As it turns out, not everything you know about hair care is true. Whether you’ve heard it from your friends or mother, read about it somewhere or simply thought it up yourself, it’s sometimes hard to know what’s true and what is simply old wives’ tale. We turn to hair experts Dexter Ng and Ken Hong, members of the John Frieda House of Experts, who address the simple truths of taking care of your hair.
From how often you should wash your hair to whether hair dye is really that damaging, here are 8 common hair myths it’s time you stopped believing:
Myth #1: Washing Your Hair Every Day Will Dry It Out
According to hairstylist Dexter Ng of Duo Salon, washing your hair daily with a gentle shampoo is the best way to keep your hair and scalp healthy in Singapore’s hot and humid weather. A healthy scalp is important for healthy hair.
Not washing your hair daily can result in oil and microscopic particles clogging up your pores, causing acne and even hair loss. Use a shampoo that’s best suited for your hair type to moisturise your hair and keep it clean without drying it out.
Myth #2: Brushing Your Hair 100 Times A Day Will Make It Shiny
There’s absolutely zero value in brushing your hair more than usual, and over-brushing can actually cause greater damage to your hair’s cuticle. If your hair gets knotty easily, use a detangling brush or a paddle brush that’s effective and gentle on your strands. Hair brushes with boar bristles are the most recommended type.
Myth #3: Blow-Drying Hair Daily Damages Your Tresses
This is not true if you blow-dry your hair up to 80 per cent dry, says hairstylist Ken Hong of Evolve Salon. Do not over blow-dry and make sure the dryer setting is set to low heat. Applying heat protectants will also help to prevent heat damage.
Myth #4: You Cannot Use Hair Oils Or Conditioner If You Have Greasy Hair
Wrong. Greasy hair usually indicates an oily scalp, so never apply conditioner or hair oils directly onto the scalp. However, you can apply them to the ends of your hair to add lustre. Avoid using hair products that will strip your hair of its natural oils, and make sure to replenish lost moisture through shampooing by using a nourishing conditioner.
Myth #5: If You Pluck One Grey Hair, Two More Will Sprout
There’s no real scientific evidence for this, and the only plausible reason for this common belief is that one grey hair usually means that more will follow. This natural ageing process might start while one is still in their twenties, and it’s important not to go on a plucking spree! “While it will not result in the growth of more grey hair, plucking will harm your hair follicles, which may lead to hair loss over time,” says Ken.
Myth #6: Dyeing Your Hair While You’re Pregnant Is Bad For The Baby
Many believe that colour dye gets absorbed into the scalp and into the bloodstream, somehow affecting the unborn child. But the only real risk with colouring your hair during pregnancy is that of breathing in too much ammonia, which shouldn’t be a problem considering that salons are usually well ventilated.
Alternatively, opt for organic hair colouring using natural, plant-based and ammonia-free hair dyes at salons like Koinonia and Organic Hair Professional.
Myth #7: Hair Dye Damages Your Hair
Well, this could be true if done excessively and with poor post-dye care and maintenance. With advances in hair colour technology, hair colouring is less damaging than ever before, says Dexter. Hair dyes are now formulated with conditioning ingredients and repairing proteins, and contain much lower ammonia levels.
Even bleaching can be gentle on hair when done properly. Always seek the professional advice of a hair colourist. Any product in the wrong hands is a hair disaster waiting to happen.
Myth #8: Your Hair “Gets Used To” Hair Products Over Time
Once you find a product that works for you, you don’t have to switch it out. The only time you need to switch out a product is when it isn’t effective on your hair, advises Ken.
This article was originally written and published by Singapore’s Women’s Weekly here.