If you’re like most women, you probably consider your hair your best accessory—so it’s no wonder that you’d go to great lengths to keep it in top shape. But are some of your most common beauty rituals actually doing more harm than good? Top stylists break down what’s true—and what’s so false—when it comes to your mane.
- The Myth: Plucking A Grey Hair Results In A Bunch More
The reality: If you see a grey sticking out like a sore thumb, plucking it won’t make it grow 10-fold. But it can actually damage your hair follicle and prevent hair from ever growing back in that spot. ‘I’ve seen this in clients who have actually created bald spots from plucking their grey hair,’ says Cardenas. ‘So don’t do it!’
- The Myth: Getting Regular Trims Will Help Your Hair Grow Faster
The reality: Hair normally grows a half inch every four weeks, says Jae Cardenas, a celebrity hairstylist at Sally Hershberger Downtown Salon in New York City—and getting a fresh cut every two weeks won’t speed up that process. However, ‘Trimming your ends [every six to eight weeks] will help you maintain your hair’s shape and prevent splitting the hair shaft,’ says Nicole Cichocki, senior stylist and lead educator at Bumble and Bumble Salon in New York City. So what can you do to grow longer strands? What you eat is key—try adding foods high in protein and omega-3s to your diet.
- The Myth: You Can Become Immune To Your Hair Products
The reality: ‘The environment and seasonal weather changes, like humidity, contribute to this,’ says Cichocki. ‘[And] some mass market hair brands use large quantities of silicones and other [ingredients] that build up on the hair shaft.’ At first, these coatings make your hair look smooth and shiny, but after using them repeatedly, hair can become limp and lifeless, explains Cichocki. The solution? Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove excess build-up.
- The Myth: Going To Bed With Wet Hair Can Be Damaging
The reality: It’s totally fi ne to be lazy—just don’t hit the sheets with your wet hair in a tight ponytail or bun, which can cause breakage. The really good news is that you can actually strengthen your hair while you sleep if you use the right product. Cardenas suggests wringing out the excess water, applying a leave in conditioner and putting your hair in a loose braid.
- The Myth: You Need To Apply Conditioner From Root To Tip
The reality: When it comes to conditioner, a little goes a long way. Cardenas advises focusing on your scalp when shampooing (because that’s where you’ll see product build-up) and then just running a small amount of conditioner through your ends. Just be sure not to rub your hands together too vigorously on the length of the hair; this can roughen up the cuticles and damage the hair shaft, says Cichocki.
