Our subscribers received our newsletter debunking some very curious skincare trivia, including "pores don't open and close like doors" and "you cannot shrink pores".
(Plus, they also received a special discount on our products... have you subscribed yet?)
So now, let's debunk 10 of the most commonly asked haircare myths.
Although many myths start out being old wives' tales because we just didn't know as much back then as we do now, or whether they were invented as a fearmongering way to get your attention, many myths continue – especially online – so let's get to it and debunk:
1. MYTH: Cold water makes hair shinier
Yes, cold water can cause the cuticle to contract temporarily, smoothing down its shingle-like scales and creating a smoother surface. However, while a cold rinse might provide a temporary boost in shine (we're talking 10 minutes or so), the effects are short-lived.
When hair is exposed to cold water, the cuticle can contract, leading to a temporary tightening or closing of the scales that make up the cuticle.
So yes, sort of, cold water can cause these cuticle scales to tighten and lie more flatly, which, in turn, may contribute to a smoother surface and increased light reflection, creating the appearance of shinier hair – but if you want your hair to have a shinier appearance then use a hair conditioner or leave-in conditioner, which will do it much more effectively for a longer-lasting result (that's what they're designed to do).
2. MYTH: Hair can repair itself
Hair itself can't repair damage in the same way living tissues do. Once hair is damaged, particularly when it comes to split ends or other structural issues, the damage is irreversible. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, and unlike living cells, it lacks regenerative capabilities.
However, you can take steps to minimize further damage and improve the overall health of your hair. Regular trims, using nourishing and moisturizing hair care products, like the ones we create, can improve the appearance and manageability of damaged hair. A healthy diet, proper hydration, and avoiding excessive heat styling or chemical treatments also contribute to the overall well-being of your hair. While you can't magically "repair" damaged hair, you can certainly promote its health and prevent additional harm.
3. MYTH: Trim your hair for faster growth
Trimming your hair doesn't directly influence its growth rate. Hair growth primarily occurs at the scalp, and trimming the ends doesn't affect the hair follicles in the scalp. However, regular trims can contribute to the appearance of faster-growing, healthier hair by getting rid of split ends and breakage.
When hair ends split, the damage can travel up the hair shaft, leading to more significant breakage and potentially slowing down the perceived growth. By trimming regularly, you maintain the integrity of your hair, preventing damage and creating the illusion of faster growth.
4. MYTH: Spritz water onto your hair to defy frizz
By lightly misting water onto your hair, you're providing a quick dose of hydration, which can help smooth the cuticle and reduce frizz temporarily. However, it's essential to note that this effect is not a long-term solution, and the impact might be temporary, especially in humid conditions. What's more, too much water penetrating the hair can cause hydral fatigue (constant stretching and releasing) which can weaken the hair and cause breakage.
To address frizz more effectively, consider using leave-in conditioners, serums, or styling products specifically designed to combat frizz. These products provide more sustained moisture and often include ingredients that help smooth the hair cuticle, reducing the likelihood of frizz.
5. MYTH: plucking grey hair leads to more grey hairs
No, plucking one grey hair does not lead to the growth of more grey hairs. Each hair follicle produces only one hair (except for in rare instances such as pili multigemini), and plucking a hair has no direct impact on the colour of new hairs that will grow from the same follicle.
However, repeatedly plucking hairs can potentially damage the hair follicle over time. If a follicle is damaged, it might stop producing hair altogether. So, while plucking a single grey hair won't cause more greys to sprout, excessive plucking may lead to a reduction in overall hair density. Leave the grey hairs alone and condition them well to make them more manageable.
It's essential to keep in mind that the appearance of grey hair is largely influenced by genetics and aging. For some it may happen sooner (sometimes as early as 25!) and for others well into their 60s.
6. MYTH: washing your scalp twice will make it cleaner
Remember how shampoo bottles often advised to "wash, rinse, repeat"? Washing your scalp twice in one session might not necessarily make it cleaner and could strip it of its natural oils. The effectiveness of scalp cleansing depends on the shampoo you're using, the condition of your scalp, and your individual hair care needs.
