G'day, hairistas! To be honest, every one of us has a ritual and routine for our rich locks. From the newest TikHub trends to the wisdom handed down through the years, the realm of hair care can seem like a complex web of dos and avoidances. However, not all hair care advice is equal. Actually, some of the most often used routines we carefully follow could be causing more damage than benefit to our priceless threads.
From the strong summer sun to the drying effects of the salt ocean breeze, our hair suffers particular difficulties down here in Australia. Thus, maintaining our minds healthy and happy depends more on separating fact from fiction than ever. We're delving deeply into the realm of hair care myths and breaking down seven typical behaviours today that might be subtly damaging your strands. Prepare to change your schedule and discover the secrets to really brilliant hair!
Myth #1: Daily Hair Washing is Absolutely Necessary
Everybody knows that daily washing of your hair keeps it fresh and clean. Is this the ultimate guideline for hair care? Many of us—especially those with drier hair types—actually lose the natural oils that maintain the health and hydration of our scalp and strands by daily washing. This can cause a dry, itchy scalp, more frizz, and maybe a dulling of your hair.
The Truth:
The truth is that your personal hair type, scalp condition, and lifestyle will greatly affect how often you should wash your hair. Should your hair be oily, you might find daily washing required. If your hair is chemically treated, coarse, dry, or otherwise dry, you could probably stretch it out to every other day, or perhaps several times a week. Try something and see how well your hair responds. Use a dry shampoo to revitalise your roots if you find oiliness between washes troubling.
Myth #2: 100 Times a Day Brushing Your Hair for Growth and Shine
According to this old wife's story, vigourous brushing increases blood circulation, works the scalp, and results in longer, glossier hair. Although brushing can help distribute natural oils down the hair shaft, too much brushing can really do more damage than benefit. Consider this: excessive brushing can lead to breakage, split ends, and even damage the hair cuticle, causing your hair to become dull and less shiny.
The Truth:
Handle your hairbrush gently. Particularly when detangling fragile wet hair, choose a brush with soft, natural bristles or a wide-tooth comb. Rather than trying for a certain number of strokes, concentrate on gently untying knots and tangles. To add shine after styling, consider applying a hair oil or smoothing serum.
Myth #3: The Healthiest Choice Always Is Air Drying
Although too much heat styling can damage your hair, the notion that air drying is always the better choice isn't totally accurate. Wet hair is the weakest and most vulnerable of all. Actually, prolonged wetness can cause the hair shaft to swell and shrink, damage cuticles, and cause more breakage. Plus, depending on your hair type and the temperature (hello, humidity!), air drying can occasionally cause frizz and a less polished look.
The Truth:
The truth is that blow and air drying have advantages and drawbacks. Always use a heat-protectant spray to guard your strands from damage, whether you decide to blow dry. Keep the dryer running to prevent concentrating heat on one area using a low to medium heat level. If you would rather air dry, gently blot your hair with a microfiber towel to eliminate extra water and steer clear of rubbing, which can induce frizz. To help control frizz and improve the natural texture of your hair as it dries, also use a leave-in conditioner or styling product.
Myth #4: To Avoid Buildup, You Must Continually Change Shampoos
It's common knowledge that your hair becomes accustomed to your shampoo, so it's important to switch it up frequently to prevent build-up. Actually, hard water, product residue, or infrequent washing—not your hair becoming immune to your preferred cleanser—cause most shampoo buildup.
The Truth:
The Truth: There's no real need to continually change a shampoo you find that fits your hair type and solves your particular issues. But changes in hormones, seasonal variations, or chemical treatments can affect the demands of your hair over time. In these situations, you might find it helpful to change your shampoo to one that fits your present need and modify your hair care schedule. If you notice product buildup, once or twice a month, think about adding a clarifying shampoo to thoroughly cleanse your scalp and clear any residue.
Myth #5: Cutting Your Hair Speeds Up Growth
This haircut is a classic! Although a quick snip would be fantastic if it could magically accelerate hair growth, the truth is that cutting your hair has no effect on its rate of growth from the roots. Hair growth occurs at the follicle level, which is located under the scalp.
The Truth:
The truth: Why then should we cut our hair? Maintaining healthy ends and avoiding split ends from moving up the hair shaft depends on regular trims, which can cause breakage and give your hair a generally shorter and thinner appearance. Consider it as pruning a plant; eliminating the damaged sections lets the healthy sections flourish. Try to cut your ends every six to eight weeks to maintain their best appearance.
Myth #6: Cold Water Rinsing Your Hair Makes it Extra Shiny
This myth holds that smoother, shinier strands come from cold water helping to close the hair cuticle. While a cold water rinse may feel rejuvenating, it is unlikely to significantly alter your hair's shine. Mostly, hair shine results from a smooth cuticle layer reflecting light and general hair health.
The Truth:
The Truth: While a quick blast of cold water at the end of your shower won't harm your hair, it doesn't guarantee incredibly shiny hair. Emphasise using nourishing shampoos and conditioners, applying oils or smoothing serums, and shielding your hair from heat damage. These techniques will affect the general condition and gloss of your hair far more significantly.
Myth #7: Your Hair Isn't Actually Affected by Stress
Many of us experience stress due to our jobs, lives, or simply navigating the daily grind. But did you know that stress can seriously impact your hair's condition? The normal hair growth cycle can be disrupted by chronic stress, which can cause various problems, including thinning, more shedding, and even hair loss. This is where considering a high-quality hair loss shampoo might help as a supporting measure, but it's important to deal with the underlying stress.
The Truth:
The truth is that controlling stress affects not only your general health but also the condition of your hair. Add stress-reducing pursuits to your schedule, including yoga, meditation, exercise, or time in nature. Make sure you're sleeping enough and following a balanced diet high in minerals and vitamins needed for hair growth. See a trichologist or healthcare professional if you are losing a lot of hair to find the underlying cause and discuss a suitable course of action.
Time to Rethink Your Routine!
You now have seven common hair care myths refuted! With any luck, this information has clarified some of the contradicting advice available and enabled you to make better decisions regarding the care of your valuable strands. Remember, what works for one person might not work for another; thus, it's all about knowing your hair type and discovering a regimen that maintains it healthy, happy, and looking absolutely its best.
Now, we would really like your input! Have any of these hair care legends been misleading for you? What are some of your regular hair care secrets and techniques? Comments below allow you to share your ideas and experiences; let's keep the conversation going! If this article was helpful, share it with other Aussies who may be unintentionally damaging their strands!