When it comes to hair care, there’s no shortage of advice. From what products to use to how often you should wash your hair, everyone seems to have an opinion.

However, not all hair care tips are created equal. Some widely held beliefs about hair care are actually myths that can do more harm than good.

In this article, we’ll debunk the top five hair care myths and provide you with evidence-based tips to keep your hair healthy and strong. Say goodbye to outdated advice and hello to healthier hair!

Myth 1: Cutting Hair Makes It Grow Faster

• The Myth: Regularly cutting your hair will make it grow faster.
• The Truth: Hair growth starts at the scalp, specifically at the hair follicles, and cutting the ends of your hair does not affect the follicles. Hair grows approximately half an inch per month, regardless of how often you cut it.
• Why the Myth Persists:
  Many people believe this myth because hair tends to look healthier and fuller right after a trim. Trimming removes split ends, which can make hair look thinner and more damaged, giving the illusion of faster growth when hair looks healthier.
• The Expert Advice:
  While trimming your hair won’t make it grow faster, it is still important to get regular haircuts to maintain healthy hair. Trimming every 6-8 weeks helps remove split ends and prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft, which can cause further damage and breakage. Healthy hair is less likely to break, which can help maintain length over time.

Myth 2: Oily Hair Doesn’t Need Conditioning

• The Myth: If you have oily hair, you should skip the conditioner because it will only make your hair oilier.
• The Truth: Oily hair is the result of an overproduction of sebum (oil) from the scalp, not from the hair itself being oily. Conditioner is designed to hydrate and nourish the hair, not the scalp, and skipping it can actually lead to dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage.
• Why the Myth Persists:
  People with oily hair often feel that conditioner makes their hair appear greasier. This is likely due to applying conditioner too close to the scalp or using a formula not suited for their hair type.
• The Expert Advice:
  Use a lightweight, oil-free conditioner and apply it only to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the roots. This approach provides the necessary hydration without weighing down your hair or making it appear greasy. Additionally, you can opt for conditioners labeled as “volumizing” or “clarifying,” as these are typically lighter and designed for oily hair types.

Myth 3: Brushing Hair 100 Times a Day Makes It Healthier

• The Myth: Brushing your hair 100 times a day will make it shinier, healthier, and promote growth.
• The Truth: Over-brushing can actually cause more harm than good. Brushing too much can lead to hair breakage, scalp irritation, and split ends. It also doesn’t stimulate hair growth.
• Why the Myth Persists:
  This myth dates back to the days when women used to brush their hair to distribute natural oils from the scalp to the ends, giving their hair a shinier appearance. However, modern hair care products and practices have made this excessive brushing unnecessary.
• The Expert Advice:
  Brush your hair as needed to detangle and style it, but avoid over-brushing. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft, flexible bristles to gently remove tangles without causing breakage. Start from the ends and work your way up to minimize damage. Also, brushing your hair before washing can help reduce knots and tangles caused during shampooing.

Myth 4: Air Drying Is Always Better Than Blow Drying

• The Myth: Letting your hair air dry is always the best way to avoid heat damage from blow drying.
• The Truth: While it’s true that excessive heat styling can damage hair, air drying isn’t always the best option for every hair type or situation. In fact, leaving your hair wet for too long can cause the hair shaft to swell and weaken, leading to frizz, breakage, and split ends.
• Why the Myth Persists:
  The idea that “natural” methods are always better has contributed to the belief that air drying is superior. Additionally, people want to avoid heat damage, so they assume that air drying is the only alternative.
• The Expert Advice:
  It’s best to combine air drying and blow drying for optimal hair health. Allow your hair to air dry partially (about 70-80%) before using a blow dryer on a low heat setting to finish the drying process. This method minimizes heat exposure while also preventing the hair from remaining wet for too long. Always use a heat protectant spray before blow drying to protect your hair from potential heat damage.

Myth 5: Dandruff Is Caused by a Dry Scalp

• The Myth: Dandruff is caused by having a dry scalp, so using more moisturizing products will solve the problem.
• The Truth: Dandruff is not caused by a dry scalp but rather by an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia that feeds on the oils of the scalp. The condition can be exacerbated by an oily scalp, not a dry one.
• Why the Myth Persists:
  Flaky scalp conditions are often mistakenly associated with dryness because both can produce visible flakes. However, the underlying causes are different, and treating dandruff as a dry scalp condition can worsen the problem.
• The Expert Advice:
  If you have dandruff, opt for an anti-dandruff shampoo containing ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid to control the yeast and reduce flaking. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and use the shampoo regularly for the best results. Additionally, avoid heavy oils and conditioners on the scalp, as these can further promote fungal growth.

Conclusion

Hair care myths can lead to misconceptions that prevent you from achieving your best hair. By debunking these myths and following expert-backed advice, you can take better care of your hair, ensuring it stays healthy, shiny, and strong.

Remember, healthy hair starts with understanding its unique needs and addressing them with the right practices and products. Don’t let outdated myths dictate your hair care routine—empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions for your hair’s health.

FAQs

Is it true that cutting hair frequently makes it grow faster?

No, cutting hair does not influence the growth rate, which is determined by your hair follicles. Regular trims can help maintain healthy hair by preventing split ends and breakage.

Should I condition my hair if it’s oily?

Yes, you should still use a conditioner, but opt for a lightweight, oil-free formula and apply it only to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.

How often should I brush my hair?

Brush your hair as needed to detangle and style it, but avoid over-brushing, which can cause breakage and scalp irritation.

Is air drying better than blow drying?

Not always. Air drying can sometimes cause the hair shaft to swell and weaken. It’s best to let your hair air dry partially before using a blow dryer on a low heat setting.

What’s the difference between a dry scalp and dandruff?

A dry scalp lacks moisture and can lead to flakiness, while dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus and is often accompanied by oily scalp conditions. Using an anti-dandruff shampoo is the best way to treat dandruff.