Myth-busting: Fact-checking common haircare claims
We've all heard them. Those hair "facts" like plucking a grey hair makes more sprout in its wake or brushing your hair for a hundred strokes will make it healthier. So, we've set out to clear up common misconceptions, plus find out some extra tips and tricks along the way too.
Myth #1: Oily hair needs to be shampooed daily
According to Sydney-based stylist, Cara Clyne, this is incorrect! Clyne says "over shampooing hair can have the opposite effect as it causes your scalp to create additional oils to compensate for the oils being washed away."
Use a good quality shampoo that is tailored to your specific hair type. Oilier scalps would benefit from the TRESemmé Cleanse & Replenish range as the shampoo is made with multi-vitamins and grape seed oil to clarify and gently remove heavy residues that stick to the scalp, whilst still nourishing hair.
Follow it up with the matching conditioner, which deeply conditions without weighing down your hair and you're good to go!
Alternatively, try stretching washes to every two to three days and use dry shampoo in between washes to keep fresh.
Myth #2: You should avoid sulphates in your shampoo
Not the case. Let's break it down: Sodium laureth sulphates are what make your shampoo lather up and get all sudsy. They work so well in shampoo because they break down oil fast and are also easily rinsed out by water.
While some SLS's get a bad rap in beauty products, that is more often the case in formulas that are left on skin. As sulphates in shampoo are there for mere seconds, there is no reason to give your shampoo the third degree because of them.
Myth #3: Swimming in chlorine can turn your hair green
This one is fact! For lighter coloured or blonde hair then yes, your hair can turn a green tone after swimming in chlorine.
To get scientific, it is actually the copper in the water that is oxidized by chlorine, which then binds to the proteins in the hair strands. The metal will produce a green tint in the hair which shows on lighter colour hair.
The remedy? Minimise green tones by rinsing your hair as soon as you get out of the pool.
Myth #4: A haircut every six weeks will make it grow faster
Constantly booking in for hair trims isn't going to make your hair grow faster, unfortunately! If it's speedy growth you're looking for, ingredients like vitamin B, biotin (b7) and vitamin C can all help.
It's growth at the roots that you need for faster length overall, so taking care of your scalp is important too.
According to Clyne, it comes down to keeping your hair in it's best condition. "You can cut your hair every four to six weeks if it's a short style and you want to maintain the same length. However, if your hair is longer than the bra line you can stretch out a haircut to every eight to 12 weeks. The healthier you keep your hair at home, the less often you need to get a haircut."
Myth #5: Plucking grey hairs cause more to grow
This is a big myth! If you pluck one hair follicle, only one hair follicle can grow back in its place. The surrounding strands will only turn grey when their own follicle pigment cells – called melanin – die, turning the hair from a colour to grey.
So while you don't need to worry about creating more greys by plucking one, you do need to be careful not to damage the follicle itself, preventing the hair from growing back. Instead of plucking, try using a coloured hair spray, dying or highlighting hair.
