HAIR GROWTH MYTHS

Myth: Hair grows faster when you constantly cut it. Hair grows around half an inch a month, and cutting it won't speed up that process. On average, we have around 120,000 hair follicles on our scalp, and they're all going through different phases of the hair growth cycle: anagen phase(growing), catagen phase(transitional), telogen(resting), and exogen(ejection). Generally, up to 90% of hairs on your scalp will be in the growth phase, with the rest waiting to fall out or shedding. Cutting your hair won't make it grow faster, but regular trims will keep it looking nice.

Myth: You have dandruff because your scalp is dry. Dandruff isn't a dry scalp problem; it's actually almost always oily. Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is caused by an overgrowth of a naturally occurring yeast on your scalp called Malassezia yeast. They are lipophilic, meaning they love oil. The more oil on your scalp, the happier they are and the more flakes you tend to see. Dandruff can also appear behind your ears, on the sides of your nose, and in your eyebrows. Treatments for dandruff include targeted shampoos, scalp toners, scalp masks, and considering your diet.

Myth: Washing your hair every day is bad for you. While it's important to treat your scalp as you treat your skin by keeping it properly cleansed and hydrated, how often you should wash your hair depends on your hair type and activity level. For example, fine hair might get greasy and flat if not washed daily, while coarser hair might benefit from more frequent washing to aid in hydration. The key is to find a balance that works for your scalp and hair type.

Myth: Shaving causes hair to grow back thicker and darker. Hair naturally grows tapered, so when you shave, you cut it at a thicker point along the shaft, making it appear thicker and darker. However, shaving doesn't change the hair's growth pattern. Waxing, which removes hair from the follicle, will allow it to grow back tapered. If shaving did make hair grow back thicker, everyone would shave their heads to gain more hair.

It depends: Air drying your hair is better than blow drying. If you air dry your hair by scrunching or constantly tugging it, it can be damaging. However, if you gently brush your hair and let it dry without much manipulation, it's fine. Similarly, blow drying can be safe if done properly: use a heat protectant, hold the dryer at least six inches away, and start on a medium heat setting before reducing to low. For curly or coily hair, a hooded dryer may be a good option, especially if you wear wigs, weaves, or braids, as improper air drying can lead to mold and mildew.

Myth: Shampooing causes extra hair loss. Shampooing only dislodges hairs that were already loose and ready to fall out. It's normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day. Regular shampooing is important for maintaining a healthy scalp, which supports new hair growth. Focus on your scalp when you shampoo, and the suds running down will be enough to cleanse the lengths of your hair.

Myth: Only shaving causes ingrown hairs. Waxing can also cause ingrown hairs if the hair breaks instead of being pulled out from the root, resulting in a blunt end. Ingrown hairs occur when the hair curls back into the skin, causing an inflammatory response that can lead to red bumps or pus-filled bumps. Shaving after a shower with a blade designated for sensitive skin or a fresh sharp blade, and gentle exfoliation once or twice a week, can help prevent ingrown hairs.

Partly true: Stress makes you have gray hair. When you go gray is largely determined by genetics, but stress can speed up the process. Hair color is determined by melanin, and when your hair bulb stops producing these pigment cells, you start to turn gray. Embracing gray hair can look beautiful, or you can choose to color it. Plucking a gray hair won't cause two more to grow in its place, but over time, plucking can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss.

Myth: You can repair a split end. Once a hair splits, it's split for good. Split ends happen due to general day-to-day weathering, such as blow drying, brushing, towel drying, wind exposure, and UV exposure. Treat your hair gently, like your favorite cashmere sweater, to prevent split ends. The only cure for a split end is to cut it off.

Myth: Baldness is only passed down through your mother. Hair loss has genetic components and can be inherited from either your mother's or father's side. Androgenic alopecia, or reduced hair volume, is a genetic type of hair loss that can be influenced by hormone levels. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, menopause, oral contraceptives, puberty, and pregnancy can impact hair density. It's best to consult a trichologist or dermatologist for hair loss concerns.

Myth: The more you brush your hair, the healthier it will be. Over-brushing can cause micro-tears along the hair shaft, especially with textured, coily, or zigzag pattern hair. Regular detangling is important to prevent tangles from accumulating and matting. Look for a brush with rounded plastic prongs and a vented cushion base. For curly or textured hair, consider brushes like the Felicia Leatherwood or Cosmology brushes, which have large teeth to detangle coarse and thick hair.

Myth: Oils will make hair grow faster and longer. Oils do not speed up hair growth, but consuming enough oils in your diet is important for a healthy scalp. Instead of applying pure oil to your hair, use a cream that contains oils like olive oil, castor oil, or coconut oil, which can improve the aesthetic appearance of your hair.

Myth: Wigs, weaves, and braids always protect your hair. While these styles can minimize manipulation and protect hair, they can also cause hair loss if too heavy, worn too long, or if the scalp is neglected. It's important to practice responsible protective styling, allowing your hair to breathe and maintaining scalp health. Avoid tight styles and seek out experienced stylists who understand the importance of gentle handling.

Myth: Tender-headedness is just a sensitivity issue. Tender-headedness can indicate underlying scalp inflammation, which could be a sign of a condition like scarring alopecia. If you experience tenderness, especially if it persists, consult a trichologist or dermatologist. Never suffer in silence, and choose products carefully to maintain scalp and hair health.