Myth: Cutting your hair makes it grow faster

While it’s a common misconception that frequent trims will make the hair grow faster, this isn’t entirely true. Hair growth starts at the scalp, specifically within the hair follicles, and not at the ends. Regular trims help remove split ends, prevent breakage, and keep the hair healthy and full, but cutting your hair does not affect the growth rate.

This myth likely stems from the fact that trimming reduces split ends and breakage, making hair appear fuller, healthier, and longer.. Without regular trims, split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing further breakage that can make hair look thin and damaged, giving the illusion that growth has slowed.

The Science of Hair Growth

Hair grows from the root, where nutrients from the blood nourish the follicle. The growth rate is generally around half an inch per month, although this can vary depending on factors like genetics, age, and overall health. Cutting the ends of your hair doesn’t impact this cycle, but maintaining a healthy scalp through proper care and nutrition does.

Myth: Washing Your Hair Daily is Essential

Daily washing is often unnecessary and, in some cases, counterproductive. For most hair types, washing every two to three days is ideal, although this varies based on individual needs, hair type, and lifestyle.

Many believe that daily washing keeps hair "cleaner" and "fresher," but it can lead to an imbalance in the scalp’s natural oil production. When stripped of its natural oils too often, the scalp may respond by producing even more oil, creating a cycle of perceived greasiness that encourages even more frequent washing. This myth has been perpetuated by marketing and a general cultural preference for squeaky-clean hair despite the potential damage it may cause.

Understanding Hair and Scalp Needs:

Sebum Production: Sebum acts as a natural moisturiser, keeping hair soft and helping to prevent dryness. Overwashing disrupts this balance, especially for those with fine or chemically treated hair, which is often more fragile and prone to dryness.

Scalp Sensitivity: Regularly shampooing, particularly with products containing harsh sulphates, can lead to scalp irritation, dryness, and even dandruff. Opting for gentle, sulphate-free shampoos helps maintain a healthier scalp.

Myth: Silk Pillowcases Will Stop Hair Breakage

While silk pillowcases are often touted as a beauty essential for hair, they’re not as impactful as many people claim. Silk may benefit the skin, but it offers minimal advantages for hair health.

Despite popular belief, cotton or even rougher fabrics don’t harm the hair because hair is far stronger and more abrasive than any fabric it might encounter. In reality, hair damage while sleeping is more about hair rubbing against itself than against the pillowcase material.

 

The Real Cause of Night time Hair Damage:

The primary source of friction that leads to damage occurs when hair rubs against other hair strands during sleep, not when it comes into contact with pillowcases. This friction can lead to breakage, tangles, and frizz.

 

How to Protect and Condition Hair Overnight:

• Use a Day & Night Cream: Applying a protective day and night hair cream before bed can help minimise frictional damage. As hair rubs against itself overnight, the cream acts as a conditioning agent, with the natural movement helping to push the cream into the hair, deeply conditioning it and reducing the risk of damage.
• Elixir Oil: Elixir oil can also be applied to hair before sleep for an additional layer of protection and nourishment. This oil conditions and strengthens hair while minimising frictional wear, keeping it smoother and more resilient by morning.

Myth: Colouring Your Hair Will Ruin Its Health

Hair colouring can change the structure of your hair, but with proper care and professional techniques, it doesn’t have to ruin its health. The key to preserving hair health while colouring lies in understanding the type of dye used, the application process, and post-colour care. When done correctly, colouring can add vibrancy and depth to your hair without causing long-term damage.

The myth likely originates from the fact that early hair dyes and certain lower-quality or DIY dye kits often contained harsh chemicals that could damage the hair. Additionally, excessive colouring (especially bleaching) can lead to breakage, dryness, and a rough hair texture, which has led to the idea that all colouring is inherently damaging.

Why Choose a Professional?

Customised Formulas: Professional colourists assess the hair’s condition and use customised formulas suited to your hair type and previous chemical treatments, reducing the risk of over-processing or excessive damage.

Proper Timing and Application: Timing is crucial when it comes to colour. Professional colourists know the correct processing times to avoid overexposing hair to chemicals and the appropriate application techniques for even coverage and minimal damage.

Post-Treatment Care: Many professional salons now offer in-salon treatments that help restore hair bonds and maintain hair strength after colour treatment, ensuring that hair retains its health and resilience even after bleaching.

Myth: You Can Fix Split Ends with Products

Once hair has split at the ends, no product can “repair” it back to its original state. Split ends occur when the protective outer layer of the hair, known as the cuticle, wears away, exposing the inner cortex and causing the strand to split. While products can temporarily smooth and seal split ends to make them less noticeable, the only true solution to split ends is a trim.

Understanding What Causes Split Ends:

 

Mechanical Damage: Frequent brushing, rough towel drying, and even constant hair styling can weaken the hair cuticle, causing it to split. Fine and fragile hair is especially prone to this type of damage.

Heat Styling: Heat tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers strip moisture from hair, making it more brittle and susceptible to splitting. Choose sprays such as Windle LAB Fortifying Spray which contains heat protection up to 220°.

Chemical Treatments: Bleaching, colouring, perming, and relaxing hair can all weaken the hair shaft, making it more vulnerable to splitting, especially at the ends, where hair is oldest and most fragile.

Environmental Factors: Sun exposure, pollution, and harsh weather conditions can also wear down the hair’s cuticle layer, leading to split ends over time.

While products can’t truly repair split ends, they can provide temporary smoothing and protection to make hair look healthier. A balanced hair care routine, combined with regular trims and gentle styling practices, is the best approach to managing and preventing split ends.

Myth: Hair Can "Get Used" to a Product, Making It Less Effective Over Time

Hair does not develop an “immunity” or get “used” to a product, so its effectiveness doesn’t truly decrease over time. Hair is made of keratin, a protein structure, and lacks the biological processes needed to adapt to or build tolerance against products. However, several factors can affect how a product seems to work on your hair over time, such as product buildup, environmental changes, and seasonal shifts.

Common Reasons Why a Product's Effectiveness Seems to Change:

 

Product Buildup: Over time, residue from shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and even hard water minerals can accumulate on the hair, weighing it down and making it appear dull or greasy. This can create the illusion that a product isn’t working as well as it once did.

Changing Hair Needs: Hair’s needs can fluctuate with environmental factors (such as humidity, heat, or cold), seasonal changes, or even hormonal shifts. For example, hair may require more moisture in winter to combat dryness or more lightweight products in summer to avoid greasiness.

Scalp Health: A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. If scalp health changes – due to stress, diet, or hygiene habits – it can affect how hair looks and behaves, leading to the impression that products are no longer effective.

Seasonal changes: As seasons change, adjust your products to meet your hair’s evolving needs. For instance, switch to richer, hydrating formulas in colder months and lighter, volumising ones in warmer weather. Find out more about keeping your hair healthy in winter

Haircare myths can lead us to habits that may not benefit our hair as much as we’d like. Understanding what truly affects hair health and growth helps us make better choices tailored to our hair type.  By focusing on facts rather than common misconceptions, you can develop a haircare routine that supports strong, vibrant hair. Remember, a balanced approach that responds to your hair’s needs, rather than trends, will always give you the best results.