6 Debunked Haircare Myths

We know there’s nothing better than a good hair day - gliding out of the doors with more pep than the cat who got the cream, and more volume than an 80s superstar. But how can we make every day a good hair day? 

Well, there are plenty of beauty bloggers and social media trends all claiming to have ‘the secret to instant salon-style hair’. And while the idea of getting your dream do overnight is definitely tempting, not all of these hacks are what they’re cracked up to be. 

So, to help keep your hair looking its best, we’ve cut out the hair myths from the hair facts. Read our top six debunked hair myths, below!

1. Daily washing cures an oily scalp

HAIR MYTH: It’s a tale as old as time in the haircare biz: if you want to cure an oily scalp, then simply wash it every day. 

HAIR FACT: Well, you can put that shower head down because this is a hair myth!

You’re probably wondering ‘well, how often should I wash my hair, then?,’ and we’ve got the hair facts right here. For an oily scalp, it’s best to wash your hair at least every other day - this keeps it clean and fresh while not risking harm from over-washing. 

Now, there is some truth to this particular haircare myth! Your scalp produces natural oils called sebum to keep your hair moisturised, and an excess of this oil can make your hair appear greasy. This is where the idea of daily washing for an oily scalp comes from – if you wash it every day, then the sebum won’t have time to gather!

But the hair facts are that over-washing strips your scalp of these moisturising natural oils, which can leave your hair dry and more prone to breakage. So, to better tackle an oily scalp, try washing your hair with an oil-regulating shampoo containing tea tree or citric acid instead. 

In fact, our very own shampoo contains that crucial sebum regulating citric acid, making it a lovely choice for tackling an oily scalp! Our Absoluters love the way their hair feels after using our haircare range – but don’t just take our word for it, take a look at what they had to say!

2. Dying your hair damages it 

HAIR MYTH: Regardless of the product and its ingredients, dying your hair damages it and all hair dyes should be avoided! 

HAIR FACT: Well, while bleaching your hair works a charm for a beautiful blonde blowout, the harsh chemicals in this particular dye aren’t great. But that doesn’t mean all dyes are the same!

The ammonia and peroxide in blonde dyes combine to take your hair from its natural hue to the colour you want. However, these dyes work by lifting your hair cuticles and stripping the natural pigments – now, if that sounds risky, it’s because it is! 

But don’t fret, as there are plenty of healthy ways to dye your hair. For example, a henna hair dye is a lovely natural alternative for brown and red hues, and there are plenty of plant-based dyes that help lighten your hair too. Just remember to check the box for those pesky chemicals before you head to the checkout. 

TOP TIP: Always do a patch test before you use a dye. To do this, pop a pea-size amount of the dye behind your ear, and if you feel or see any irritation, stop dying your hair straight away.

3. Cutting your hair makes it grow faster

HAIR MYTH: If you want to grow your hair fast, then you’ve probably been privy to a conversation or two on regular haircuts being the secret to extra-long, luscious hair. But is it true?

HAIR FACT: While the euphoric feeling of a new do may have you on cloud nine, it’s not the ‘best kept secret to growing your hair.’

Your hair follicles grow out from the scalp, so cutting bits off at the bottom won’t magically make the strands at the top grow any faster. While it may be true that snipping split ends stimulates healthier hair growth, it won’t make it grow at a quicker rate than what’s normal for you. 

If you do want to help hair growth, then eat a healthy and nutritious diet, avoid applying heat or chemicals, and treat your hair with care. Your haircare routine is just as important as skincare, so really take the time to pamper and nourish your locks for the best results – you deserve it!

4. Using a hair dryer damages your hair

HAIR MYTH: There is nothing worse than dripping wet hair on a chilly winter evening. Yet this old wives’ tale would have you believe taking a hair dryer to freshly washed hair is actually harmful.  

HAIR FACT: Well, we’re glad to say the hair fact here is that hair dryers won’t damage your hair.

In fact, blow drying is the safest way to dry your luscious locks! Alternatives like air drying can increase frizz and mildew – not the smooth and healthy look we’re going for. That’s because wet hair invites bacteria, and the weight of it can stretch individual strands, you’ll want to dry it faster than airing it will allow. 

So, to dry your hair properly, start by patting it dry with a cotton t-shirt or microfibre towel, before gently applying a heat-protecting serum. With your hair properly prepped, go in with your hairdryer on a cool heat setting, and keep it at least 6 inches away from your head.

5. You should pull out grey hairs

HAIR MYTH: Give those grey hairs a quick yank with the tweezers as soon as you spot them to avoid them spreading. Ouch…sounds quite painful to us!

HAIR FACT: First things first, a gorgeous grey glow to your hair isn’t something to avoid! What’s more, trying to pull out grey hairs won’t stop that strand or others from growing. 

In fact, yanking out grey hairs may actually harm your scalp if repeated too often. When you pull at a strand of hair, it can lead to inflammation on your scalp, and it may even cause an infection!

While it may be a bit scary at first, we think you should embrace the beauty of a gorgeous grey glow to your hair! However, if you do want to give your mane a pop of colour, then try out some of the natural hair dyes we spoke about before, such as henna or all natural dyes.

6. You need to frequently switch up your haircare routine

HAIR MYTH: Your hair gets used to the products you use, and they start to have less of an impact. 

HAIR FACT: If it’s not broken, why fix it? There’s nothing wrong with sticking by the same trusty routine if it’s working for you. In fact, using too many different products may cause irritation. 

However, there are times where ditching the old for the new can be beneficial, particularly when it comes to mature or menopausal hair. 

As we mature and reach those crucial menopausal years, our hair can start to thin and become a bit more dry than we’re used to. But we can look to treat this by picking up hair products tailored for these specific concerns. 

Of course, we think our haircare range is a fantastic choice here, as it’s bursting with essential oils for hydration and strength! But there are plenty more options to explore, like caffeine serum to stimulate growth, or a coconut oil hair mask to bring back a bit of that moisture!

And that’s all – you’re now privy to the real best kept hair secrets! But haircare goes beyond these six simple hair facts. So, if you’re looking for more advice like how to care for thinning hair  or tips for winter and summer haircare, then head over to our blog.  

We’ve also got our very own hair expert, Eva Proudman, who can answer any and all questions you might have about hair facts or fiction!

But while we’ve got you, why not check out all the lovely benefits that our collagen supplements have on hair? That’s right - our daily collagen supplements aren’t just great as part of your skincare routine, they’re just as good for your haircare routine too!