From childhood sleepovers to social media rabbit holes, hair myths are everywhere. But how many of them actually hold up to science?
Let’s set the record straight on some of the most common (and flat-out strange) hair beliefs—and what you should be doing instead.
1. You Should Brush Your Hair 100 Times a Day
This old-school myth claims that excessive brushing makes hair shinier and healthier. While gentle brushing can help distribute natural oils, brushing too often—especially with the wrong tool—can lead to breakage and scalp irritation.
Do this instead: Use a soft-bristle or detangling brush once or twice a day, starting at the ends and working upward to avoid tugging on your strands.
2. Trimming Your Hair Frequently Makes It Grow Faster
Hair growth starts at the scalp, not the ends. While regular trims help prevent split ends and keep your hair looking healthier, they don’t actually affect your rate of growth.
Do this instead: Trim every 8–12 weeks to maintain healthy ends and reduce breakage—but focus on scalp health and nutrition to truly encourage growth.
3. Oily Hair Means You’re Not Washing Enough
It might seem logical, but overwashing can actually trigger more oil production. Stripping your scalp of its natural oils too often signals it to produce even more sebum to compensate.
Do this instead: Try washing every 2–3 days with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. If needed, use dry shampoo in between to absorb excess oil without disrupting your scalp’s balance.
4. If You Pluck One Gray Hair, Three More Will Grow
This one is pure fiction. Plucking a gray hair won’t cause more to sprout. However, repeated plucking can damage the follicle and eventually prevent hair from growing back in that spot.
Do this instead: Embrace the grays or consider a safe, scalp-friendly color treatment. But ditch the tweezers.
5. A Cold Water Rinse Seals the Hair Cuticle
We’ve all heard that a blast of cold water after your shower “closes the cuticle” and boosts shine. The truth? Hair cuticles don’t function quite like that. While cold water may help with shine slightly, it won’t lock moisture in or drastically change texture.
Do this instead: Focus on nourishing your hair with the right ingredients and avoid harsh heat styling. Healthy hair is more about consistency than quick hacks.
The Bottom Line
Hair health is complex—and not every piece of advice stands up to science. Let go of the myths, and instead, prioritize consistency, gentle care, and a nutrient-rich routine that supports your strands from root to tip.
Because when it comes to healthy hair, truth always beats tradition.