Overwashing can lead to dryness and irritation, as it will remove the scalp's natural oils that contribute to its health. Plus, shampoos nowadays are incredibly effective at cleansing the scalp, so a single wash is perfectly fine and all you should need. If your shampoo is not cleansing your hair well enough, switch shampoos – and be sure to rinse them off well because product build-up can certainly create an unhealthy scalp environment for hair to grow properly. We design gentle shampoos for this very reason – have a look [HERE].
7. MYTH: SHAMPOO FOR PEOPLE IS FINE FOR PETS TOO
Absolutely not, especially for dogs. The skin of a dog is more alkaline than that of people, and washing with people's shampoo can irritate their skin, cause itching, sweating (yes, dogs do have sweat glands in certain parts of their bodies) and produce a more foul scent in response. What's more, their skin's acid mantle can leave your dog's skin vulnerable to bacteria and viruses.
Keep in mind as well that what may smell good to you is extremely irritating for a dog as their scent receptors are much more acute. A new or unfamiliar scent can even make a dog anxious or depressed.
8. MYTH: dandruff shampoos will fix dandruff forever
Although some dandruff shampoos may effectively manage and control dandruff, they often don't provide a permanent solution. Dandruff is often caused by a variety of factors, including an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus, dry skin, or sensitivity to some hair care product ingredients.
Dandruff shampoos typically contain active ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid, which can help address these causes and alleviate symptoms, as they gently exfoliate the top dead layer of skin on your scalp, calm itchiness with the soothing ingredients helping you to scratch less and irritate the scalp. However, for some individuals, dandruff may be a chronic condition that requires ongoing management rather than a quick fix using a shampoo. Additionally, personal factors such as diet, stress, and overall scalp health can influence the recurrence of dandruff.
Often, dandruff can be caused by a sensitivity to an ingredient used in hair products such as a component in synthetic fragrances, preservatives, synthetic colourants or other allergens, so switching to a more natural shampoo may help to fix the issue altogether.
9. MYTH: HAVING an oily scalp means your shampoo is not working
An oily scalp can be influenced by various factors, and it doesn't always mean your shampoo isn't working properly. Some people naturally have oilier scalps due to genetic factors, while others may experience increased oil production due to hormonal changes, diet, or environmental factors.
For some people, having an oily scalp may mean the natural microbiome that resides on the scalp may be out of balance. You can learn a lot about the microbiome's awesomeness in this blog post with tips [HERE]. Additionally, using the wrong type of shampoo for your hair and scalp needs could contribute to oiliness. If your shampoo is too harsh, it might strip away too much natural oil, prompting your scalp to compensate by producing more. On the other hand, if your shampoo is too mild, it might not effectively cleanse the scalp, leaving build-up of oils, sweat, styling products and dust/environment from work surroundings. It's essential to choose a shampoo that suits your hair type and addresses specific scalp concerns. Haven't found one you like? We encourage you to try our shampoo bars (have a look [HERE]) – they are magnificent, gentle, and effective without using any harsh ingredients.
10. MYTH: scalp massages can reverse hair loss
Oh, this is a good one... While scalp massages can be relaxing and improve blood circulation on the scalp – which may in turn promote hair growth – there's limited evidence to suggest that massages can directly reverse hair loss.
There are dozens of reasons for hair loss, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress and underlying health conditions, so assuming a nightly scalp massage will bring hair back is simply a dream. If it were true, none of us would be bald or have thinning hair.
It's important to get to the root of the issue to understand the cause of hair loss or hair thinning. For some, improving hair growth could be as simple as relieving stressful lifestyles, bad diets, switching medications and balancing hormones, while for others it may take some prescription medications. If you're concerned about hair thinning or hair loss, visit your healthcare practitioner for professional advice.
Check out our store and shop now for gentle hair products for your scalp and the environment. It's what we do!