Published 23rd October 2020
We all want the very best for our hair, so we all find ourselves hunting through the internet for the latest tips and tricks. However, it's essential to be aware of the widespread fake news out there and learn how to separate the myths from the facts.
To help achieve your dream look, we've highlighted and debunked some common misconceptions about hair and combined them with our hints on how to figure out what really works.
Cutting your hair makes it grow faster
A common myth about hair growth is that cutting it makes it eventually grow back longer and quicker.
This is easily debunked by analysing the science of hair and understanding that growth takes place within the scalp and not the tip of the hair. However, regular cuts every 8-12 weeks will make hair look healthier by eliminating split ends and improving the follicle count.
If you are still keen to make your hair grown faster, you'll want to invest in growth vitamins while treating your hair correctly and improving your overall diet.
Brush your hair with 100 strokes a day
This one is definitely an old wife's tale that has managed to stick around for generations. Although brushing the hair will help distribute natural oils and keep it hydrated, 100 strokes a day is far too excessive and, if anything, could be potentially damaging.
Too much brushing or brushing with too much force can cause breakage, cuticle damage and increase hair loss. It is also wise to ensure you have the correct brush for your hair type - wide-toothed combs or paddle brushes are always incredibly useful. Don't just use any old brush you have lying around!
Dry shampoo is as good as regular shampoo
We're all guilty of reaching for the dry shampoo when we're in a rush or don't feel like a full wash. But, it just doesn't compete with the combination of regular water, shampoo and conditioner.
Consistently cutting corners could damage your hair in the long run. Sure, dry shampoo is a great time-saver, but all it is doing is soaking up excess oil and grease, meaning it isn't caring for your hair the way it needs to be.
When you can, take that extra time to fit a full hair wash into your schedule and give your hair the attention it deserves.
You should regularly switch up your shampoo and conditioner
Finding the right shampoo and conditioner can be difficult, and it doesn't help matters when people claim you need to regularly change brands to ensure the product doesn't lose its effectiveness.
Unsurprising, this is entirely false, and there is no proof to the claim that your hair will end up getting tired of the benefits within a specific product.
You may have fallen for this line when noticing your hair not responding to products the way it used to, but this is more likely to be to do with your environment, such weather changes and lifestyle, rather your hair.
