Many of us will go to great lengths to keep our hair on point.
But could some of your every-day habits—like washing and
styling—actually be hurting you? Here, we separate follicular fact from
fiction.
[post_ads_2]RELATED: 28 Hairstyling Tricks Every Woman Should KnowMyth: Air-drying is better than blow-drying
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Twenty20
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Truth: One study revealed
that while blow-drying hair causes more damage to the hair’s surface,
air-drying hair can cause damage within the strands themselves. When
your hair is exposed to water for extended periods of time (let’s say,
the hour it takes for your hair to dry on its own), it swells up and
puts pressure on the proteins that keep your hair intact. Your best bet?
Air-dry until hair is about 75 percent of the way there. Then, put your
dryer on a low heat setting and dry the rest of your hair to finish.
Myth: Dandruff signifies a dry scalp
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Truth: Actually, it’s the opposite. Dandruff is
most commonly caused by a type of yeast that thrives in…an oily
environment. So if you’re worried that washing your hair every day will
be too drying and cause more flakes, go pick up a medicated shampoo and
wash it. Like now.
RELATED: The Easiest Way to Get Rid of Gunky Scalp Buildup (Ew, but Awesome)
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Myth: Trimming your hair every 6 weeks makes it grow faster
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Truth: Hair growth happens at the scalp. That said,
the frequency of trims has nothing to do with how fast (or slow) your
hair will sprout. The reason why you’ve heard this tip so much is
because regular trims prevent split ends and breakage--the nemeses of
anyone who is trying to go long. Ask your stylist for a light dusting
every eight to 12 weeks to keep the overall look healthy.
Myth: Stress causes graying
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Truth: Graying is mostly determined by genetics and
aging. As you age, you produce less melanin (the molecules responsible
for your natural color). This causes new hair to come in gray (with
minimal melanin) or white (with no melanin). As for stress—what you're
actually experiencing is a quickening of fallout. Then, yes, if you're
of a certain age, it will then grow back in gray.
RELATED: 7 Wrinkle Myths to Stop Believing
RELATED: 7 Wrinkle Myths to Stop Believing
Myth: Wearing your hair up too much can make your hair fall out
praetorianphoto/getty images
Truth: A loose ponytail or chignon is fine. But,
yes, a constant stream of tightly woven braids, ponytails and top knots
can be damaging because it creates tension on your hair follicles and
can lead to permanent loss. (This applies to prolonged wear of
extensions as well.) You can wear your hair up—just maybe go easy on the
rubber bands.
RELATED: No, You’re Not Imagining Things, Your Hair Really Does Hurt (and Here’s Why)
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Myth: Rinsing your hair with cold water will “close the cuticle”
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Truth: Stylists often finish washing your
hair with ice-cold water because it's supposed to close your hair
cuticle so it lies flat (and thus, reflects light). However, your hair
contains no living cells. Therefore, it doesn’t react to cold (or hot)
water. If smoother, shinier strands are what you’re after, invest in a
good conditioner instead.
Myth: The more you brush, the healthier your hair
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Twenty20
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Truth: Sure, brushing can distribute your natural
oils, but more is not always best. In fact, too much brushing can create
friction, which causes frizz in the short term and can lead to breakage
over time. Brush only as needed and gently, starting at the bottom and
working your way up to the root…slowly.
RELATED: The Best Hairbrush for Every Type of Hair
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Myth: You need to switch shampoos because they stop working
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Truth: Different shampoos deliver different
results. One might have proteins in it to give you extra volume; another
may have jojoba oil to hydrate parched strands. Switching shampoo comes
down to personal preference—and your hair’s current state. For example,
is it newly bleached? If so, you might want to swap your standby for a
more moisturizing formula. Otherwise, they work the same as they always
have.
