Whether it was a list of tips passed down from your grandmother, or something that you heard from a TikTok video, the fact is that there are many myths out there related to hair loss, growth, and health. The way we treat our hair today is significantly different from the way we treated our hair even 50 years ago, or 50 years before that. This is due to simple things like the availability of clean water, an increase in treatment options, and the advancement of science.
So, we decided to set the record straight, and bring the truth to light in relation to the most common myths out there.
Myth #1: Hair Grows Faster When You Constantly Cut it
Hair grows at a constant rate depending on genetics, nutrients, and other natural factors. Cutting it does not change this rate of growth. Also, take into consideration that your hair growth happens at the roots, not the ends, so cutting the end of your hair doesn’t affect the hair follicles that are responsible for hair growth. Cutting your hair does improve the neatness and appearance of your hair though and reduces the number of split ends. Cutting your split ends gives your hair a more well-cared for appearance. It is normal to lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day and making a drastic cut to your hair can change the bounce and texture of your hair for a short time, simply because it is lighter; however, at the end of the day, your hair grows at the rate it grows, and cutting your hair will not make it grow faster.
Myth #2: You Have Dandruff Because Your Scalp is Dry
Actually, dandruff happens most often because of an overproduction of oil, because that environment promotes the growth of the yeast that causes dandruff. This happens in some of the oiliest parts of our bodies, including our eyebrows, sides of our nose, and other areas. If you believe that you are losing your hair because of a dry scalp, seek the advice of an expert such as those available to you at New Look Institute, and we can determine the exact cause of your hair loss.
There is such a thing as dry scalp, but that is not the same as dandruff. Ways to treat dandruff include scalp toners, scalp masks, dandruff shampoo that is designed to balance the pH of your scalp, and consulting a Trichologist, or scalp dermatologist, that can determine if your problem is due to over production of oil, or not enough oil production.
Myth # 3: Washing Your Hair Every Day Is Bad for You
Over washing your hair, or not washing your hair enough can cause damage to the scalp which can cause problems with hair growth.
The best way to increase the health of your hair is to increase the health of your scalp, which is skin. There is a “sweet spot” for how often you wash your hair. Healthy hair needs a clean scalp, so that blocked or clogged follicles don’t cause issues with hair growth. There are several different hair types in the world, from fine hair to course hair, and the density of hair follicles impacts how often you should wash your hair. The general rule of thumb is the denser your hair follicles, usually with fine hair, the more often you should shampoo. Consult an expert Trichologist today to learn what’s best for your scalp.
Myth #4: Shaving Makes Your Hair Thicker and Darker
Hair is naturally tapered, meaning it is thicker at the base, closest to the hair follicle, and thinner and finer at the base, or towards the ends. What happens when we shave is we end up cutting the hair at the thicker portion of the hair, creating a blunt end that gives it the appearance of being thicker for a short time, but the structure of the hair doesn’t change over time. If you are experiencing a sudden increase in facial or body hair, it could be a side effect related to hormones or nutrition. If you are shaving your head because you are hoping to reduce the symptoms of baldness, don’t give up! Sometimes identifying these signs early can give your dermatologist or Trichology Practitioner time to identify what is causing these symptoms and find ways to reduce them.
Myth #5: Air Drying Your Hair Is Better Than Blow Drying
The goal when you dry your hair is to not do anything that will cause damage. This can include over brushing, which can cause split ends, as well as putting your hair up while it is wet, which can cause damage to your scalp since there is a damp environment happening for far too long. Additionally, you can use a hair dryer on a high heat setting, which can cause damage as well. Damage to your scalp can increase chances of hair loss. If you choose to air dry your hair, then the best way to do this without causing damage is to lightly brush through it and allow it to air dry naturally without scrubbing it with a towel or over scrunching it which can cause breakage. If you choose to blow-dry your hair, make sure you hold the dryer at least 6” away from the hair and use a medium or low heat setting, as well as a heat protectant.
Busting These 5 Hair Myths Will Help You Have Healthier Hair
Remember that there are many choices when it comes to treating your hair, but the focus for hair growth is a healthy scalp. The experts at New Look Institute have trained Trichology Practitioners on site, who specialize in scalp health. Schedule an evaluation today, so that you can identify exactly what your scalp is needing to be its healthiest and get a recommended treatment plan that will help you maintain your healthiest hair. If you aren’t sure whether you need a trichology expert, you can always chat live with an expert on our website to find out.
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