisture. While cold water is actually good for your body (ever heard of a cold-water plunge), it won’t necessarily add that extra luster you are looking for to your hair.

Fact: While cold water may cause a temporary tightening of the cuticle layer, it doesn’t have a lasting effect on the health or shine of your hair. Hair’s shine is largely determined by genetics, the condition of your hair, water buildup and the products you use.

Using a good hydrating conditioner and incorporating products designed to enhance shine, like serums or light oils, will have a more significant impact on your hair’s appearance than the temperature of the water you use to rinse it. While cold water won’t harm your hair, it’s not the secret to shiny, healthy locks.

Myth 6: Dandruff is Caused by a Dry Scalp

Many people assume that dandruff is a result of having a dry scalp, and they attempt to combat it by using moisturizing products or oils. However, this misconception can actually exacerbate the problem.

Fact: Dandruff is more often caused by an overproduction of oil on the scalp, which creates an environment for the yeast-like fungus Malassezia to thrive. This fungus feeds on the excess oil and causes irritation, leading to the flaking commonly associated with dandruff. Dry scalp, on the other hand, can cause flaking, but it is not the same as dandruff.

The key to treating dandruff is to use products formulated to reduce excess oil and combat the growth of Malassezia. My go to shampoo and conditioner for scalp issues is the Innersense Hair Renew Scalp Balance Duo.

Myth 7: Plucking Gray Hairs Makes More Grow Back

 unwanted gray hair

Gray hairs are a natural part of aging, but for many, the sight of those first few grays can be unsettling. There’s a popular belief that if you pluck a gray hair, several more will grow back in its place.

Fact: Plucking a gray hair will not cause more gray hairs to grow. Each hair grows from a single follicle, and plucking one hair won’t affect the surrounding follicles. What may happen, however, is that over time more of your hair follicles will naturally begin to produce gray hair as part of the aging process, leading to the appearance of more grays regardless of whether you’ve plucked any.

That said, repeatedly plucking hair from the same follicle can damage it, potentially leading to scarring or permanent hair loss in that area. It’s best to leave gray hairs alone or opt for coloring solutions if they bother you.

Myth 8: Hair Oils are only for Dry Hair

Hair oils have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly as a way to add moisture and shine to dry, damaged hair. However, many people with oily hair avoid oils, fearing they will make their hair greasier.

Fact: Hair oils can benefit all hair types, including oily hair. The key is to choose the right oil and apply it correctly. Lightweight oils like argan or jojoba oil can help balance your scalp’s natural oil production and improve hair health without making your hair greasy. Applying a small amount to the ends of your hair can help prevent breakage and add shine without weighing your hair down.

If you have oily hair, avoid applying oils directly to your scalp. Instead, focus on the mid-lengths to ends, where hair is often driest. Incorporating oils into your routine can actually help maintain balance, especially when used in moderation.

Myth 9: Air Drying is Always Better for Your Hair than Blow Drying

It’s commonly believed that air-drying is the best way to avoid damage and keep your hair healthy, while blow-drying can lead to dryness and breakage.

Fact: While air-drying may seem gentler, you may actually end up with more heat on your hair without blow-drying if you are using heat styling tools. Depending on the texture of your hair, styling after air drying may not only take you longer but require more passes with the flat iron to achieve the smooth look you are hoping for. Blow drying can begin the straightening or smoothing process making it faster and easier to finish up straightening with minimal flat iron use.

Blow drying can also give you more volume, especially with the right products which can also lead to less need for heat on the hair. Try using a good brush to smooth the hair while blow drying to help achieve both smoothness and added volume.

Myth 10: Hair Grows Faster In Summer

The idea that hair grows faster in summer is partly true, but the effect is so minimal and varies from person to person.

Fact: Hair growth is influenced by many factors including circulation, hormones, and overall health. If your hair seems to be growing “faster” it is probably not weather related.

Yes, during warmer months you may experience improved blood circulation which enhances blood flow to the scalp and increased your hormone levels due to extra sunlight which boosts your Vitamin D levels, but the impact is so minimal.

Hair grows an average of a half inch per month, regardless of the season. The slight increase in summer is probably imperceivable and is not significant enough for most people to notice.

Common Hair Myths Debunked Pinterest Pin

Hopefully these hair myths will help shed some light on your locks. Whether these truths help you with your hair routine or simply give you some new fun info to share, I hope you gained some insight into how hair grows, and our bodies work in pretty amazing ways.

Don’t forget to share your newfound hair expertise with a friend!

Hey, Sweet Friend!

Welcome! I’m Ashley, a lover of beauty in all its facets. I am a hairstylist, writer, & girl mom passionate about helping women flourish by seeking beauty beyond the surface. I love to encourage women to create clean & healthy beauty habits & homes grounded in faith and live by my motto…clean, pretty, + simple. I would love for you to join me in your healthy beauty journey!

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