Debunking Common Hair Care Myths: Separating Fact From Fiction

There’s no shortage of hair care advice out there, with much of this knowledge having been passed through the generations. However, just because you’ve heard the same thing many times doesn’t make that information true. Plus, times are changing, and hair care products, as well as styling tools, have been evolving too, meaning that some of the advice that used to apply back in the day is no longer relevant.

Want to make sure that you have all of your hair care facts in order? Read on as HerStyler debunks some of the most common hair care myths out there.

Myth: You Should Change Your Shampoo and Conditioner Every Few Months

One of the biggest hair care myths out there is that people should change the shampoo and conditioner that they’re using every few months. Why is this? Because, supposedly, once your hair gets used to the ingredients, then those products will stop being beneficial.

Think about this rationally and you’ll realize that it doesn’t make much sense. Ingredients don’t become less effective the more you use them.

However, there’s no denying that your hair’s needs could potentially change every few months. Whether this may be due to the weather or because you’re styling your hair differently or anything else, if your hair’s requirements evolve then your current shampoo and conditioner may not be able to provide your locks with all that they now need.

When it comes down to it, go ahead and change up your hair care products if you feel that they aren’t benefiting your hair in the way that they used to. However, you don’t need to stick to a certain timeframe when doing so. Listen to your hair and respond appropriately to its needs.

Of course, some shampoos and conditioners are able to provide an exceptional array of benefits. This means that you likely won’t need to swap to different formulas if your hair’s needs change. The HerStyler Hemp Shampoo is a great example. Formulated with hemp seed oil, sage oil, and vitamin E, this shampoo will cleanse your strands without stripping them of their protective coating. Pair this with the HerStyler Rosehip & Sage Conditioner and your hair will soon feel happier than it ever has.

Myth: Vigorously Brushing Your Hair 100 Times a Day Will Make it Healthier

This is one of those myths that have been passed down through generations, and it’s easy to see how this one began. Back in the day, when people didn’t have moisturizing conditioners and hydrating hair serums to turn to, brushing hair 100 times a day ensured that all of those natural oils produced by the scalp were able to make their way down each strand to keep the hair soft and smooth.

However, things are different now. The hair care products that you use will be providing that much-needed moisture to your strands. We also know that 100 strokes of the brush in one go are excessive, to the point where this could damage your locks. Using too much force and friction on your hair can lead to breakages while also harming your cuticles. This will give your hair a rough and frizzy finish.

Instead, you only need to brush your hair until you’ve eliminated any knots and tangles. Once you’re able to run your brush through your strands without snagging on anything, you can stop brushing and leave your hair alone.

It also helps to use a good hairbrush. A poorly-designed hairbrush can be so detrimental to your precious mane. One of our favorite go-to’s is the HerStyler Pro Detangler Brush. Its ergonomic, palm-friendly design allows it to sit comfortably in your hand while you work on your strands. With its extended bristles, it makes detangling so easy while also reducing the amount of friction and stress that’s placed on the hair. It’s heat-friendly too, meaning that you can use it alongside your blow dryer or flat iron.

Myth: Everyone Should Wash Their Hair X Times a Week

When it comes to how often a person should be washing their hair, there isn’t a set answer, making this a myth that you definitely shouldn’t believe. Everyone’s hair is different, meaning that the hair-washing frequency that works for one person is unlikely to suit the next.

So, how often should you be washing your hair then?

This all depends on your hair type. If you have dry or severely damaged hair, then you’ll only need to wash it a couple of times a week. You need to give your scalp enough time to produce more oils and send those oils down your hair shaft so that they can keep your strands moisturized. On the other hand, if you have oily hair, then your scalp is already producing plenty of extra oil. As a result, you’ll probably need to wash your hair every other day. If you use various products on your hair every day, then a daily hair wash may be better. However, make sure that you use a gentle shampoo.

Myth: Oils Make Hair Feel Greasy

This hair care myth is partly true because some oils do make the hair feel greasy. However, not all oils have this effect.

