10 OF THE MOST COMMON HAIR MYTHS – BUSTED!

1. Hair must be washed every day.
This is definitely not the case – especially if you have extensions! Hair experts would recommend washing your hair a maximum of once or twice a week to avoid drying out and damaging your hair. Those with long, thick, naturally curly hair can go even longer than a week without washing. If you have an oily scalp, try using a shampoo that doesn’t lather as much and won’t strip your hair of moisture (sulphate free shampoo). If you have extensions but your natural hair gets greasy quickly, we would recommend to only wash the top of your hair to protect the extensions from over washing and prevent them from drying out.

2. Trimming your ends will make your hair grow faster. 
Regular trims are really important to keep hair looking and feeling healthy, but they won’t make your hair grow any faster. Regardless of whether you trim your hair or not, it grows around half an inch every month. The only factors that have been proven to affect hair growth are genetics, hormones, and diet. To minimise unsightly ends, avoid applying heat. If you must straighten or blow dry your hair daily, use a heat protector. Our Heat Protector Spray is ideal for all hair types, shop here.

3. Split ends can be ‘fixed’ with the right products. 
There are numerous new products on the market claiming to repair split ends, but the only sure-fire way to get rid of them is by cutting them off. However don’t feel conned if you have purchased these hair products – they can serve as moisturising leave-in conditioners that will help prevent further damage until you make it to the salon for a trim.

4. Brushing your hair 100 times a day will make it shinier. 
100 daily strokes is way too much for fragile strands – it will do more damage than good. This is especially true if you’re brushing your hair while its wet as this is when its more susceptible to damage. However, light, gentle brushing will help to make the hair shiny by distributing the natural oils from the scalp down the hair shafts and flattening the cuticles to make them reflect more light. The most hair friendly hair brush is the TangleTeezer.

5. Wearing ponytails will cause bald spots. 
The occasional ponytail won’t do any harm, but if this is a style that you wear every day (especially if it’s very tight) then beware. Wearing a ponytail in the same position regularly can also cause hair breakage, you can help to stop this happening by alternating between high and low ponytails.

6. If you use the same shampoo and conditioner, eventually they will stop working. 
While it’s always great trying new products, don’t expect different results. The real reason your hair may be a bit lack-lustre is from product build-up. Some shampoos and conditioners can leave behind residue, which might make it difficult to see results over the long term. Use a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks to remove excess build-up in your hair, and you should be able to see continued great results from your favourite products.

7. Always comb your hair from top to bottom. 
Brushing your hair from top to bottom will lead to exactly the opposite of what you’re trying to avoid: serious snags and breakage. Instead, grab sections of the hair a few inches from the bottom and brush down to where your hand is. Repeat the process until you get to the roots. This will not only help to detangle, but will also prevent knots. Try brushing before you shower to prevent breaking hair when it’s vulnerable.

8. Plucking one grey hair will make 10 more grow back.
For those of you who have plucked those annoying grey hairs from your head, you don’t have to fear that 10 more will grow back in its place. The idea that pulling a grey hair will cause more to grow in its place is simply not true. Plucking one grey hair will only get you one grey hair in its place. The reason being is that only one hair is able to grow per follicle. Surrounding hairs will not turn white until their own follicles’ pigment cells die.

9. People with oily hair should skip the hair conditioner. 
Excessive amounts of oil on the scalp come from other factors such as genetics, hormones, and diet; not conditioner. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you’re getting the most out of your conditioner if you have oily hair: always stick with a lightweight formula and avoid massaging it into the scalp. Instead, apply a bit only to the ends and immediately rinse. Look for products with tea tree oil, which helps absorb oil from the scalp.

10. Rinsing your hair in cold water will make your hair shinier. 
According to most hairstylists, the icy water will make the cuticle of your hair close so it’s flat, which will help to reflect light. Unfortunately, this is not true because the hair contains no living cells so the level of shine can’t be changed by water temperature. Nevertheless, it is worth keeping in mind that having the heat cranked up on your shower can dry out your hair. If your shower is too hot, the water removes all of the naturally-produced oils that strengthen your hair. The best idea is to wash your hair with water that is a happy medium. Not too hot and not too cold – Goldilocks was on to something after all.