As someone who’s spent a significant part of my career working with some of the most talented hairdressers and salon owners across the United States and abroad, I’ve heard my fair share of hair myths. These myths often carry a kernel of truth, which makes them believable, but they can lead to misunderstandings and less-than-optimal hair care practices. Let’s dive into five of the biggest myths about hair and uncover the truths behind them.
1. Trimming Hair Makes It Grow Faster
Myth: Cutting your hair frequently will make it grow faster.
Reality: This myth persists because regular trims do promote healthier-looking hair. However, hair growth starts at the scalp, not the ends. Trimming helps by removing split ends, which can prevent breakage and make your hair appear fuller and healthier, but it doesn’t actually speed up the growth rate. Hair grows at a steady pace of about half an inch per month, regardless of how often you cut it.
2. Dandruff is Caused by Dry Scalp
Myth: Dandruff is a result of having a dry scalp.
Reality: Dandruff is often caused by an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, which thrives on the oils on the scalp. Other contributing factors include seborrheic dermatitis, oily scalp conditions, and even stress. While a dry scalp can cause flakes, these flakes are typically smaller and less oily compared to those caused by dandruff.
3. Switching Shampoos Frequently Improves Hair Health
Myth: Changing your shampoo regularly prevents it from becoming ineffective.
Reality: Hair doesn’t “get used to” shampoo. What might seem like diminishing results is often due to product buildup from styling products and environmental factors. Using a clarifying shampoo occasionally can help remove this buildup, allowing your regular shampoo to work effectively again. The key is finding the right shampoo for your hair type and sticking with it.
4. Baldness is a Recessive Genetic Trait from Your Mother’s Side
Myth: Baldness is inherited solely from your mother’s side of the family. People often say, “Look at your mother’s father to see if you will be bald one day.”
Reality: While genetics play a significant role in hair loss, the idea that it only comes from the maternal side is overly simplistic. Hair loss can be inherited from either or both parents. The genetics of baldness are complex and involve multiple genes. While the androgen receptor gene, which is linked to male pattern baldness, is located on the X chromosome (inherited from the mother), other factors and genes also contribute.
5. Cold Water Makes Hair Shinier
Myth: Rinsing your hair with cold water will close the cuticles and make your hair shinier.
Reality: While cold water can temporarily cause the cuticle to lie flat, making hair appear smoother and shinier, it’s not a long-term solution. Healthy hair shine comes primarily from good hair care practices, such as using the right products, avoiding excessive heat, and maintaining a healthy diet. Cold water rinses can enhance shine slightly, but they aren’t a cure-all for dull hair.
In a Nutshell…
These myths about hair care are often rooted in small truths, which is why they’re so widely believed. By understanding the real science behind hair health, hairdressers can provide better advice to their clients, leading to healthier, more beautiful hair. Remember, the best hair care practices come from a blend of tradition, experience, and scientific understanding. Let’s keep debunking myths and promoting true, effective hair care.
Change your hair, change your life.
Joe
President
OVID
コメント