It all comes down to how the oils act once they touch your hair. Some sit on the surface of the hair shaft, which gives the hair a greasy feel. However, others soak into each strand. This not only ensures that the hair feels oil-free, but also helps to condition and moisturize the hair.

Using hair serums that have been formulated with lightweight oils is one way to give your hair the benefits of plant oils without having to worry about weighing your strands down. Take the HerStyler Marula Oil Nourishing Serum, for example. Research confirms that marula oil is incredibly hydrating and moisturizing. At the same time, it feels weightless on the hair, so won’t leave it looking limp and oily. In this serum, marula oil is combined with vitamin E and aloe vera extract, both of which add to the product’s moisturizing properties.

Myth: Hair Masks Are a Waste of Time

Some people struggle to understand the purpose behind a hair mask. After all, if a conditioner is used after every shampoo, then surely that makes a hair mask pointless?

However, that’s not the case at all. Think of hair masks as the hair care equivalent of face masks. Just like face masks, they’re loaded with a high concentration of conditioning ingredients. This is why it’s not recommended to use them daily. However, treat your hair to a mask once a week and you’ll notice some amazing improvements in the look of your locks.

The HerStyler Argan Oil Hair Mask is one that can really produce an incredible transformation in the appearance of your hair. As you can tell from its name, this formula is brimming with argan oil. Studies show that argan oil is highly effective at keeping the hair feeling protected against oxidative damage. This refers to environmental damage caused by the sun, pollution, or anything else. Either way, it makes the hair look dry, brittle, and rough, which argan oil can help to prevent. 

Myth: Regular Trims Will Help Your Hair to Grow Faster

You’ve probably heard this myth several times; trimming your hair regularly will encourage it to grow faster and longer. Unfortunately, while this may be one that we all want to believe, it doesn’t quite work that way. 

Hair growth is controlled by the follicles on the scalp. Having the ends of your hair trimmed off doesn’t influence these follicles whatsoever. Instead, your hair growth cycle is determined by genetics. No matter how many trims you book yourself in for, this won’t change your genes, meaning that it won’t impact how quickly your hair grows.

However, that’s not to say that you should stop forking out for regular trims. Those trims are vital for getting rid of split ends. If you leave those split ends in place, they’ll only end up traveling up your hair shaft, causing damage to more than just the ends of your locks. 

Getting your hair trimmed regularly will keep your hair looking fuller and healthier. In some ways, this can also help it to appear longer, which is probably how this myth began. 

Myth: All Heated Styling Tools Cause Damage

This is another myth that was true back in the day, simply because heated styling tools used to be extremely damaging to the hair. However, technology has come a long way, and so has the design of heated styling tools.

For example, there are now many tools out there that offer an adjustable temperature dial, just like the flat irons from HerStyler’s Colorful Seasons range. This means that you don’t have to scorch your strands with the maximum temperature. Instead, you can turn the heat down to give your hair the perfect temperature that will style it without damaging it.

Those same hair straighteners also make use of far infrared technology. This enables the flat iron to heat the hair from the inside out, rather than directly targeting the surface of the hair shaft. Again, this allows you to style your hair with minimum damage.

Plus, let’s not forget all of the heat protectants that we now have available to us. Whether you opt for a spray, a mousse, a serum, or anything else, applying a heat protectant to your locks before using a heated styling tool will once again help to prevent the appearance of hair damage. Rather than burning your strands while they style, your tools will instead burn off the layer of heat protectant that coats your hair, leaving your strands feeling just as healthy as they were before you started styling them.

Enjoy the Ultimate in Hair Care With HerStyler

There are so many different hair care myths out there, and some of them can be downright damaging. If you want to ensure that you’re looking after your hair in the best way possible, it always pays to do a little research into your chosen methods. This way, you’ll know for sure whether the hair care advice that you’re following is fact or just fiction.

Click here to check out more bestselling hair care products and styling tools from HerStyler.