Hair Myths Busted: What Clients Always Get Wrong About Hair Care
As stylists, we often hear clients share advice or beliefs about hair care that they’ve picked up over the years. While some tips may hold a grain of truth, many are outright myths that can mislead clients and even harm their hair. Addressing these misconceptions not only helps clients achieve healthier locks but also positions you as a knowledgeable expert. Let’s debunk some of the most common hair myths clients tend to believe.
1. “Trimming your hair makes it grow faster.”
This myth has been passed down for generations, but trimming doesn’t affect the speed of hair growth—it grows from the roots, not the ends. However, regular trims prevent split ends from traveling up the shaft, keeping hair healthy and reducing breakage. Educating clients on the true purpose of trims can help them embrace this essential maintenance step.
2. “Air-drying is always better than blow-drying.”
While air-drying might seem gentler, leaving hair wet for extended periods can weaken strands and lead to damage, especially for fine or porous hair. Blow-drying with a heat protectant at a low or medium setting is often better for styling and protecting the hair's integrity. Sharing these tips can help clients strike a balance between convenience and care.
3. “Washing your hair every day is bad for it.”
This one depends on hair type and lifestyle. While daily washing may strip natural oils for some, others—especially those with fine or oily hair—might need it to keep their scalp fresh and healthy. Encourage clients to focus on scalp health and tailor their routines to their unique needs, possibly alternating with dry shampoo if necessary.
4. “You can repair split ends with the right products.”
Unfortunately, no product can magically fuse split ends back together. Treatments and serums can temporarily smooth and seal the ends, but the only true fix is a trim. By explaining this to clients, you can guide them toward realistic expectations and effective solutions.
5. “Switching shampoos often is necessary to keep hair healthy.”
Clients sometimes believe their hair “gets used to” a shampoo, but this isn’t true. Hair doesn’t build resistance to products. However, if their hair or scalp needs change—such as during seasonal shifts—they might benefit from rotating in a different formula. Helping clients choose the right shampoo for their needs keeps them on the path to healthy hair.
6. “Brushing your hair 100 times a day makes it healthier.”
Excessive brushing can actually cause breakage and damage, especially for delicate or textured hair. Instead, recommend gentle brushing to detangle and distribute natural oils, focusing on the right tools for their hair type, such as wide-tooth combs or boar-bristle brushes.
7. “Dandruff is caused by a dry scalp.”
Many clients assume that flaking means their scalp is dry, but dandruff is often caused by excess oil or a fungal imbalance. Over-moisturizing without addressing the root cause can worsen the issue. Suggest targeted treatments like medicated shampoos and scalp care routines to tackle this common misconception.
8. “Gray hair is coarser and grows faster than colored hair.”
Gray hair may feel coarser due to a loss of natural pigment and oils, but its growth rate remains the same as pigmented hair. With the right conditioning treatments, gray hair can be as smooth and manageable as any other. Explaining this helps clients feel more confident embracing their natural silver.
9. “Rinsing hair with cold water makes it shinier.”
While cold water can temporarily smooth the hair’s cuticle, creating a sleeker appearance, the shine ultimately comes from healthy hair and good products. Clients can focus on moisturizing treatments and serums to achieve a radiant look rather than enduring icy showers.
10. “Hair grows thicker after you shave or cut it.”
This classic myth stems from how blunt ends feel after shaving or cutting. Hair growth is determined by genetics and follicle health, not by cutting. Educating clients on this can help manage their expectations about hair thickness and regrowth.
