Have you ever heard a random statement like, “seeing black cat indicates incoming danger” or, “combing your hair in the night can take debt off of you”, and you wonder, how does this scientifically make sense? Yeah, you probably heard such myths about hair as well which make absolutely no sense, but are still believed by many people just because they’ve been around us for such a long time, we have become used to them. Let’s call some of these popular myths and see the truth behind them:
Myth 1:
Stress Leads to Gray Hair
Truth: If that were true, we’d all be walking with gray heads before we finish schooling. Stress has nothing to do with hair color. Our hair pigment is made of melanin. When the cells that are responsible for hair pigment slow down in producing color, that’s when graying occurs. Although there’s no scientific evidence that shows the relation between stress and graying, stress does affect the hair in other ways. Like excessive hair shedding and poor scalp condition.
Myth 2:
Brushing Your Hair 100 Strokes A Day Promotes Hair Growth
Truth: Ten bucks says your grandmother told you this (followed by the tale of how her hair used to be so thick and long, people used to call her Rapunzal). Yeah, that isn’t quite how it works. While brushing your hair a normal amount increases blood circulation and promotes distribution of natural oils which, in effect, promotes hair growth, 100 strokes a day is a little too much. Excessive brushing causes friction, which leads to breakage and damage, especially thin, fragile locks, or the ones which are prone to tangles.
Myth 3:
Skip Conditioner If You Have Oily Hair
Truth: This myth correlates with another myth; conditioners are supposed to make your hair oily. That, my friends, is 100% false news. Conditioners are formulated to “maintain” and “balance” the natural moisture of your hair. Oily hair is caused by many other natural reasons, and a conditioner that’s designed for oily hair can actually help in balancing that excess oil production. If you’re having oily hair because you use conditioner, you’re most probably using the wrong product. The game is to find one that is particularly designed for your hair type, like GK Hair Balancing Conditioner. Apply the right conditioner onto your oily hair, and see the difference yourself!
Myth 4:
Getting A Regular Trim Helps In Hair Growth
Truth: While a regular trim is recommended by hair professionals to prevent split-ends, it has nothing to do with hair growth (to our fellas who believed in this myth, sorry to burst your balloon of hope). Hair growth relates to the hair follicles, and hence, things that can actually promote hair growth are healthy hair roots, a nutritious diet, and proper hair care. Healthy hair grows around 12 inch in a year, no matter your trims. Therefore, while it’s important to keep a check on your trims, focus on other things to promote healthy hair growth.
Myth 5:
A Tighter Hair Updo Means Less Damage
Truth: A tight, sleek ponytail or a high-bun might be a good choice for the day, but tying your hair tightly on a daily basis leads to breakage and receding hairline due to constant tension on hair. Your hair needs to loosen up a bit so that the natural moisture can flow easily between strands. Also, a bonus tip is to tie your hair in a loose braid or a bun before you sleep, since loose hair can cause friction, leading to split-ends and damage.
And that’s about it for busting popular hair myths. There is, however, one myth that has no scientific evidence, yet we can count on it: Healthy hair is beautiful hair.
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