I was talking to somebody yesterday about hair myths. Even
some hairdressers give the wrong info, so here are some of the most common.
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| Courtesy of Hooker and Young |
Myth: drying your hair with your head bent forward increases
volume and still keeps the cuticle smooth
Truth: it does. Says hair guru Philip Kingsley:
“Blow-drying backwards with the head forward still follows the cuticles (outer
layer) and does not roughen them."
Too much hot air can make your hair frizz, cool air can help
smooth out your hair in between blow-dries.
Myth: brushing your hair 100 times a night is good for the
hair.
Truth: no, brushing should be kept to a minimum to avoid damage.
Truth: no, brushing should be kept to a minimum to avoid damage.
Myth: frequent trims make the hair grow.
Truth: they will get rid of dead ends, but won’t encourage hair growth.
Truth: they will get rid of dead ends, but won’t encourage hair growth.
Myth: acute stress can make your hair full out.
Truth: it can. We normally shed 50-80 hairs approximately a day, but stressful situations can increase hair loss. Other factors such as a poor diet can also have an effect. If, over a period of a month, you think more hair than usual is falling out contact your doctor or go to see a trichologist.
Truth: it can. We normally shed 50-80 hairs approximately a day, but stressful situations can increase hair loss. Other factors such as a poor diet can also have an effect. If, over a period of a month, you think more hair than usual is falling out contact your doctor or go to see a trichologist.
Myth: switch shampoos as your hair gets too used to it.
Truth: there is no scientific evidence to prove this. You might think it does, especially if your hair type has changed.
Myth: frequent washing of hair harms it.
Truth: it doesn’t. Heated appliances can damage the hair if not used correctly.
Truth: there is no scientific evidence to prove this. You might think it does, especially if your hair type has changed.
Myth: frequent washing of hair harms it.
Truth: it doesn’t. Heated appliances can damage the hair if not used correctly.
Myth: rinsing your hair in cold water makes your hair
shinier.
Truth: it doesn’t, according to Philip Kingsley.
Truth: it doesn’t, according to Philip Kingsley.
Myth: colouring your hair causes damage.
Truth: it can. According to Philip – who thinks that if you want to colour your hair you should – if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions, all colouring processes are potentially harmful. Always do a patch test each time you dye your hair and never leave the colour on for longer than the instructions say. Don’t over-process your hair. Coloured hair does need looking after otherwise it can get dry.
Truth: it can. According to Philip – who thinks that if you want to colour your hair you should – if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions, all colouring processes are potentially harmful. Always do a patch test each time you dye your hair and never leave the colour on for longer than the instructions say. Don’t over-process your hair. Coloured hair does need looking after otherwise it can get dry.
Myth: semi- permanent colours are less harmful than
permanent colours.
Truth: semi-permanents tend to fade after a few weeks and
need to be reapplied. Permanent colours tend to last a lot longer as normally you apply only to the roots after
the first application.
Myth: products can mend split ends.
Truth: they can't, but they can improve the look on a temporary basis.
Truth: they can't, but they can improve the look on a temporary basis.
Myth: plucking out a grey hair means two grow in its place.
Truth: no it doesn’t, but it can damage the hair and continually pulling them out could create a bald patch.
Truth: no it doesn’t, but it can damage the hair and continually pulling them out could create a bald patch.
Myth: grey hair is coarser.
Truth: Philip says it may be drier and is usually finer.
Truth: Philip says it may be drier and is usually finer.
By Daralyn Danns
