7 of the Most Common Hair Myths We've Debunked for You

Hair is an integral part of us, our expression, our lifestyle and our beauty routine, yet it's shrouded in a tangle of myths and misconceptions. There is so much content out there that sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish the life from the truth.

So, if you are interested in learning about which of the most common hair myths aren't entirely true, keep on reading!

1. You shouldn't wash your hair every day

One of the most common hair myths that we encounter nowadays is that you shouldn't wash your hair every day. But is that true or false? 

This common hair myth has become popular, but the truth is, it depends on you and your hair. If your hair is chronically greasy at the roots or has strands that are clumping together, it's probably time to wash it—even if you just washed it yesterday.

By the same token, if your blowout seems to be staying strong day after day and you aren't experiencing a lot of greasiness, it's okay to skip washes.

A dry shampoo like our Fresh N' Fab Dry Shampoo Aerosol will help absorb oil and giving hair an oomph between washes, but it's not a replacement for sudsing up. So if that's what your hair needs daily, you do you.

2. Frequent haircuts make your hair grow faster

Next on our list of common hair myths is that frequent haircuts make your hair grow faster. But before you run to the hair salon, hear us out!

There isn't much legitimacy to this. New York City dermatologist Dr. Doris Day told TODAY, "How often you cut your hair doesn't have anything to do with how fast it will grow."

Getting regular trims does help with taking some of the weight off your strands and alleviating split ends, which in turn can make your hair appear healthier and more voluminous. Regular haircuts won't, however, make hair grow longer, quicker -- consider this hair myth debunked.

3. A collagen supplement will make your hair healthier

Collagen has become super trendy, with Instagram ads promising better hair, skin, and nails if you dump the powder into your coffee or smoothie every day (that might or might not dissolve well).

Unfortunately, the science to back these claims isn't quite there yet. There isn't enough research to match the marketing push for collagen's alleged hair miracles. So if it's not in your budget, don't worry if you have to skip it.

Instead, focus on eating healthy foods for hair and maintaining a balanced lifestyle with plenty of activity and water! This will not only contribute to the overall health of your hair and body, but will boost your mood too!

4. If your hair is prone to oiliness, you should skip hair oils

Another common hair myth we often hear is that if your hair is prone to oiliness, you should skip hair oils - but there are nuances to this, and we will explain why. 

This one is only legit if you misapply the oil. When used on the ends of strands, an oil-based product like the NuMe White Truffle Serum or Argan Oil on wet or dry locks creates luster and shine for any hair type.

It can seep into the hair's cuticle to make it stronger too. So as long as you're careful with your application of the hair oil and mindful of what your unique hair needs are, you shouldn't be scared to oil up!

5. Blow drying is always worse than air drying

Speaking of common hair myths, we can't forget to mention one of the most common ones - that blow drying is worse than air drying your hair. So, how true is that?

This common hair myth might surprise you, but it's not as bad as you think to use a hair dryer on the regular. If you use the right kind of dryer and implement the proper technique, it might even be better than solely air drying.

According to Prevention, "...using a hair-dryer at the right distance and temperature can cause less damage than letting hair air-dry. That's because when hair comes in contact with water, it swells. The longer the swelling goes on...,the more pressure it puts on the delicate proteins keeping hair intact, which can lead to more damage."

Also, let your hair dry sans-heat 70 to 80 percent of the way, then employ the dryer. Using a dryer with far infrared heat and negative ion technology (like any of the NuMe dryers) not only cuts down drying time but also reduces frizz and seals in moisture.

6. Heat protectant spray doesn't save your hair from damage

Another common hair myth is that heat protectant doesn't save your hair from damage. Well, this one's a straight-up lie!

Heat protectants definitely goes a long way in giving your mane the armor it needs before heat styling. New York-based stylist Michael Duenas told NewBeauty, "A heat protectant adds moisture to your hair, preventing the natural moisture from evaporating. It also forms a protective barrier over the cuticle on the hair strand, preventing heat damage and enabling your hair to keep its high shine."

So if you are regularly using a blow dryer, straightener or curling wand, it's worth it to have a product like our Watch Me Werk Thermal Heat Protectant on hand.

7. Brushing your hair 100 times a day makes it healthier

Among the most common hair myths that exist, and one that is older than time, is that brushing your hair 100 times a day makes it healthier. However, it is not only not supported by any scientific evidence, but it can actually lead to hair damage - I bet you didn't expect that!

Over-brushing can cause significant damage to the hair. Excessive brushing leads to increased friction, which can result in breakage, split ends, and hair loss.

In addition, the notion of 100 strokes doesn't account for different hair types and textures. People with curly or textured hair might find excessive brushing causes their hair to become frizzy and lose definition. In contrast, those with thin or fine hair might experience increased hair fall with too much brushing.

FAQ

Can stress turn my hair gray overnight?

Stress cannot turn hair gray overnight. Graying is a gradual process, typically influenced by genetics and aging. While stress can potentially accelerate graying over time, the change is not instantaneous and involves a slow reduction of melanin in hair follicles.

Is it bad to wash my hair every day?

Washing hair daily isn't inherently bad but depends on your hair type and scalp condition. For oily scalps and fine hair, daily washing may be beneficial. However, it can strip natural oils from dry or curly hair types, leading to dryness and damage.

Balance is key!

Will plucking one gray hair cause more to grow?

Plucking one gray hair will not cause more to grow. Gray hair results from pigment cells in hair follicles dying, which is a natural aging process. Plucking can damage the follicle over time, but it doesn't increase the number of gray hairs.

Can certain foods prevent hair loss?

Certain foods can help prevent hair loss by providing essential nutrients. Foods rich in protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E support hair health and strength, potentially reducing hair loss related to nutritional deficiencies.

Will shaving my hair make it grow back thicker?

Shaving does not make hair grow back thicker. It cuts hair at the surface, so the new growth may feel coarser due to the blunt tip, but shaving does not change the hair's thickness, color, or growth rate.

Hair characteristics are determined by genetics.

Does cold water make my hair shinier?

Rinsing hair with cold water can help make it shinier. Cold water helps to close the hair cuticles, making the hair smoother and more reflective. This can enhance shine, but the effect varies depending on hair type and condition.

Now you know the real deal! Learn more stone cold facts about hair care and the best products for your mane by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Instagram @NuMeHair.

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Author: Mary Patterson Broome