Follow Vogue Arabia

The Blunt Cut: Debunking 5 Popular Hair Myths

truth-about-five-biggest-hair-mythsBefore you start switching shampoos or get ready to endure a burst of cold water at the end of your shower, we thought we’d save you the trouble and debunk some of the biggest and most popular hair myths. The truth is that there are many factors that determine the health of your hair, including its texture, condition, and length. If you’re someone who thinks that brushing your hair 100 times a day will give you healthy locks, be prepared to be disappointed.

Myth 1: Switching shampoos can make hair look healthier

According to London-based hair and scalp expert Philip Kingsley, hair can’t tell the difference between brands, or build up tolerance to any product. Your favorite shampoo will work the same every time you lather up, week after week, month after month.

Myth 2: Frequent trims make your hair grow faster

Cutting the ends of your hair won’t have any effect on your scalp’s follicles, which determine how fast and how much your hair grows. Your tresses will grow an average of a quarter-inch every month, whether you cut it or not. However, there is a reason experts suggest trimming your hair every six to eight weeks: frayed ends make hair look thinner and can cause breakage but when you cut them off, your hair appears to have more volume.

Myth 3: If you pluck a gray hair, two more will grow

Each hair follicle can reproduce only one hair after being plucked, regardless of the color. Still, that’s no reason to launch a full on plucking war against your grays as doing so can cause your hair to become weaker and over time, it will eventually stop growing back.

Myth 4: A cold burst of water will close your hair cuticles and make hair shine

Your hair contains no living cells, so it can’t react to cold (or hot) water. Use conditioners and styling products that contain silicones and oils to smooth the cuticle and limit damage to your hair from straightening treatments, hot tools, and frequent dyeing.

Myth 5: Brushing your hair 100 times everyday will make it healthier

You’ve probably heard that rigorous brushing will distribute the natural oils from your scalp to add shine to your hair. The truth is that brushing causes friction and leads to cuticle damage and breakage, which make hair lack luster and frizz.
—Gracie Stewart, Style.com

Suggestions
Articles
View All
Vogue Collection
Topics