By now we’ve learned our parents didn’t always tell the whole truth – trouble is they had no idea they were stretching it so far! Whether it was “reading in the dark will hurt your eyes” or “cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis,” our mothers told some whoppers. Of course they only wanted the best for us, but it still gave us some weird habits.
The following four hair myths may have made sense when your mom first told them, but it’s time to let them go!
1. Cutting Hair Makes it Grow Faster
Mom’s Myth: If you want your hair to grow faster, quit letting it get so long! Trim the hair back a little and it will “tell” your scalp to push out the hair quicker. If you don’t, your head will think you don’t need the hair and slow down your hair growth!
The Truth: The only thing trimming your hair back a bit will do is make it appear like your hair is growing faster. Why? Getting rid of those awful split ends and other damage means your hair looks healthier overall so it appears to be growing faster than it is.
However, hair only grows at half an inch per month pretty much no matter what. Make sure you’re visiting your favorite salon (Jyl Craven of course!) every six to eight weeks to maintain hair health and you won’t even worry about forcing your locks to hurry up.
2. Your Hair Gets “Used” to Shampoo
Mom’s Myth: Why do you keep using that shampoo? That new bottle of stuff I found at “store –X”, why won’t you use it? Your hair is going to get used to your old stuff and it just doesn’t work anymore. I don’t care if it’s your favorite, it’s the way it works.
The Truth: Your hair doesn’t get any more used to your favorite shampoo more than you get tired of sneaking Girl Scout cookies every year! When it comes to product it either works or it doesn’t. Don’t switch up with something crazy just because you think your hair will get “bored” with it or something. Just keep on doing what you’re doing. Of course, your hair needs may change along with a color treatment, a move to a new climate or the weather, so be sure you’re consulting with your stylist when a change occurs!
3. Need a Deep Condition? Break Out the Mayo
Mom’s Myth: I’ve noticed your hair is looking a little dry, so I went to the store and got you some mayonnaise and olive oil. No, I didn’t buy you any fancy hair care products, this stuff will do just fine. Plus I can cook with it later tonight, so stop complaining!
The Truth: There’s actually a kernel of truth to your mom whipping out the condiments when your hair got too dry. However, it’s not a big enough kernel to pop in the microwave. A better alternative is to skip it altogether, grab long-lasting shampoo, conditioner, and other moisturizing products designed for it in the first place!
4. Your Hair is Greasy, Stop Using So Much Conditioner
Mom’s Myth: When is the last time you washed your hair? This morning? How much conditioner did you use? That’s got to be the problem. Your hair looks like I could change the car’s oil with it. You need to stop using so much of that stuff. In fact, just cut it out altogether, that should do the trick.
The Truth: Greasiness in hair is not caused by conditioner. It comes from overproduction of sebum, which is a waxy, oily substance that comes from your scalp, not conditioner. Skipping any product altogether won’t do the trick, unfortunately.
What will? One tip is to shampoo the roots with a clarifying shampoo and the ends with a moisturizing shampoo. Then, apply conditioner to the middle and ends only. Another great idea is to clean your brush, as sebum can build up on dirty hairbrushes, putting it right back on your hair!
What are some other myths your mom told you?
