Yet More Care Hair Myths - The Truth And The Lies

Those hair care myths just keep coming! In this third of 3articles, we examine some of the most widely known myths - anddig out the truth…1. Hair should be washed every dayFALSE: There is no correct schedule for washing hair. Everyperson should shampoo according to the specific needs of theirhair type and texture. While some people do benefit from a dailyshampoo, others benefit from a variety of shampooing schedules.2. More lather = a more effective shampoo = cleaner hairFALSE: Lathering agents are often added to shampoos, but morefoam doesn't mean cleaner hair.3. Hair develops immunity to the same shampoo over timeFALSE: There is no scientific evidence to prove this myth.4. Brushing your hair is better than combing itFALSE: Actually, your hair reacts better to a comb than a brush.Brushing it will only lead to split ends and hair breakage.5. Split ends can be repaired without trimmingFALSE: The only successful treatment for removing split ends iswith a scissors. Some hair care products may temporarily mergesplit ends together, but this only lasts until your nextshampoo. Always remember that damaged ends tend to grow slowerthan healthy, well-maintained, trimmed hair.6. Coloring hair during pregnancy is harmfulFALSE (PROBABLY): Some physicians disagree, but most believethat coloring the hair during pregnancy is not dangerous to thebaby. When in doubt always get your physician’s permission tocolor your hair during pregnancy. Most experts believe that thekey danger with hair coloring is not the application of theproduct to the scalp but the inhalation of the strong chemicalodor.7. Virgin root hair should be treated differentlyTRUE: The hair that is closest to the roots reacts differentlyto the application of new hair color and chemical treatments.Hair color applied directly to the roots will processdifferently that color applied on hair that has already beentreated.8. Lemon juice will bleach hair blondeFALSE: Some naturally light haired people may notice a slightlightening or brightening after prolonged sun exposure soaked inlemon juice, but most people wont not see any obvious change intheir hair lightness or brightness.9. A sunburnt scalp can lead to hair lossTRUE: Severe sunburn or a series of burns that occur over timemay damage delicate hair follicles at the root level. Peoplewith a genetic predisposition towards hair loss may acceleratethe onset of hair loss activity. Avoid scalp burns by applyingsun protection products to your scalp along with your hair.10. For thick, shiny hair, eat a diet that's rich in iron andproteinFALSE: Iron deficiency can cause hair loss, but dermatologistssay the reverse is not true: eating extra iron will not give youthick hair. In fact, overloading on iron can cause serioushealth problems (the correct amount for optimal health is about15 milligrams a day for a woman). The same thing is true withprotein. Dermatologists say protein-deficiency will causelackluster skin and brittle hair. It's important to get enoughprotein, but eating more than normal won't make hair any shinier.11. Wearing hats causes hair lossFALSE: In order for the hair to fall out, the hat would have tobe so tight that it cuts circulation to the follicles. Millinerscan breathe a collective sigh of relief!12. Hormones are not related to hair lossTRUE: Although hormonal imbalance can cause temporary hair loss,as is common with women after pregnancy, the important thing toremember is that the hair will grow back.13. Swimming pool chemicals can turn hair greenTRUE: Frequent swimmers with natural blonde or chemicallyhighlighted hair that is extremely porous may experience thedevelopment of green tints and shades over time. This problemcan be prevented with regular use of moisturizing shampoo andconditioners that provides a natural barrier to chlorine andrelated chemicals.14. Hair grows faster on different parts of the headTRUE: There is some scientific evidence that the growth rate ofhair may vary on different parts of the head for select people.There is also some indication that the growth rate of hair onbabies may be faster on the crown than on any other parts of thescalp. Usually the growth rate differences are very marginal andwill not impact the hair appearance in any way.SUMMARYHeard another myth about hair? Do your research – ask an expert!This doesn’t include your grandmother, best friend or localbarmaid. Instead, talk to an experienced hairdresser or atrichologist. Always get the real facts before you act on anyhair myths – you owe it to your hair.Michael Barrows (With thanks to Daniel Mcullough and Karen M.Shelton)