Five Common Haircare Myths Answered

I’ve been a cosmetologist for almost five years now, and over the course of my time I have had many crazy questions, theories, and other generally strange information thrown at me from clients demanding answers. From skipping conditioner to washing your hair with mayonnaise, I like to think I’ve heard it all at least once at this point.

But a lot of these things tend to pop up time and time again, especially now that internet research is so prevalent for today’s beauty seekers. So I’ve taken it upon myself to gather up some of the most common home haircare advice (that I couldn’t write enough about to give ya’ll a full Fact or Fiction article for) and give you real answers about their effectiveness!

#1: Oily hair helps color take better.

Honestly, I understand the logic behind this, but it’s not true. Hair is best prepped for a chemical service with one-day-dirty hair.

Too much oil present on the scalp can actually dilute any chemicals you’re using and result in uneven or unpredictable results.

But if you washed your hair on the same day as your service, you run the risk of scratching little micro cuts on your scalp. These tiny cuts are what causes a lot of those itching and burning sensations during chemical services we all hate.

#2: Cold water is better for your hair.

This one is actually partially true. The temperature of your water effects the cuticle of your hair.

It’s better to shampoo your hair with warm water because it forces your cuticle to open, releasing all of the gross things your hair has trapped in it throughout the day (oils, hair products, air pollutants, etc).

But when you’re rinsing out your conditioner, rinse it with cool water. This forces your cuticle to close again, trapping in the good things you want your hair to keep from your conditioner. Rinsing with cool water also helps fight frizz and add shine!

#3: People with fine/thinning or oily hair shouldn’t condition at the roots.

This one is also false. You absolutely should condition your hair from roots to ends, but you have to make sure that you are choosing products that are right for you.

The main reason people with these hair types think conditioner weighs them down is usually because they’re choosing products that are too heavy for them.

#4: You should brush your hair at least 100 times a day.

Who has this kind of time? This one is insane and mostly false.

Brushing your hair increases blood flow to the scalp, which then increases the amount of nutrients your hair follicles receive. This much is true and good for you.

But brushing your hair in excess can actually cause damage. Brushing your hair for as long as it takes to fully detangle is perfectly fine.

#5: Tight hairstyles cause damage.

Yes. Yes, yes, yes.

Tight ponytails, buns, braids, and other up-styles can cause hair breakage. Especially around the hairline and at the crown of the head. I know military ladies can relate.

Wear looser styles to protect your hair strands in those high stress areas if possible.

In Conclusion:

I know there’s lots of crazy information out there in the world about how to take care of your hair. But I pulled together some of the most common questions to answer and possibly help out another clueless guy or gal like I used to be.

And if it comes down to it and you still aren’t sure, the best thing for you to do is ask your stylist about that is best for your hair. Not everything that works for your great aunt, or your coworker, or some lady doing a hair blog on the internet will work for you. You know you best!