8 Hair Myths––Debunked

By Amanda Greene

By now you probably know that washing your hair every day can dry out and damage your locks, which is why experts recommend only sudsing up two to three times per week instead. That got us thinking-what other long-standing hair beliefs can't be trusted? We spoke to the experts to dispel eight popular tress tenets. Read on for what they had to say about everything from treating greasy strands to understanding your hair's natural texture.

Myth #1: Slather on mayonnaise and olive oil to deep condition your hair.

While kitchen staples like mayo and olive oil do contain moisturizing properties, adding heaping handfuls of the stuff to your locks isn't the ticket to silky hair. "The success of this treatment depends on the type and texture of your hair," says Doug DiCanio, a stylist at Blow in New York City. "If your hair is fine, limp or sparse, you'll see a greasy or heavy result. But if you have thick, coarse and extremely dry hair, mayo and olive oil can be a low-cost alternative to deep conditioning treatments, so long as you apply them correctly." He suggests distributing one tablespoon of either ingredient into clean, damp hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then thoroughly rinse with a gentle cleansing shampoo. Photo: Valentyn Volkov/Thinkstock

Myth #2: You have to constantly change up your shampoo and conditioner in order to get great results.

undefined If your tried-and-true shampoo and conditioner don't seem to be working as well as they used to, don't rush out to pick up new brands. Contrary to popular belief, hair doesn't "get used to" products-build-up and residue is usually to blame for lackluster locks. "Some shampoos and conditioners can leave behind residue, which might make it difficult to see results over the long term," says DiCanio. "Use a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks to remove excess build-up in your hair, and you should be able to see continued great results from your favorite products." Photo: Jacob Wackerhausen/Thinkstock

Myth #3: Cutting your hair will make it grow faster.

undefined While regular trims are a great way to keep your hair healthy, monthly snips won't turn you into Rapunzel. "On average, hair grows about half an inch every month regardless of whether or not you trim it," says Jenny Cho, a stylist for Suave Professionals. "While cutting ends will prevent damage and encourage stronger, healthier hair, it doesn't tell the roots to grow faster." However, healthy hair may appear longer, since it's free from dry, damaged and broken ends. So visiting your salon every eight to 12 weeks is still the key to maintaining healthy, long locks. Photo: Diego Cervo/Thinkstock

Myth #4: You can't dye your hair while pregnant.

According to Amy Burkett, MD, ob-gyn residency director at Summa Health System in Akron, Ohio, no studies have conclusively proven hair dye is dangerous to a developing fetus. That said, "In general, pregnant women need to be concerned with what they're exposing their body to. The big concern for me is that some hair products contain formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen that I'd recommend any woman, pregnant or not, steer clear of." Formaldehyde will be noted on a product's ingredients list, so to be safe, choose a dye that doesn't contain it, opting instead for one that has as many natural ingredients as possible, such as henna-based dyes. If you go to the salon for color, ask your stylist what ingredients are in your hair dye, and see if there's a more natural option to pursue. (Note: Formaldehyde can also be found in Brazilian blow outs, a hair-straightening treatment.) Although none of Dr. Burkett's patients-including hair dressers-have ever experienced hair dye-related complications, to be cautious she recommends avoiding all hair dye during the first trimester of pregnancy, since that is when a fetus's basic neurological development occurs. Photo: Shutterstock

Myth #5: If you have greasy hair, skip conditioner.

undefined According to DiCanio, greasy hair is caused by the overproduction of sebum, a waxy, oily substance that comes from the tissues of the scalp-so skipping conditioner altogether is not going to cure the problem. Instead, she recommends those with greasy locks to "shampoo the roots with a clarifying shampoo and the ends with a moisturizing shampoo. Apply conditioner to the middle and ends of your hair only, steering clear of the scalp." Once your hair is dry, applying dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil. Since oil deposits can build up on styling tools and redistribute them throughout your hair, DiCanio also recommends keeping your brush clean by occasionally using a fine-toothed comb to remove the hair that can get stuck in its teeth. To remove oil and build up, dip both your brush and comb into a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of shampoo, rinse with warm water and let dry face down. Photo: Olga Lisitskaya/Thinkstock

Myth #6: Always comb your hair from top to bottom.

Though nearly every hair commercial features women brushing their locks from the roots downward, combing wet hair in this manner can actually cause breakage. Avoid snapping strands by combing your hair from bottom to top instead. "Start at the ends and work your way up," suggests Cho. "This will put less stress on your hair than if you started at the top and had to pull downwards to detangle a massive knot." Use your other hand to hold onto the hair above the knot you're detangling so that the pressure doesn't pull the hair from the roots, which could cause hair loss. Photo: George Doyle/Thinkstock

Myth #7: All hair grows at the same rate.

undefined Ever wondered why the perfect symmetry of a fresh haircut never lasts? According to Joel Schlessinger, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and president emeritus of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, "Hair grows at different rates on every part of the body, including on your scalp. Hair goes through three phases of growth, and each area of your body has different phase times." While there's nothing you can do to even out your hair growth times, regular trims will keep your style looking consistent. Photo: Thinkstock

Learn how to dye your hair at home.

Myth #8: Nothing will ever change the natural texture of your hair.

Baffled by why your naturally stick-straight hair has suddenly turned wavy? According to Dr. Schlessinger, hair texture is not set in stone. "It has to do with the length of its growth cycle, nutrition and medications. While the actual hairs we have are technically dead, the scalp and hair root are not. Medications affect the strength of the hair root and can lead to curling or color changes. Additionally, they can weaken the root, eventually leading to hair loss, as happens with chemotherapy." Stress, age and hormones may also play a role in how your hair texture behaves, turning thick hair thin, or coarse hair fine. Photo: Shutterstock

undefined Article originally appeared on WomansDay.com.

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