Myths, misconceptions, old wives’ tales—whatever you call it, the amount of misinformation we get about how to care for our hair is absolutely hair-raising! We’ve tallied up the six myths about hair care we hear most often (even on Instagram) and are busting them for you right here, right now.
Myth #1: Cutting your hair makes it grow faster.
It’s true that haircuts help with the overall appearance of your hair by keeping your look fresh and eliminating split ends. However, there’s no evidence that cutting your hair will make your hair grow faster.
If you are trying to grow out your hair, we recommend a trim every 8 to 12 weeks to keep split ends at bay.
Myth #2: You should switch up your hair products every couple of months.
This myth’s a bit tricky. You see, your hair responds to different environmental factors like weather changes or humidity, which may lead you to believe that your products have stopped working.
Hair products have specific jobs, like adding hydration or volume, or activating curl, so the key is to use products that help with your hair goals at any given time. For example, if your hair feels dry because it’s -40 degrees outside, don’t switch products. Instead, add a hydrating mask and some oil (we recommend Oi oil from Davines).
Myth #3: Heat tools are bad for your hair.
Of course, flat ironing your hair with no product and a toolset at 425 degrees is going to cause some damage.
But, investing in tools with current technology will help you achieve your styling goals without damaging your hair. We love Mint hair tools because they incorporate the latest technology for the best performance and reliability. Mint hair tools are easy to use, lightweight, ergonomic, affordable and luxurious-feeling.
Myth #4: Older women shouldn’t have long hair.
This hair “rule” is just plain wrong. As long as your hair is healthy, you can have long hair. Your look is yours to choose!
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Myth #5: Coconut oil is good for your hair.
Coconut oil has rich fatty acids and other properties that benefit you if you digest it but isn’t so beneficial when you apply it topically to your hair.
The thing is, coconut oil doesn’t penetrate the hair shaft or your scalp. Because it just sits on your scalp, it can cause breakouts and clogging.
Although some people with fine or medium hair have found applying coconut oil to be somewhat beneficial, people with coarse, dry or porous hair should steer clear. For these hair types, coconut oil can cause protein build-up, blocking your hair from much-needed moisture and making it even dryer and less elastic.
That being said, healthy hair starts from the inside, so try adding coconut oil to your diet rather than applying it to your hair.
Myth #6: Drugstore and salon hair colour are the same.
There’s no shortage of claims out there that drugstore colour is just as good as salon colour.
However, hair colouring isn’t as simple as changing your shade or covering some greys. Your stylist considers your previous chemical treatments before customizing a salon colour with the appropriate developer for your hair’s porosity and texture.
On the other hand, drugstore colour uses a standard formula designed to meet the needs of several hair types, not necessarily yours specifically.
Your stylist’s experience and training will help you achieve the hair of your dreams.