I’m a hair expert and here’s five haircare myths that are actually damaging your locks
FROM training your hair so it doesn’t need washing to using lemons for ‘natural’ highlights, there are endless hacks to level up your haircare routine.
So it’s easy to get swept up in these apparent fixes for your tresses.
But experts have warned that many of these hacks are myths, and can even be harmful to your hair.
Eva Proudman, who has over 20 years of experience in scalp and hair health, has revealed which haircare hacks you need to watch out for.
The expert trichologist, who works with Absolute Collagen, also offered up her own alternative tips that won’t ruin your locks.
Hair training
First up, Eva rubbished claims that you can train your hair to reduce how often you need to wash it.
She said: “This myth suggests that going cold turkey on washing your hair can help to regulate the production of natural oils which make it greasy. The idea is that your hair will begin to naturally clean itself.
“However, this is a myth and can cause damage and irritation to your scalp.
“Your body will continue to produce the same natural oils it always does and not washing will lead to a build-up of dirt, and debris.”
She added: “After a while, you’ll begin to experience itching and sensitivity, not to mention dandruff as bacteria begins to build up among your hair follicles.
“To keep the scalp clean and well-balanced, we would recommend that most people to wash their hair daily or every other day.”
Lemon highlights
Another common myth that has been sweeping social media is that natural products like lemon juice can dye your hair without damaging it.
But Eva warns: “While you may start to see a slight change in your hair’s shade, this method will also most likely damage it.
“The citrus in the lemon juice is acidic and, perhaps unsurprisingly, this isn’t good for your hair.
“Combined with overexposure to the sun, your hair will become damaged at a much quicker rate, and you may even begin to experience scalp soreness as a result.”
Cut and grow
“We often hear people suggest that if you want to grow your hair out long, regular cutting is a way to improve growth”, says Eva.
“But that’s not necessarily true. Your hair grows from the roots, so while taking off those split ends will help to make it healthier overall, it won’t have any impact in terms of increasing growth.”
The hair pro adds: “If you do want to improve hair growth, more effective methods to explore are making subtle changes to your diet to increase your protein intake, as well as taking supplements such as collagen.”
H-air dryer
It’s a widely held, and researched, belief that using a hair dryer on wet hair is more damaging than allowing it to air dry.
But letting your hair dry naturally can actually do it more damage.
Eva reveals: “While too much direct heat onto the hair can cause breakage, blow drying on a cool setting is one of the safest ways to dry your hair.
“Alternative methods can often lead to a build-up of bacteria, as the wet and dampness of your hair is an ideal climate for it to grow.
“Our hair is also at its weakest when wet, snapping and breaking easier, so drying your hair is good practice.
“Be aware though that, to avoid burning or damage, heated tools should be no hotter than 180 degrees. Moreover, always try to apply a heat-protecting spray or serum before using heated tools.”
Grey day
“One of the more dangerous myths out there is that pulling your grey hairs out can help to stop them from spreading”, insists Eva.
The expert trichologist said that not only is it painful to pluck them out, but it could cause damage to your scalp and infection.
Instead, she advises: “It’s crucial to take care of any of your greyer hairs as these are much drier and prone to breaking.
“Hair without natural colour has a thinner cuticle, which is the outer protective layer of the hair, making it more prone to damage from water, UV, humidity, chemicals and heat styling.
“Why not embrace your natural greys as they start to appear?”