Clearing Up Pesky Hair Care Myths And Misconceptions
There are a lot of urban legends when it comes to hair care nowadays. No matter how hard you try to avoid them you hear them from friends or catch them on online chat groups. So before you start to buy some of this stuff hook line and sinker, let's separate what true and what's not when it comes to hair problems.
Fact or Fiction: C'mon, can a bald spot really be caused by my ponytail?
This one's true. By pulling hair into a tight ponytail, it strains the hair follicles and eventually kills them. This prevents new hair from growing back. To avoid getting a bald spot someday tie your hair loosely or do a high ponytail rather than a lower one. You can also try a side ponytail.
Fact or Fiction: Does hair grow faster after being trimmed?
Fiction. Regular trims get rid of split ends but they don't make it grow faster. Hair growth comes from the roots. If you want to make your hair grow faster, take care of it. Condition it and eat a healthy diet that's rich in vitamins. Unhealthy hair doesn't grow well. Trimmed or not.
Fact or Fiction: Massaging your scalp will make your hair grow.
Fiction. Although massaging releases oils, can stimulate the follicles and may relax the scalp, hair grows at about half an inch per month regardless. Aside from that, massages improve blood flow which you need to keep those hair cells healthy and fit.
Fact or Fiction: Dry scalp causes dandruff.
Not really. You see dandruff is a medical condition. It's really a form of eczema of the scalp. What triggers it is some harmless yeast that your skin tries to get rid of it by shedding cells. Those are commonly called dandruff flakes. Normally you can cure this with medicated anti-dandruff shampoo. Most find the dandruff starts to disappear within a matter of days.
Fact or Fiction: Chemical straighteners can permanently change the texture of hair.
Fact is curly hair is curly hair. Though temporarily chemically straightened, your hair's true self returns after a few months of unfettered growth.
Fact or Fiction: Brushing my hair regularly makes it healthier.
If you're talking about the 100 brush strokes rule, it's not really true. This is because brushing your hair too many times causes cuticle damage. This leads to split ends and brittle hair strands. Brushing is only good for removing tangles and you can do this with a comb.
Fact or Fiction: Coloring will damage my hair.
Turns out this one is true. There's even some science to it. The cold water flattens the cuticle making it more light reflective. Result? More shine. This is why after shampooing you want to let the shivering cold water wash through your locks. Then seal the deal with a silicone based conditioner.
After laying the cards down surely you'll accept the truth about your hair. Not only will these clarify your preconceived notion about hair problems but it will clear things up as well. Leaving you room to take care of your hair in a fuss-free way.
Suzan K Bishop contributes ideas about hair care to the popular hair care site FullerHeadofHair.com. Whether it's bob haircuts, tips for glorious blow-outs, or hair color ideas, you'll find the help you seek there.
