True or False? Ten of the Biggest Hair Care Myths Unravelled

We unravel the age-old haircare myths that us girls have believed for years. What hairdresser ever told us that cutting our hair would make it grow faster? Is it necessary to buy a new bottle of shampoo every week to keep our hair extra clean? Her.ie tells you all...

Myth 1: Brushing one hundred strokes per night can make hair grow faster

At one point in the history of haircare, someone mentioned that over-brushing your hair stimulated blood circulation in the scalp and it was written down in the hair bible. The truth is that although most of our hair is strong enough to take a good brushing, excessive detangling can result in breakage and damage, especially if you use a plastic bristled brush. Verdict: False

Myth 2: Washing your hair in Guinness can make it healthier

Who thought a pint over the head could improve the condition of your hair? An age-old Irish trick, some women swear by a monthly beer treat to the head. The logic behind the treatment is that the proteins and iron in the beer boost hair's volume, while the sugars tighten cuticles. The downside is the possibility of smelling like an old man's pub for the day, but it's up to you if the benefits outweight that. Verdict: True

Myth 3: The bigger the blob of shampoo, the cleaner your hair

Don't bother wasting it ladies, a dollop of shampoo the size of a two euro coin is meant to be enough for one wash. And one wash is enough too, there is no need to shampoo your hair twice, unless your hair is exceptionally long. Verdict: False

Myth 4: Stress is related to hair loss

Severe stress can shut down hair production quickly, causing temporary hair loss. However, the scalp can rejuvenate and get back on track with a healthy diet. Verdict: True

Myth 5: Conditioner can help repair split ends

No matter how expensive the conditioner, and how many boosting properties it promises in the bottle, it is not physically possible to repair split ends. In fact, what is true is that split ends travel up the hair root, and fast too. Verdict: False

Myth 6: A cold rinse helps keep hair shiny and frizz-free

I was definitely victim myself to this belief. In my mind, a cold rinse sealed the hair cuticle, keeping it shiny and flyaway free. Cold water can actually help the hair's cuticle to lie flatter temporarily, but the effect is worn off instantly with towel-drying or blow-drying. We can still use a cold shower for our morning blast of 'pick-me-up' but it won't have perform any haircare magic. Verdict: False

Myth 7: Cutting hair makes it grow faster

"Just a trim please.” How often have we said these words and left the hairdressers in dismay, tears burning our eyes as we gaze at where our locks used to be, all so our hair will grow faster. This common myth comes from the fact that our hair is thicker at the scalp than it is at the ends, so shorter hair seems thicker at first. Cutting your hair does not affect its normal biologically determined growth rate or overall texture. Thin, limp or fine hair will not ever grow thicker in response to a haircut. Verdict: False

Myth 8: Wearing tight hairstyles can cause baldness

Tight ponytails, buns and up-dos can cause havoc to hair over an extended period of time. Sometimes we can even feel our scalp pulling towards our tightly-wrapped hair-tie. Give the hair a break and opt for looser hairstyles that will minimise the tension, pain and potential baldness. Verdict: True

Myth 9: Hair will always remain the same texture

Pregnancy, medication, age and chemotherapy can all alter your hair's texture, be it temporary or permanently. Our bodies are always changing, so is our hair. Verdict: True

Myth 10: Wearing a hat can cause baldness

Why all the baldness myths? There is no need for us to live in fear everytime we don the headgear. We lose hair everyday as a result of brushing, washing and general wear and tear. It is also being constantly replaced however. It has been suggested that the 'hats making you bald' myth may have derived from the fact that the hair is noticeable in the hat after it is taken off. The boys can keep their beanies on. Verdict: False