6 Hair Myths Exposed!

Debunking Common Hair Myths
Debunking Common Hair Myths

Get the truth about grays, shampoos and brushing so your hair can be healthier and shine brighter. Plus, pick up some helpful tips and tricks as All You solves some common hair myths!

Related: Weatherproof Your Hair »

Myth 1: Stress makes your hair fall out.
If everyday stress caused hair loss, then we'd all be bald! The blame actually lies in genetics, which accounts for 95 percent of hair loss. If this gene runs in your family, start acting now! Treatments include hair restoration (a surgical procedure in which tiny patches of scalp are removed from the back and sides of the head and implanted in bald spots) and topical use of minoxidil, an FDA-approved ingredient found in Rogaine, which is available over the counter in 2 percent and 5 percent formulas. The lower dose is approved for women, but many doctors recommend the higher dose to slow down shedding and to speed regrowth.

Myth 2: Brushing your hair 100 strokes per day makes it shine.
This is a big exaggeration with a little truth behind it. Light brushing-a few strokes here and there-gives locks luster by distributing the scalp's natural oils down the hair shaft. Excessive brushing, however, especially if you tug too much, can weaken strands, causing them to break. For gentle grooming, choose a brush with ball-tipped plastic bristles or long, widely spaced natural boar bristles, and use it only to detangle and style hair.

While we're at it, you should never brush wet hair-it's too fragile. Only tackle dry locks, starting from the ends and working your way up.

Myth 3: A cold rinse adds shine.
This myth has some truth to it. Hair cuticles, which resemble shingles on a roof, lie flat when splashed with cold water. As a result, the smoothed cuticles reflect more light, making hair appear shinier and healthier (hot water leaves it rough and lackluster). The effect is temporary, however unless you dry and style your hair properly. To get your locks to cooperate, seal damp hair with a silicone-based serum, then blow-dry with a nozzle attachment, keeping the airflow angled down the shafts to smooth the cuticles.

Myth 4: Yanking out gray hairs will cause more to sprout in their place.
The number of hairs in each follicle is genetically determined (typically it ranges from one to four strands in each), and simply tweezing stubborn grays won't increase that number. Still, plucking is a bad habit: If you pull out the same strand repeatedly, you can damage the roots so it won't grow back. A better alternative? Embrace your salt-and-pepper locks or dye them. If you're less than a third gray, try a semipermanent dye, which gently blends away grays and washes out in approximately 28 shampoos. If a third or more of your locks are silver, go with permanent color, which completely covers grays.

Myth 5: Pulling your hair taut every day can lead to bald spots.
Too much tugging and tension from tight hairstyles such as cornrows and weighty extensions can bring on traction alopecia, a form of hair loss that is common among black women. It's preventable, though. Avoid stressful styles and switch the positions of your braids (ponytails and headbands, too) to alleviate tension.

Myth 6: Change shampoos occasionally, or they'll stop working.
Why does it seem like your shampoo suddenly stops doing its job? It doesn't, but after a month of the same hair routine, buildup from conditioners and styling products can leave locks dull and lifeless, so rotating shampoos is not a bad idea. Suds up with a clarifying formula (look for key words like "balancing" or "anti-residue") to refresh your locks. Warning: Such formulas clean deeply, so they can strip hair of its natural gleam. Use them in moderation; once or twice per month is optimal.

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