Debunking Hair Care Myths

A stressed-out lifestyle can lead to overworked tresses. Learn to follow hair care tips that really work, and leave behind beauty myths.

Multi-tasking American women go through life stressed out to the max, and as a result their hair is as well. While ladies tend to treat their skin with regimens including moisturizers, eye creams and serums, their locks are getting the short end of the stick, according beauty giant L'Oreal Paris. Lifestyle factors like emotional rollercoasters, a lack of sleep and hair drying tools that can reach up to 500°F result in damaged and over processed hair for which little repair can be found. To make matters worse, there are widely-believed misconceptions regarding hair care that women are only too eager to believe.

Noted hair care scientist and expert consultant for L'Oreal Paris, Dr David Kingsley, offers his best tips for keeping hair healthy and strong while setting the record straight on common conventional knowledge:

Wash your hair often: The old wives' tale that says washing your hair makes it fall out is incorrect. Also, shampooing and conditioning your hair frequently doesn't make it limper, dryer, nor does it cause product build-up. Wash your hair as often as you want. Any hair that falls out during washing has already been released by the follicle and is therefore ready to come out. Oily hair should be washed most days. Dry hair can be washed less frequently.

Protect your hair in sun and snow: In hot climates, wear a hat in order to protect your hair. Before going to the pool or beach, apply a small amount of strengthening conditioner to the mid-length and ends of hair - this will help reduce some of the harmful effects of salt or chlorine. Also, rinse your hair thoroughly with regular tap water when getting out of the sea/pool. In cold climates, use a humidifier to seal in moisture.

Go behind-the-scenes of the L'Oreal laboratories:

Get your daily dose of EFA: Essential Fatty Acids (EFA), such as ceramides, are important for scalp and hair health. EFA deficiency can lead to: diffuse hair loss, dull/ brittle hair, dandruff, eczema and splitting nails. Incorporate ceramides into your diet; they can be found in dairy, eggs, soybeans, rice and wheat.

One hair chemical at a time: Chemical applications can make hair brittle and more easily broken or tangled by friction or tension. Make sure any chemical processing does not overlap on the hair shaft, as this weakens the hair. All chemically processed hair will benefit from strengthening treatments
48 hours before and/or after the chemical process. Also, use conditioner every time you shampoo.

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A great alternative to the traditional shampoo/conditioner treatment is L'Oreal's new Advanced Haircare. This 17-piece collection offers five modules made up of shampoo and conditioner which, combined with seven different treatments, create a three-step hair regimen akin to what most women already do to take care of their skin. This is also the first time an entire haircare line features the amino acid Arginine-K complex, one of the largest components of keratin, known for delivering instant results.

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