Debunking 5 Popular Hair Theories in 2023

What are some popular hair theories and myths that are still spreading around? In this article, we are debunking some of them.

Every time we surf the Internet, it is inevitable to stumble upon hair theories of all types - from some reasonable and logical ones to others that just don’t make any sense. And sometimes, it is difficult to separate the myth from the truth.

In this article, we will dive into some of the most popular hair theories that are being shared on the Internet, and our experts will discuss whether they are true or false. 

So, if you are curious whether you should wash your hair every day or sleep on a silk pillow, keep reading to get your questions answered:

Hair theory #1: You should avoid washing your hair every day

Verdict: TRUE

Many people assume that they should wash their hair more frequently if it’s oily. However, believe it or not, one of the best ways to get rid of greasy hair is to actually avoid washing it too frequently. 

Excessive washing can strip the hair strands of their natural oils, eventually leading to dryness and dullness as they start to lose moisture. Essentially, the scalp goes into overdrive to compensate for the loss, resulting in an overproduction of sebum.

In addition, certain shampoos can contribute to the problem, especially if they are harsh and full of chemicals and parabens. They strip away the natural oils of the hair, triggering the scalp to produce more sebum in response.

Starting with a high-quality shampoo and conditioner without parabens and harsh chemicals is a great step to improve your hair routine, promote overall hair health, and balance out the production of sebum. 

The NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Care set is a powerful combination of shampoo, conditioner and hair mask made with natural ingredients that help to replenish dryness with intense moisture. 

And just like this, we have the first on our list of hair theories confirmed!

Hair theory #2: Stress causes gray hair

Verdict: FALSE

Next on our list of hair theories is that stress causes gray hair, and this couldn’t be further from the truth. As much as we would all love to blame something for the cause of gray hair, a week's vacation in the Bahamas won’t stop your hair from growing in gray (although stress does result in other side effects).

How fast you grow gray hair is mainly in the genetics, so blame mom and dad for this one. Grey hair is the result of melanin (natural pigments) not being able to produce color anymore. 

Another false common gray haired myth is that plucking the hair can cause it to multiply. Plucking one hair follicle will not affect the surroundings. Even though it isn’t wrong to pluck a gray, it isn’t necessarily good either. 

Too much plucking can cause scar tissue and stop the production of hair altogether. 

Instead of believing this myth, here’s what you can do: embrace your beautiful gray hair! Here are a few tips on how to enhance gray hair.

Hair theory #3: Trimming your hair makes it grow faster

Verdict: FALSE

Next on our list of hair theories is that trimming your hair makes it grow faster. Unfortunately, this common hair care myth is a big fat FALSE. Growth comes from the roots, not the ends. 

Although that doesn’t mean that you have to end your routine haircuts entirely, maybe wait a little longer. Even though trims don’t make your hair grow, it can make your hair thicker and healthier. 

Cutting your hair gets rid of split ends, which is a positive. The more split ends you have, the thinner the hair will look. Trimming your hair won’t result in growth, but it will still create thick, healthy hair. 

Tip: ask for a light feathering opposed to a trim. This way it gets rid of split ends but also keeps the length.

Hair theory #4: The more you brush, the healthier your hair will be

Verdict: FALSE

Our hair theories continue with a common myth - the more you brush, the healthier your hair will be. Despite what your mother has told you, this popular hair care theory is definitely FALSE! 

No, you do not need to brush your hair 100 times before bed every night. Over brushing can cause friction against your head and damage the cuticle making it harder for hair to grow. 

The excessive pressure on the hair leads to split ends and damaged hair. It is best to brush only when hair is tangled and before styling. 

Hair theory #5: Your pillowcase affects your hair

Verdict: TRUE

Speaking of popular hair theories, we can’t forget to mention one that’s actually true: the fact that the material of which your pillowcase is made actually affects your hair. Some fabrics are worse for your hair than others because they cause more damage.

For example, cotton - cotton has a rougher texture compared to other fabrics, such as silk or satin. As you move during sleep, your hair rubs against the cotton fibers, leading to friction and increased chances of tangling. This can result in hair breakage, split ends, and a generally rougher appearance.

On another hand, silk pillowcases are much more gentle to the hair and are generally considered less damaging. Silk has a smooth and slippery surface that allows the hair to glide effortlessly as you move during sleep. 

This minimizes friction between the hair strands and the pillowcase, reducing the likelihood of tangles, breakage, and split ends. The reduced friction helps preserve the integrity of the hair cuticle, leading to smoother and healthier-looking hair.

So, the conclusion to this one of our hair theories is: something as simple as changing your pillowcase can be a huge game changer and time saver. 

FAQ

Is it true that your hair gets used to the same shampoo? 

No, hair does not "get used to" the same shampoo. However, using the same shampoo for an extended period may lead to product buildup, requiring occasional clarifying or switching to a different shampoo to maintain effectiveness.

Is it true that washing your hair with cold water is better than hot water?

While personal preferences may vary, washing hair with cold water has potential benefits. Cold water can help seal the hair cuticles, reducing frizz and enhancing shine. Additionally, it may prevent excessive stripping of natural oils, promoting healthier hair.

As a rule of thumb, it is recommended to start with lukewarm water to open the cuticles and clean your hair thoroughly, and then finish with cold water to seal them back again and preserve moisture. However, make sure to avoid excessively hot water as it can dry out the hair.

Is it true that you should skip the conditioner if you have thin hair?

No, it's not true. Even if you have thin hair, using a conditioner is important. It helps moisturize and detangle the hair, improving its manageability and reducing breakage. 

Opt for lightweight conditioners such as the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline conditioner, and apply them primarily to the lengths and ends, avoiding the scalp to prevent weighing down the hair.

Want to know more on how to achieve healthy and beautiful hair? Check out our other blog posts and  Share your thoughts with us on IG @NuMeHair or sign up for our newsletter at NuMehair.com for hair tips and exclusive offers.