Navigation: | Home | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 |
 

15 Hair Care Myths - The Truth and The Lies


Everyone has a favourite myth about hair care - and we usually never let the truth get in the way of a good legend! This article examines some of the most widely known - and the reality behind the myths.

1. Excessive washing of hair causes hair loss/dryness.

FALSE: Frequency of washing doesn't harm hair. Wash it as often as you like, although the recommendation is three times a week. The right shampoo for your hair type and texture will actually add moisture, body and beauty to your hair.

2. More shampoo = cleaner hair.

FALSE: Don't waste your shampoo! A dollop of shampoo, about the size of a quarter is usually enough for long hair. Very long hair may take a little more.

3. Conditioner helps repair split ends.

FALSE: No conditioner can "repair" damaged hair. What it can do is smooth down the cuticle and make hair seem in better condition. A good conditioner can also prevent damage from occurring in the first place.

4. Blow-drying produces hair loss.

FALSE: Blow-drying can damage, burn or dry hair, which can cause it to fall, but the hair will grow back immediately. This is not permanent hair loss.

5. Sleeping with wet hair causes scalp fungus.

FALSE: Scalp or fungal diseases can't be caught from sleeping with wet scalps. Scalp infections require prior involvement with infected sources such as humans, tainted hair care tools or animals. Scalp fungus (tinea capitis) mainly affects children, whose immune systems make them more susceptible to skin infections.

6. To get your hair to grow, brush 100 strokes each day.

FALSE: Brushing that much can damage the hair cuticle. NOT recommended! Actually, your hair reacts better to a comb than a brush. Brushing it will only lead to split ends and hair breakage.

7. Sharing combs and brushes can spread scalp diseases.

TRUE: Lice and other parasites can be transported from scalp to scalp through the sharing of combs, brushes and other hair care tools.

8. Cutting hair makes it grow faster and/or thicker.

FALSE: This common misconception comes from the fact that hair is thicker at the base than it is at the tip, so shorter hair appears thicker at first. Cutting your hair does not affect its normal biologically determined growth rate or overall texture. Thin, limp or fine hair will not ever grow thicker in response to a haircut. Plump up your hair by using volume enhancing hair care products, experimenting with a hair fattening blunt cut or getting a texturizing perm or color treatment.

9. Color treatment causes hair loss.

FALSE: Most hair coloring products contain chemicals that can do serious harm to the hair itself if not properly used, but it wont instigate hair loss.

10. Salon products are identical to drugstore products.

FALSE: Although there are exceptions, salon products generally contain higher quality, more expensive ingredients that are designed to consistently provide more intensive cleansing, moisturizing and conditioning results. The quality ingredients found in salon products are not usually found in drugstore brands. If in doubt - read the labels.

11. Long sun exposure favors hair loss.

FALSE: Your hair acts as a shield against the sun. Hair loss appears at the follicle level and so the sun would have to penetrate at this depth to do any damage.

12. Diet is related to hair loss.

TRUE: it's important to eat right in order to be generally healthy. However, no individual food has been proven to be beneficial or detrimental to hair.

13. Stress causes hair loss.

TRUE: Severe stress (e.g. surgery or a death in the family), can shut down hair production, causing temporary hairloss (alopecia areata). The scalp usually recuperates, though, and hair grows back

14. Wearing tight braids, ponytails or buns causes baldness.

TRUE: Traction alopecia is a very real hair loss condition that is quite common amongst older African American women. It results from wearing tight ponytails, cornrows or buns over an extended period of time. Over time, hair breakage or loss as the result of tight, stressed styles, can become permanent. Avoid this potential problem by opting for looser styles that minimize scalp tension.

15. Smoking causes gray hair.

TRUE: According to J. G. Mosley of the Leigh Infirmary in Lancashire, England in an article in Science News (January 11, 1997) smokers are four times more likely to have gray hair than non-smokers. Even worse, smoking has been conclusively linked to accelerated hair loss.

SUMMARY

Heard another myth about hair? Do your research - ask an expert! This doesn't include your grandmother, best friend or local barmaid. Instead, talk to an experienced hairdresser or a trichologist. Always get the real facts before you act on any hair myths - you owe it to your hair.

(With thanks to Daniel Mcullough and Karen M. Shelton)

Michael Barrows is a web publisher specialing in niche marketing. Pick up his FREE ebook "(Nearly) Everything You Should Know ABout Hairstyles and Hair Care" at his website;http://www.great-hairstyles.com


MORE RESOURCES:

04/26/2024
Hair straightening - a guide to flat irons
Flatten those waves for the look you want

more info


04/26/2024
Hair curling - a guide
Your hair curling options from bobby pins to hair rollers

more info


04/26/2024
Makeup for mature women
Products and principles to make older skin look great

more info


04/26/2024
Facial taping for wrinkles
A new beauty trend to fight the signs of age

more info


04/26/2024
Acne products - how do they work?
A quick survey of acne treatments

more info


04/26/2024
Extend your summer look through winter
Look hot and sexy when it's cold and dark

more info


04/26/2024
Improve your confidence with a smile makeover
Options for a stunning smile

more info


04/26/2024
Weight loss products - do any really work?
Weight loss products - do any really work?

more info


04/26/2024
Vitamin supplements - your secret beauty product
How extra vitamins can make for beautiful skin and hair

more info


04/26/2024
How to cleanse skin properly
Look after your skin and it will look after you

more info


04/26/2024
Newest trends in facelifts
Facelifts are getting cheaper and quicker

more info


04/26/2024
Cleaning hair without shampoo
What to do when shampoo does more harm than good

more info


04/26/2024
Would you consider post-break-up Botox?
Women are turning to cosmetic surgery to deal with emotional pain

more info


04/26/2024
Improving your teeth and your smile
Options for better teeth

more info


04/26/2024
What to do about hair loss
Hair today, gone tomorrow?

more info


04/26/2024
Review: Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator
A gentle and organic granular exfoliator

more info


04/26/2024
What makes a woman beautiful?
Does beauty come from without or within?

more info


04/26/2024
New trends in hair care products
Products and ingredients to avoid - and embrace

more info


04/26/2024
Review: Jergens Naturals Extra Softening Body Moisturiser
An effective moisturiser that's value for money

more info


04/26/2024
Fashion on a budget
There's a lot you can do with your clothes without spending money

more info


04/26/2024
Fitness equipment for the home
A review of home gym gizmos

more info


04/26/2024
Review: Dancing with the Stars - Cardio Dance
An aerobic alternative with the stars from TV

more info


04/26/2024
A guide to detoxification
Why and how to detox for better health

more info


04/26/2024
Hair care - washing tips
How washing your hair can damage it

more info


04/26/2024
Blush tips and tricks
How to choose and apply the blush that's right for you

more info


04/26/2024
Fashion trends for Summer 2010
What's in and what's out for summer

more info


04/26/2024
Beautiful clothes no matter your size
Fashion designers for the plus size woman

more info


04/26/2024
Finding the right foundation garment
Hide your body flaws and look great in clothes with a foundation garment

more info


04/26/2024
Anti-aging skin care products - a guide
When to start and what they're made of

more info


04/26/2024
Review: Antipodes Divine Face Oil
An excellent intensive moisturizer and 100% natural

more info



home | site map |