Well-Worn Hair Loss Myths Debunked

Not to disillusion you, but if you are one of those who believe that your hair would grow faster if you brush it with a hundred strokes a day, then you’ve been taken into one of the many hair care myths which are unfortunately unfounded. Actually, brushing your hair in such a manner would achieve the opposite effect – it leads to split ends on the strands, as well as to easy strand breakage. Also, combing your hair is preferred to brushing it. You may be doing your hair a disservice by believing in the myths; the following are some of the most popular, and also the most unsubstantiated ‘facts’ concerning hair care and hair loss.

Many people believe that washing the hair too frequently can cause hair loss – as evidenced by the hair fallout on the skin or tub. The truth is that everyone sheds hair, and the frequency of hair washing wouldn’t exacerbate it, unless you have a scalp disease which is irritated by hair care products. Otherwise, feel free to wash your hair for as often as you would like, even more than the recommended frequency of three times a week; make sure though that the shampoo you use is perfect for your particular hair type.

While blow-drying does cause hair loss, since the strands are either burned or dried too much so as to become brittle, these are eventually replaced by fresh ones, as the follicle itself does not incur any damage; as such, the hair loss is essentially temporary. On the same note, some maintain that prolonged exposure to the sun causes hair loss in time – the fact is, your hair is your head’s barrier from the sun, and since hair loss only occurs due to conditions on the follicles, the sun should be able to get in deep enough into the follicles in order to cause damage.

Hair products are maintained by many as culprits of hair loss; while it is true that many contain harmful chemicals which damage the hair strands with improper use, hair care products such as coloring treatments won’t do any serious harm to the follicles, and hair loss from using such is therefore very unlikely. And if you believe that cutting your hair can help it grow quicker and thicker in due time, you’re very much misled. This notion is based on the fact that hair strands are thicker at the shafts than at the tips, so a shorter hairdo will seem thicker – it does look fuller, but that’s the end of it. Haircuts do not affect the growth or texture of the hair strands, and as such, wispy and limp hair won’t get any thicker with a new hairdo.

The best myth is saved for last. Sleeping with wet hair leads to hair loss, since it is maintained to promote scalp fungus. Scalp diseases are communicable, and you have to come in contact with an infected source in order to contract the disease. Such cannot be contracted by merely sleeping with your hair wet. Take note though, that the fungus (tinea capitis) affects those with weaker immune systems, so children and the elderly are consequently more vulnerable.