A lot of confusion exists when it comes to the best hair care practices that can prevent damage. Sometimes, we think that our current technique is the right one to minimize harm and maximize hair health, only to learn later that it’s wrong. Therefore, let’s sort through some of those common hair care myths and replace them with facts for keeping hair beautiful and less likely to suffer from damage.
Myth: Cranking up the heat on hot tools is better.
The first myth is that it’s better to finish styling your hair as quickly as possible by using high heat. However, this is a mistake because the hotter the heat, the more weakened your vulnerable strands become. High heat can actually boil the water inside your hair shaft, creating tiny bubbles that cause irreversible damage to the hair’s protein structure. The best scenario is using the lowest heat setting that can work for your hair type, texture and color before gradually turning up the heat if necessary. Lower heat is the key to warding off brittle hair for hair damage prevention.
Myth: A boar bristle brush is the best overall brush.
You may have been under the assumption that a boar bristle brush is the best overall brush for your hair. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true when you think of your hair care routine. While boar bristles can be good for distributing natural oils, they can also cause too much friction and scratch the scalp. This can weaken your hair strands. You’re often safer with a brush with rounded, flexible prongs that are more gentle to the hair. This type of brush is designed to glide through tangles with less resistance, helping to prevent breakage.
Myth: Trimming your hair makes it grow faster.
This is a widespread belief, but it’s simply not true according to the research. Hair growth is determined by the follicles on your scalp, not the ends of your hair. The rate at which your hair grows isn’t affected by how often you cut it. However, regular trims are crucial because they prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. This causes more damage and makes your hair appear thinner and less healthy. By getting regular trims, you’re removing that damage, which keeps your hair looking fuller and more vibrant as it grows.
Myth: It’s best to brush your hair when it’s wet.
We’ve all been there: fresh out of the shower, trying to get the tangles out with a brush. However, this is one of the most damaging things you can do. Wet hair is at its most fragile and elastic. Brushing it can cause the strands to stretch and snap, leading to breakage and split ends. The correct way to detangle your hair is to wait until it’s damp, then use a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed specifically for wet hair. The key is to start at the bottom and gently work your way up to the roots, which removes tangles with less stress on your hair.
Now that you know the truth behind these common misconceptions, you can make smarter choices to protect your hair from damage. Understanding these myths and facts about hair care is the first step toward a healthier hair care routine. Do you know of any other hair care myths that should be busted? Let me know in the comments below!
