A few days ago I was getting my hair done for the first time in over a year, so obviously it was a huge mess and needed a dye and a cut. I've had the same hairstylist my whole life, and we got to talking about certain hair myths and which ones were true and which ones weren't. I'm not high maintenance about my hair, but I'm glad I know the following so I can make sure I have this hair for the rest of my life. Girls (and even guys) read on!

Myth #1- Plucking out a grey hair will make two grow in its place

FALSE- I hate it, but I've been getting random grey hairs since I was 18, just as my mom did. I can't complain though because I'm grateful I have beautiful, thick hair, but I can't help but take my tweezers and take some out every now and then. I try to only do the most obvious ones, but sometimes it's hard to not keep going. There's another one, and another, oh and over there too! It might improve your look a bit, but it's actually very bad for your scalp and hair. Pulling one grey out does not make two grow in its place, but can actually harm or even kill the follicle so no hair will grow back at all. They can also become moderate to severely damaged or clogged. It's better to have grey hair that you can dye than no hair at all, so unless they're for your brows, put those tweezers away, and I'll try and do the same!

 

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Myth #2- Hair needs to be washed everyday

FALSE- I wash my hair about every three days. There's nothing gross about that. My hair is very healthy because I don't wash it everyday. Your scalp produces natural, useful oils that your hair needs, and washing them away everyday can cause a dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. Shampoo removes dirt, dead skin cells and hair product, but unless you're playing in the dirt or something, it is not at all necessary to shampoo and condition everyday. Remember, shampoo is for the scalp and conditioner is for the hair!

Myth #3- After shaving any hair from your body, it grows back thicker and darker

FALSE- I rarely shave my legs, because I don't care. I do when I have to but it's just not a priority to me. I also can't use real razors because my skin is uber sensitive and breaks out, so when I do shave I use my electric razor. It's pretty much just as effective and takes half the time. I don't want to waste time on useless things, so it's a great alternative. However, if you're a frequent shaver and are worried about this, have no fear. Shaving unwanted hair does not make it grow back darker or thicker. Think about it, how could hair that's not even grown in yet change color solely from a razor blade? It can't. And shaving does not change the size of hair follicles, so there's no way it could grow in thicker. A few days after shaving, what you feel and see is stubble, which may be more noticeable, but is unchanged. Characteristics of hair depend on genetics and hormones, not on how often you shave, or don't.

Myth #4- Brushing your hair a lot is good for it

FALSE- Remember in The Brady Bunch when Marcia (Marcia Marcia Marcia!) is shown brushing and stroking her hair

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100 times because she's in love with her blond locks and thinks all that work will pay off? Well she was wrong- over-brushing your hair can be very damaging. It can split your ends and rip your hair. It also scratches the scalp and can prematurely pull out hair. Brushing should be used for styling and to get out snarls only, but remember to always be gentle, as your hair is very delicate. I brush once a day when I am getting ready to go somewhere, but am always careful to hold my hair right above where I am brushing to avoid pulling it out.

Myth #5- Hats can cause hair loss and baldness

FALSE- I never wear hats, except for my skull beanie, but am of course weary of balding when I am older. I know it will thin out because it is so thick now, but I hope the majority stays forever. Although a tight hat isn't good and can suffocate your scalp and cause sweating, no type of hat can cause hair loss or balding. These are just natural aging processes, and while they are very disheartening and devastating, cannot be blamed on hats or other head accessories, so don them and be proud!

I hope this has helped ease your mind along with giving you some good tips when it comes to your crowning glory. If you want a second opinion or have your own hair questions, have a conversation with your hairdresser the next time you're in the hair hot seat.

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