Hair myths and old wives’ tales are everywhere. From tips on how to make hair grow faster to remedies for shiny hair, it’s hard to know what’s fact and what’s fiction. As stylists, it’s our job to educate clients and help them understand which practices actually benefit their hair and which are just myths. Here’s a look at some of the most common hair care myths—and the truth behind them.
1. Myth: Cutting Your Hair Makes It Grow Faster
Fact: Hair grows from the roots, not the ends, so cutting it has no direct effect on growth speed. However, regular trims do help prevent split ends, which can make hair appear healthier and reduce breakage. When hair doesn’t split and break as easily, it can grow longer without losing length to damage. So while cutting your hair doesn’t make it grow faster, it does help keep it looking healthier as it grows.
2. Myth: You Should Brush Your Hair 100 Strokes a Day
Fact: While gentle brushing helps distribute natural oils from the scalp down the hair shaft, excessive brushing can actually cause damage. Over-brushing creates friction that can lead to breakage, frizz, and even scalp irritation. Instead, encourage clients to brush their hair only as much as needed to detangle and style, using a gentle detangling brush or wide-tooth comb.
3. Myth: You Can Repair Split Ends
Fact: Once a split end forms, it cannot be "repaired" or fused back together. Products that claim to fix split ends usually contain ingredients that temporarily seal or smooth the split, but this effect is only temporary. The only way to truly get rid of split ends is to trim them. Suggest regular trims to clients and recommend conditioning treatments to prevent future splitting.
4. Myth: Plucking Gray Hairs Makes More Grow Back
Fact: Plucking one gray hair won’t cause more to sprout in its place. Each hair follicle can only produce one strand, so pulling out a gray hair won’t cause additional gray hairs to appear. However, repeated plucking can damage the follicle and potentially lead to thinning or scarring. It’s best to leave gray hairs alone or color them if a client wants to cover the grays.
5. Myth: Oily Hair Doesn’t Need Conditioner
Fact: Even if a client’s scalp produces excess oil, conditioning is still important for keeping the hair hydrated and healthy. Skipping conditioner can actually make the scalp produce even more oil, as it tries to compensate for the lack of moisture. Recommend applying conditioner only to the mid-lengths and ends to keep the scalp balanced and the hair soft without weighing it down.
6. Myth: Washing Hair with Cold Water Makes It Shinier
Fact: Cold water can help smooth the hair cuticle, making it look shinier, but the effect is minimal. What really makes hair shiny is healthy hydration and smoothness, which can be achieved with moisturizing products and regular conditioning treatments. While a cool rinse can be refreshing and might add a touch of shine, it’s not a magic solution for glossy hair.
7. Myth: Air Drying Is Always Better Than Blow-Drying
Fact: While excessive heat can damage hair, air drying isn’t always the best option, especially for clients with thick or textured hair. Air drying can leave the cuticle open, leading to frizz and lack of shape. Blow-drying with a heat protectant on a low setting can actually be gentler on some hair types and help achieve a smooth, polished look. Educate clients on using heat protectant sprays and diffusing if they want to minimize damage while styling.
8. Myth: Switching Shampoos Regularly Is Necessary for Healthy Hair
Fact: Hair doesn’t get "used" to a particular shampoo, but buildup from certain products can make it feel weighed down. If a client feels their shampoo isn’t performing as well, it might be due to product buildup. Suggest using a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove residue, but reassure them that they don’t need to switch shampoos constantly. Sticking with a product that works for their hair type is just fine.
9. Myth: Stress Causes Gray Hair Overnight
Fact: While stress has been linked to premature graying due to its impact on hair follicle health, it doesn’t turn hair gray overnight. Hair graying is largely determined by genetics, though stress can accelerate the process for some people. If clients are concerned about gray hair, offer options for covering or enhancing it with color, rather than worrying about short-term stress.
10. Myth: The More Product, the Better the Results
Fact: More product doesn’t necessarily mean better results, and in many cases, it can actually make hair greasy or weighed down. Encourage clients to use products sparingly and layer them based on their specific needs. Often, a pea-sized amount of serum or a small pump of conditioner is enough, especially for fine hair.
11. Myth: Hair Grows Faster in the Summer
Fact: While some people may notice slightly faster hair growth during warmer months due to improved blood circulation, the difference is minimal. Hair growth is influenced by factors like genetics, hormones, and health, rather than the seasons. That said, summer sun exposure can cause dryness and fading, so it’s a good time to remind clients about UV protection and hydration.
12. Myth: Salon-Quality Products Are the Same as Drugstore Products
Fact: Salon-quality products are often formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients, which means they’re more effective at addressing specific hair needs. While some drugstore products can work well, salon products generally offer better results and are often more concentrated, so clients need to use less product. Explain the benefits of professional products to help clients make informed choices about their hair care.
Hair myths are everywhere, but as a stylist, you can help clients navigate the world of hair care with accurate information and expert advice. By debunking these myths and promoting healthy practices, you empower clients to make the best choices for their hair. Whether it’s the importance of regular trims, using the right products, or understanding what truly impacts hair growth, knowledge is the key to better hair health and long-lasting beauty.
