The adverse effects of hair loss have led to increased attempts to spur hair growth by many people. However, many of these attempts at increased hair growth have been grossly impeded by hair growth myths. Many hair growth theories are purely false. We grew up believing some of them, while some were sold to us by the producers and marketers of hair care products to increase their sales. Either way, any false hair growth theory will only lead to dashed hopes and expectations, and no hair growth.
Now, don’t fret. Not everything you believe about hair growth is a hoax. Some are true and work. This article will separate hair facts from fiction for you by discussing five hair growth myths you may have believed for a while.
Haircuts Increase Hair Growth
That “cutting your hair makes it grow faster” is perhaps the most outrageous hair growth myth out there. Many people generally believe that a haircut every 5-8 weeks will hasten your hair growth process. This myth is quite popular and believed by all genders, and people generally think it applies to both the hair on your head and facial hair (for men).
On the contrary, hair growth begins from your hair’s root and not at its tips/ends (which you cut). The follicles from where your hair grows aren’t positively affected by your haircuts, making a lie of this claim. Still, as long as you aren’t doing it with this impossible expectation, an occasional haircut is a good idea because it will undoubtedly improve your hair’s appearance, making it look healthier.
Shampoo Slows Down Hair Growth
People also believe that frequently shampooing the hair will increase hair loss, thus regressing hair growth. There could be nothing further from the truth. Shampooing does not in itself inhibit hair growth. Experts agree that how often you wash your hair is a personal decision and could also be based on your hair type. Not shampooing, however, can lead to the accumulation of oil, bacteria, dirt, dead cells, and foreign bodies on your hair. Therefore, you must use a good shampoo, such as a DHT Blocking Shampoo. This shampoo is an excellent choice to keep your hair both moisturized and healthy while also blocking the excess production of the DHT hormone responsible for hair loss.
If You Remove Gray Hair, Two Will Grow in Its Place
Have you ever heard people say that if you pull out a strand of gray hair from your head, two or more strands will grow in its place? Well, there is absolutely no truth to this.
The graying of your hair is caused by a reduction in the melanin produced by the pigment cells in your hair follicles, mostly caused by aging because the pigment cells die as you get older. Tweezing any of these hairs will not cause more to grow out of the same spot because only one hair strand grows out of each follicle. On the contrary, pulling out your hair can cause thinning, scarring, and eventually balding because you’re preventing hair growth in that spot.
Your Hair Gets Used to Your Hair Products, and They Stop Working
Another popular myth is that you need to change your hair products such as shampoos and hair conditioners every few months because your hair “gets used to them,” making them no longer useful for hair growth. This myth has been sold to us by the cosmetic industry to make us buy more cosmetics.
Firstly, your hair is not “alive,” so it doesn’t have such adaptation capabilities. Your hair can stop responding to your cosmetics for many reasons, of which “getting used to them” isn’t one of them. A possible explanation for this could be environmental factors, or simply that your hair needs and conditions have changed.
Brush 100 Strokes Daily, for Better Hair
Finally, you must have also heard that brushing your hair frequently and vigorously (at least 100 brushstrokes daily) will increase hair growth. The myth is that brushing your hair will redistribute natural hair oils, and increase blood flow, thereby boosting hair growth.
The truth is that brushing your hair increases your hair’s friction, which could lead to hair breakage and damage. Doing this frequently and with extra intensity will increase your hair breakage and make your hair lackluster. Therefore, it is advisable to brush your hair less regularly and gently so. It is also better to use wide-toothed combs or brushes with uniform bristles that aren’t harsh on your hair. Generally, it would be best if you were gentler while brushing hair.
Read Related – How Can I Stop Hair Loss? The Top Tips to Know
Conclusion
Everyone desires hair growth. However, knowing which of the hair growth strategies and theories to rely on is vital. This is so that you don’t waste time and resources trying out what will never work. Before believing and practicing any theory on hair growth, we think it wise to investigate its claims to distinguish facts from myth.
