Four common Hair Myths

There are tons of hair myths and contradictory messages out there, and it can be hard to tell fact from fiction. Just because it’s been said a lot doesn’t always mean it’s true. Even if they seem logical, following these myths can actually lead to damaging your hair instead of making it healthier. In this blog, we will be busting these myths and giving alternatives that will actually contribute to healthier hair!

1. You should shampoo oily hair daily

 While shampoo strips your hair of oil and dirt, shampooing hair daily is actually counterproductive because your body produces more oils to compensate for what the shampoo has stripped out. Shampooing too much can also lead to brittle hair and a flaky scalp. Instead of washing your hair daily, try using water-based or jojoba oil products. There are also many shampoos specifically for oily hair, but it is important to not overuse them as they can be too harsh for daily use. 

2. Towel drying and air drying are better for hair than blow-drying

When hair comes in contact with water, it swells and the longer it stays that way, the more pressure it puts on the proteins that make up hair. While blow drying without heat protectant and at too high of a temperature is unhealthy for your hair, so is rubbing your hair with a towel or sleeping with wet hair. During the night, hair is more susceptible to breakage due to the rubbing on pillows and wet hair is even more so, as the strands are weaker when your hair is wet. Instead of always air drying, try blow drying at a cool setting and placing the dryer 6-8 inches away from your hair. 

3. A flaky scalp means you have dandruff

In some cases, a flaky scalp does mean you have dandruff. However, other times dandruff shampoos and treatments can actually make the flakes worse because they dry out your scalp more. Dandruff is actually caused by an excess of oil on the scalp and the flakes are normally larger whereas flaky scalp is caused by a lack of moisture on your scalp. Flaky scalp can be treated with a scalp cream or ointment if needed. You can also exfoliate your scalp with a scalp massager or a DIY solution of conditioner mixed with a tablespoon of brown sugar. 

4. Silicones are always harmful to hair

Many people avoid products with silicones in them because they believe they will weigh down their hair, but when used correctly, they can actually be helpful. Silicones can add shine to your hair and increase moisture retention, leading to healthier looking and feeling hair. They can also help increase the longevity of a blowout or other hairstyle to smooth, eliminate frizz, and keep the shape of your hair. However, moderation is key when using silicone products. Hairstylists generally recommend no more than three drops of product in your hands when styling your hair.