Mythbusters - Hairstylist Edition

Mythbusters - Hairstylist Edition

The Word on the Street is..

In the modern world, we’ve got access to ALL of the information. Social media platforms, search engines, the era of influencers.. you name it! You have definitely at some point come across information or advice online that made you think ‘Is this really true?’. This doesn’t stop at beauty/haircare advice. As a hairstylist, I see a lot of things online that make me shake my head because let’s be honest.. there’s a lot of misinformation that goes around.

In this blog post, I’m going to dive deep into the world of hair myths - I’ll separate the tall tales from true haircare routines and systems. Let’s uncover some truths and discover real secrets to healthier hair and true haircare routines and practices. Let the myth-busting begin!

Myth #1 - Cutting and Trimming Your Hair Will Make It Grow Faster

Let’s get into this.

Regular cuts and trims are essential for hair health, but they have no effect on the ability for your hair to grow. Think of it this way - when you trim your hair, we’re getting rid of the split ends and renewing the health and strength of the length. In between your trims, your ends go through a lot - exposure to heat styling, UV rays, brushing while wet, etc. Ends that are damaged or split will start to look shattered and sparse, which will feel like your hair isn’t long enough or growing.   

Your regular trims are still essential in keeping your hair healthy. Getting rid of your split ends will help your hair seem and feel fuller, healthy and give the illusion of longer hair.

Myth #2 - Hair Colours Takes Better When Your Hair is Dirty/Oily

Two Words - Totally False.

I hear this one All. The. Time. Could it BE any more untrue (cue Chandler Bing voice)?

In reality, the ideal condition for colouring your hair is freshly cleaned hair that is completely free of products. This goes for any colour service - toning, highlighting, root touch ups, etc. Freshly washed hair allows colour or lightener to do its job without having to work through barriers such as natural oils, products or dirt. Clean hair is key!

Myth #3 - You Should Skip Conditioner If You Have Oily Hair

Every head of hair is different.

Some individuals are blessed with oilier skin types, which means that your scalp will become oily faster. While it seems as though conditioner wouldn’t be needed, that is untrue.

Conditioner is used to condition your ends - you can keep it completely off of your scalp! Those natural oils wont reach your ends (unless you’ve got short hair), so make sure those ends are moisturized! Leaving your hair unconditioned leaves it more prone to breakage.

Tip: If you find yourself in this category, give your hair a good brush just before stepping into the shower to wash. This will distribute the natural oils from your scalp throughout the rest of your hair. Shampoo your scalp twice - you don’t need to get too into shampooing your ends as the shampoo will run through them anyways. Apply and comb your conditioner through the ends of your hair, leaving the top half of your hair unconditioned - it’s already got the help from your scalp!

Myth #4 - Split End Repair

I’m going to be the bearer of bad news for just a sec.

Split ends are.. split ends. Once the damage is there, it’s been done. There are many great hair products out there that will temporarily style and seal split ends, absolutely! However, that’s just a temporary fix - it doesn’t fix the root of the problem. The only way to really take care of your split ends is to cut them. Adios!

Myth #5 - Colouring Your Damaged Bleached Hair Dark Will Make It Healthy Again

If only it were that easy!

There are so many reasons why blonde hair could feel and look damaged after a while. It may seem like colouring it back darker would cure dull or damaged hair, but that is false. In addition to the last myth, once damage is there, it’s been done. However, darker colours can appear richer and glossier - that is true!

If your hair is feeling the bleach blues, I’ve got a few suggestions for you.

Tip: This might be an obvious one, but a GOOD haircut. I’m not talking about a light dusting, but a real good chop. Getting rid of those problematic ends could be a good solution to having your hair look and feel its best.

Tip: Change up the way the placement and technique is done to highlight your hair.  It may be time to take a break from going ‘lighter’ - opt for a blonde that is less maintenance (for example - lived in/balayage/etc). With a less maintenance blonde, you will be in the salon to highlight less frequently. Pair this with using good salon-quality hair products and masks.

Myth # 6 - Frequent Washing Is Bad For Your Hair

In this case, one size does NOT fit all.

At the end of the of the day, hair washing comes down to personal preference. Washing frequently or infrequently isn’t necessarily a bad thing as every head of hair has different needs.

I will say that frequent washing does strip away the natural oils from your hair/scalp, leaving it more prone to breakage. So,if you loooooove keeping your hair fresh and clean at all times, make sure you are applying a daily hair oil and are using products with a little more moisture on a regular basis.

Your preferred washing schedule is totally up to you, there is no right or wrong!

The Age of Misinformation

You’ll come across lots of weird advice on hair care out there, and I’ll leave you with this.

At the end of the day, if it seems super weird or outlandish.. it probably is.

I’m always open to answering any questions about how to care for your hair - (almost) no question will be too weird for me!

Until next time!

Kay xx