Few can argue that taking care of your hair is quite important, especially when you understand its ties to your overall health and beauty. In fact, a person’s hair is often referred to as their crown, and as such it should be treated like more than a royal pain in the neck. Since the dawn of time, haircare has been the subject of debate between people of all walks of life. As a result, at least 15 hair myths have sprouted out of mankind’s attempt to perfect the mane, but many people are still unaware of exactly what it takes to maintain healthy locks.

THE SHINING TRIO

#1 – Chill your hair for extra shine

While cold water baths and showers do have their health benefits, it turns out that it’s not as effective for shiny hair as people once thought. Cold water will make your hair a little more manageable, but it is usually won’t produce noticeable effects on the shininess despite your best efforts. In fact, experts say that you should meet in the middle and use lukewarm water instead.

#2 – Blow drying makes your hair shiny

A lot of people are obsessed with shiny hair, but the fact of the matter remains: less is more. Blow drying your hair may cause it to be more manageable or to look softer, but the shininess is just an illusion – and a costly one at that. Too much blow drying may cause damage to your hair, especially if you use a high heat setting when you do it.

#3 – 100 strokes for shine

As one of the biggest hair myths known to modern man, you need to know that brushing your hair for 100 strokes each day is not going to make it any shinier. It is true that the natural oils on your scalp are essential to hair growth. However, combing or brushing your hair too often can damage cuticles, irritate the scalp, and cause unsightly breakage.

LATHER, RINSE, REPEAT

#4 – Hair should be washed every day

This is simply not true, but is actually the exact opposite. Expert stylists recommend that a person only wash their hair with shampoo a few times a week, or just when it is needed. What has been discovered is that too much washing can cause shampoo residue and natural oil to buildup on the scalp, which turns out to be one of the main reasons why hair starts to look greasy.

#5 – Switch up the shampoo

Changing your brand of shampoo isn’t going to do you any favors, and is one of the biggest hair myths you might encounter. Unless your hair has been through some drastic changes, using the same shampoo as always will work perfectly fine. The key is to always pay attention to the changes your locks are going through and to find a shampoo that works best for your current type of hair.

#6 – Follow instructions on the bottle

When you are washing your hair, keep in mind that the directions on the bottle are simply general guidelines for all users. You don’t necessarily have to “Later, Rinse, and Repeat” to get a good washing, and in fact that habit can leave you standing in the shower for hours. Just wash your hair when needed and make sure you rinse it very well.

CUTTING TO THE CHASE

#7 – Hair grows faster when it is trimmed

As much as we’d all like this to be true, it simply isn’t. Cutting your hair will not make it grow any faster, despite popular belief. It may, however, reshape your look and provide the illusion of a thicker, fuller head of hair. Keep trimming your hair, but stop expecting it to boost growth in the meantime.

#8 – Grey hairs multiply when you pluck them out

What a relief that this is one of the hair myths that isn’t true! No, plucking out your grey hairs will not make them reappear in droves. In fact, it really won’t do anything except get rid of that pesky grey hair and perhaps irritate your scalp.

#9 – Ponytails make your hair fall out

This myth is sort of based in truth in that pulling your hair back into ponytails that are too tight may cause breakage, which in turn may lead to thinning. While the actual hairstyle is not directly responsible for balding, it may be a good idea to leave your hair down every once in a while. After all, you’re learning how to take better care of it so why not show it off?

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

#10 – Up-dos keep dandruff at bay

False. If you’re not careful, this could become one of the most embarrassing hair myths on the list. Up-dos will not prevent dandruff, but will only hide the problem (slightly). Dandruff is caused by something else entirely, so don’t fall for the trap.

#11 – Hair should be brushed from root to tip

Again, this is not true. Often, your hair becomes tangled and brushing it from the top to the bottom can hurt or cause breakage. Depending on the situation, you may need to brush from the bottom up. Use your best judgement.

#12 – Greasy hair doesn’t deserve conditioner

Technically, all hair needs to be conditioned after it is washed. Just be sure to use the right combination of products so you don’t experience a buildup of sebum. In fact, that is actually the main culprit for hair becoming too greasy.

MISCELLANEOUS HAIR MYTHS

#13 – Mayonnaise is a miracle worker

From now on, keep the mayo in the kitchen where it belongs. You could get the same softening effects from a good shampoo and conditioner combo. Oh, and you could also avoid the messy stench of this outdated myth once and for all.

#14 – Sunshine gives you lovely locks of blonde

Exposure to sunlight can lighten your hair slightly over time, but at the cost of giving your scalp a sunburn in the process. Also, too much sunlight on your hair can cause it to feel dry and brittle. If you want to go lighter with your locks, just make an appointment your beautician.

#15 – The science of haircare is complete

Modern science is still trying to figure some things out about haircare, but we have come a long way. Still, hair myths will probably always exist. Keep in mind that there is always research going on, so just use your best judgment and your common sense.

FINAL WORDS

We all know someone who is loyal to one of these hair myths or another, and a lot of times they have good reason to be. After all, there is still so much to learn. Want to share your own story and see what others have to say about it? Leave a comment in the box below this blog.