Hair Myths | The article about truth and misconceptions

Shiny, thick, and strong-growing hair is the dream of every woman and man. But what do you do when hair problems arise and the former shine and volume disappear as if from nowhere? Many hair problems are self-inflicted and are the result of myths that persist despite scientific findings and have not lost their relevance in the 21st century.

Table of contents

1. The most common hair myths at a glance
2. Why myths are particularly persistent
3. Conclusion: Don’t believe everything Grandma tells you!

The most common hair myths at a glance

Air-drying improves hair health, and brushing your hair 100 times a day provides the desired shine. If you suffer from dandruff, you should help by adding oil to your scalp and relieve its dryness. If you go to the hairdresser every six weeks, your hair will grow significantly faster than without a trim, and you won't have to wait long for the lion's mane you've always dreamed of. It all sounds plausible, don't you think? After this explanation, you'll know for sure which statements are true and which are nothing more than common hair myths.

With dandruff, the hair needs more moisturizing care

• In very few cases is dandruff caused by a dry scalp. This is a myth that exacerbates your problem through subsequent care mistakes.
• Dandruff forms on oily scalps and is mostly caused by yeast fungi that thrive in oily environments.
• Remedy can only be achieved with a pH-neutralizing and, if necessary, antifungal shampoo.
• On the other hand, if you use care products that contain fat and moisture, you will stimulate the formation of dandruff.

Blow-drying and straightening causes hair to break

• It is true that heat styling roughens the surface of the hair.
• But even the frequently recommended air-drying damages the hair and causes it to swell, especially in the lengths.
• There is nothing to prevent drying with a hairdryer if the hairdryer temperature is set to low heat.
• The straightening iron should only be used on dry hair, otherwise it will actually cause damage and even breakage of the hair.

Regular visits to the hairdresser accelerate hair growth

• Your hair won't grow any faster, no matter how often you trim the ends.
• Because hair growth happens in the follicles on your scalp and not in the tips.
• Of all the hair myths, this theory has been particularly persistent, even though it is not supported by a shred of truth.
• After a visit to the salon, the trim will only make your hair look fuller and give the impression that it is now growing thicker and perhaps faster.

Stress causes gray hair and leads to hair loss

• You can rest assured that stress will not cause you to go gray sooner, as the reduction in melanin production is a side effect of the aging process or a programming in your genetic code.
• However, stress can affect the hair structure and, if persistent, lead to hair loss.
• You can't blame premature graying on stress - if your hair is falling out, stress as the cause is the truth and not a myth.

Cold water seals the hair

• You don't have to believe this myth.
• The hair is "dead material," so there is no reaction to treatment with cold water.
• However, the cold water rinse is refreshing for your scalp and stimulates blood circulation.
• If you want to give your hair more shine, you should use a suitable hair care product instead of a cold shower.

The hair myth of 100 brush strokes

• There's no reason to spend time on 100 brush strokes every day.
• This recommendation has persisted among traditional hair myths, even though brushing for too long or too intensively can even damage the hair.
• By gently brushing you distribute the natural oil of the scalp down to the hair roots.
• Not even a quarter of the 100 brush strokes a day are necessary.
• Caution: Never brush wet hair, as this will cause breakage or even hair loss.

Hair needs washing and intensive care every two days

• The fact is: less is more. No hair care product, no matter how heavily advertised, can repair split ends or truly smooth the hair texture.
• Even the absolute necessity of washing your hair every two days can only be classified in the land of hair myths.
• Wash your hair as you see fit and as necessary.
• If you don't overestimate the effectiveness of hair care, you won't be disappointed later if it doesn't work.

Why myths are particularly persistent

It's nice to believe in something that solved problems many years ago and is still valid today. Your hair is your natural adornment, allowing you to go through your day with confidence and feel good. One reason why some myths persist is the fact that everyone wants to believe in something. Good advice from parents or grandmothers, i.e., from people with life experience, is generally not doubted. It's also easier to cling to a myth than to investigate the root cause and decipher the real problem.

Conclusion: Don’t believe everything Grandma tells you!

In this article, you've learned about some important hair myths and their truthfulness. Forget your grandma's tips when it comes to your hair and the health of your scalp. According to the latest scientific findings, most of the recommendations of the past two centuries are just legends, passed down from generation to generation and made their way down to you. Whether it's air-drying or brushing, you'll notice for yourself what's good for you and what you should avoid. You also no longer have to make frequent visits to the hairdresser (and pay for them) in the hope that your hair will grow faster and that short haircut will soon be a thing of the past. You can eliminate a major cause of hair loss by not stressing over the truth of hair myths.