Hair Myths

Cutting my hair will make it stronger or grow quicker.

False. Cutting your hair will only make it shorter. Hair typically grows about one-half inch per month, no matter what you do to it.

 

Split ends can be repaired without cutting them.

False. Split ends cannot be repaired. They need to be cut off or they will split yet higher cause even more damage.

 

The more I brush my hair, the better it is for my hair.

False. Beyond a certain extent, brushing can be bad for your hair. Excessive brushing may cause split ends and hair breakage.

 

Wearing tight hats can contribute to baldness.

False. Baldness is most often caused by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, not by wearing hats.

 

Baldness is inherited from a particular side of the family.

False. Male or female pattern hair baldness can be attributed to either side of the family. It also may or may not skip generations. Studies have shown that male pattern baldness begins at age 18, whereas female pattern hair loss occurs around age 45.

 

Dandruff is contagious.

False. Everyone possesses the microorganism that causes dandruff; yours just might not be active.

 

Hair grows faster on different parts of the head.

True. Scientific evidence shows that the growth rate of hair may vary on different parts of the head for certain people.

 

Smoking causes gray hair.

True. Research shows that smokers are 4 times more likely to have gray hair than nonsmokers. Smokers are also more likely to have accelerated hair loss.

 

I should wash my hair everyday.

False. There is no set schedule for when your hair needs to be washed. Everyone's hair is different, so everyone's hair treatment is different, too. While some people may benefit from a daily shampoo, others may benefit from varying shampoo schedules.

 

Sharing combs and/or brushes can spread scalp diseases.

True. Lice and other parasites can transport from scalp to scalp through the sharing of brushes, combs, and other hair care tools.