Mythbusting: 7 Myths About Your Hair That Simply Aren’t True
If you are like many other people, you may think that you know everything you need to about hair care. After all, things like how frequently to wash your hair and how much brushing is too much may be just a few of the things that have been engrained into your head for as long as you can remember. However, in reality, some of the most common things that people think about hair care are actually not true at all. With a closer look at some of the most common hair myths, you may be able to make better decisions about the care of your hair.
Combing Wet Hair From the Top Down Is Best
You may have heard that wet hair is more prone to breakage, and this is indeed true. However, many people have heard that the best way to comb through wet hair is by using a wide-toothed comb and working your hair from the top of the hair down to the ends. This can cause unnecessary strain on wet hair. A better idea to prevent breakage is to comb through the ends first, then slowly work your way up the hair in sections.
Some Hair Care Products Fix Damaged Hair
There are several types of hair care products that promise to fix damaged hair. This may include split ends and other types of damage. In reality, these products may mask the problem or make the problem less noticeable. Trimming off the damaged areas, however, is the only true way to remove split ends and other types of damage from your hair.
Changing Hair Care Products Often Is Best
Some people believe that if you continue to use the same hair care products on a regular basis, they will become less effective for you. Different hair care products work in different ways on your hair, and your actual hair may change over time. For example, it may be more oily or drier, or it may have more residue than when you first started using your hair care products. Washing with a clarifying shampoo periodically is a great way to restore your hair, and you can then continue to use your favorite products without switching brands.
Stress Causes Gray Hair
If you have heard that stress causes gray hair, you are not alone. This is one of the most common myths about hair, and many people will blame the stress of kids or a job on their grey hair. In reality, there is no proof that links gray hair to stress. It has, however, been linked to age, genetics and some types of health conditions.
Pulling Out a Gray Hair Makes More Gray Hair Grow
Many have heard that if you pull out a single gray hair, several more will grow back to replace that one hair. Any time you pull out a single strand of hair, regardless of what color that hair is, only a single strand will grow back in that same hair follicle. However, experts advise against pulling gray hairs out because it can lead to bald spots and irritation on your scalp.
Your Hair Texture Will Stay The Same
This may not be a myth that is commonly discussed, but it is nonetheless in the back of many people’s minds. You may think that if you were born with thick, wavy hair, for example, that it will stay the same throughout your life. In reality, everything from stress and age to hormones and even some medications can cause the texture of your hair to change. This means that your hair care products and styling efforts may also need to change.
Hair Grows Faster When You Cut It Often
Many people who are trying to grow their hair out may follow the belief that hair will grow faster if it is trimmed frequently, but this is actually not true at all. Most people’s hair will grow about one-half inch per month on average, and this is not related to how frequently you trim your hair. Trims can keep your hair looking stylish while you are growing it out, but if you cut your hair too frequently, you are actually negating the growth that has recently occurred.
Taking care of your hair properly is important if you want to keep it healthy and well-styled. However, many of these myths can lead you astray with your efforts. Now that you know the truth about these myths, you will be able to better care for your hair.
