Hair truths: Dispelling superstitions and myths you might still believe in
With the news cycle of late, you’re a pro at deducing real news from fake news. You’ve earned some serious media savvy by being critical of even your favourite influencers. But what about the superstitions, old wives’ tales and myths you still might heed as gospel?
Let’s clarify some hazy myths you still might take as truth!
Myth #1: Your hair is alive.
Hair truth #1: Your hair is DOA.
Once it’s on your scalp, hair is dead. The only thing you can do is maintain your hair’s condition and improve the look and feel of your hair. No matter what you do, it won’t get any healthier. Maintain the look and feel of your hair by protecting it from pollution, the environment and by using appropriate tools and products for your hair type. Styling your hair in looks that won’t strain your scalp or tug on your hair will also keep your hair looking and feeling its best.
Myth #2: Want shinier hair? Rinse in cold water.
Hair truth #2: Want shinier hair? Comb your hair with a boar bristle brush.
A great boar bristle brush will give you shinier hair by bringing oils from the scalp down the length of your hair follicles.
Despite what your hairstylist might have told you, a cold water rinse won’t really yield shinier hair. All a cold water rinse will do is cool your scalp by constricting the capillaries lying underneath–and cut the time you dawdle in the shower in half.
Myth #3: Consistent trims = faster hair growth.
Hair truth #3: Consistent trims = polished hair and a very happy hairstylist.
Regular trims aren’t going to affect the rate of hair growth. Whether you visit the salon every 6 weeks or months later, your hair is going to grow at a steady rate determined by factors such as diet and ethnicity.
Myth #4: Brush 100 times a day for healthier hair.
Hair truth #4: Find a great brush or two and brush upwards versus from the root.
100 strokes daily is going to cause more harm than good. Invest in a good hair brush or comb for your hair type. A good detangling comb or brush is something to consider using before and after you wash your hair. If you’re prone to tangles, start from your ends and work up rather than brush in a single stroke all the way down. Your scalp will thank you!
Myth #5: Colour strips and damages your hair.
Hair truth #5: Unless you’re bleaching or going lighter, you're adding pigment to your hair versus stripping the follicle.
If a lighter hue is in the cards this year, you’ll be stripping your hair in order to get your perfect shade. If you’re going from a light brown to black, you’ll be adding pigment to your hair. The pigment will give the appearance of thicker hair and won’t be as damaging as opting for a lighter colour.
