From TV commercials asking us to buy a shampoo that will exponentially increase our hair growth within a week, to an Instagram influencer telling us to trim our hair for faster growth. We are surrounded by various pieces of advice on attaining voluminous hair. And in an attempt to get hair that looks and feels healthy, we all have fallen for these old wives’ tales. When in reality, there are scientifically supported methods to increase hair growth. By getting a proper diagnosis from a specialist, you can achieve the desired result. Let’s debunk 5 common hair growth myths that you should stop believing in before you waste any more time and money.
Discover 5 Common Hair Growth Myths You Should Stop Believing
1. Trimming
One of the most common myths is that trimming your hair makes it grow faster. In reality, hair grows from the scalp, and trimming only affects the ends, not the growth rate itself. Regular trimming helps prevent breakage and frizz, keeps the hair’s structure and shape intact, and produces a smoother finish. In reality, hair growth is biologically controlled by genetics, hydration, and a person’s overall health. As hair growth happens in cycles, each follicle has its own cycle of Growth, transition, maturation, and shedding, which is affected by age and nutrition.
Fun Fact: Losing 50 to 100 hair strands a day during the shedding phase is normal, and this phase can last up to several months.
2. Oiling
Applying oil cannot stimulate follicles to grow hair faster, as growth occurs beneath the scalp and is generally governed by genetics, hormones, and diet. The only thing that oiling does is soften the hair shaft and make the hair appear thicker and shinier. Oil massages can help increase blood circulation and reduce stress and tension. Even leaving oil overnight cannot stimulate hair growth, as doing so for too long can clog pores and cause an itchy scalp. And these days, brands that claim that their hair oil can instantly grow your hair in a week are a marketing scam. And you should consult a specialist for hair growth treatments.
3. Shaving
Another common myth is that shaving your head frequently increases your hair growth or makes your hair grow back thicker. Shaving only cuts the hair shaft at the skin’s surface and does not enter the hair follicle, which is responsible for controlling hair growth rate and thickness. Hair tends to appear thick for some time after shaving; the soft ends are cut off, leaving the hair pointy and flat, which gives off that look. The only benefit of shaving your head is that it becomes easier to maintain. Real scientific solutions should be chosen rather than believing these myths.
4. Expensive Shampoos
Expensive shampoos use clever marketing techniques to sell their products. Since shampoos only stay on your scalp for a couple of minutes, they do not affect hair follicles and therefore cannot accelerate hair growth. These shampoos are only useful to create a lathering effect, and some hair types may benefit from it. And they also help to reduce frizz and give shine. Shampoos help create a healthy environment for hair growth by washing away excess oil, sweat, and dirt, but excessive use can strip away your natural oils. So, shampoo only when needed, based on your hair type.
5. Supplements
Taking supplements after your friends tell you that it worked for them is the biggest mistake that a person could make. Supplements only help you if your diet lacks a compound or you have a condition that causes your body not to absorb it, which makes you deficient. Most hair vitamins are marketed with exaggerated claims like popping Vitamin B7 every day turns you into Rapunzel by next month. But the truth is that only individuals with a deficiency experience a boost in growth rate. If anything, taking supplements your body doesn’t need can actually trigger hair loss. While miracle pills do not exist, correcting your deficiency can help in hair growth.
Read More: Hair Damage Repair Guide: Science-Backed Tips for Dry and Frizzy Hair
Bottom Line
Everyone thinks that by oiling, using expensive shampoos, and taking supplements, you can accelerate hair growth within a few days, which isn’t necessarily true. These common myths are used by companies to sell their product. Trimming your hair helps with maintenance and reduces frizz and breakage, but excessive trimming does not accelerate hair growth. The hair growth cycle, age, genetics, balanced diet, and healthy lifestyle are the key factors that govern hair growth in every person. If you do not have a deficiency and take supplements regularly, you tend to experience hair loss instead of hair growth. Only by consulting a specialist and improving your lifestyle and diet can you see real results for your hair.