7 Beauty Myths That Cost You Money

Being a well-coiffed woman isn't just hard work-it can be expensive, too! The cost of those shampoos, frizz-fighters, anti-aging crèmes, and other potions and pomades can really add up. But there are several misconceptions that make us want to spend even more money, when in reality, we don't have to. Here are seven myths that could be costing you.


Myth #1: Lather, Rinse, Repeat

Assuming you're not styling your hair with motor oil, one lather is plenty to get hair clean, so why use twice as much shampoo as you need to? Besides, washing twice doesn't just waste product, it can actually strip your hair of essential oils, leading to dryness and breakage-which, in turn, will make you buy even more products. Moreover, the trend these days is to only wash your hair when absolutely necessary so you can let your body's natural oils condition your locks, which works better than any store-bought product.


Myth #2: Prenatal Vitamins Make Hair Grow Faster

The reason pregnant women's hair feels thicker and grows faster is because their bodies are cauldrons of bubbling hormones, and there's no way for non-preggos to mimic that. The minerals iron and biotin are essential for healthy hair, but you don't need to get them from a pricey prenatal supplement; just grab a basic multivitamin. Better yet-just eat a balanced diet.

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Myth #3: You Need Toner & Eye Cream

A good sunscreen, cleanser, and moisturizer are essential. Toner and eye cream, not so much. If you like the way these products make you look and feel, then go for it, but they are far from essential. In fact, using an astringent toner can sap skin of necessary moisture.


Myth # 4: Frequent Haircuts Make Your Hair Grow Longer

We're not sure where the logic on this one comes from. Hair grows from the roots, so no amount of fussing with the dead keratin below your scalp can make your hair grow. While trimming the ends can make your hair feel thicker and healthier, it won't change the rate that your hair grows.


Myth #5: Hot Showers Clean Better

If you regularly take long, steamy hot showers, you aren't just washing essential healthy oils away from your skin and hair, you're washing money down the drain-in the form of your heating bill. Hot water is drying and irritating, not to mention expensive. Give your energy bill a break and switch to tepid water.


Myth #6: Damage Can Be Repaired

Cosmetics companies make a lot of money convincing you that it's possible to seal split ends, repair peeling nails, and cure wrinkles, as long as you buy their specialized products. In fact, the cells in hair, nails, and the top layer of skin are dead-they can't be magically brought back to life, no matter what.

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Myth #7: Expensive Products Work Better Than Cheap Ones

While there are some differences between drugstore and department store cosmetics brands, there's no guarantee that a $25 product will work any better than a $5 one-especially when it comes to lipsticks, nail polish, mascara, and shampoo. Use what works for you, regardless of the price point.


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