15 Myths About Hair You Should Stop Believing

Are you done listening to your Granny rave about her long, shiny locks from the good old days? While there’s no denying that ancestral wisdom often carries value, not all of it holds up under modern scrutiny. Many beauty tips passed down through generations are based on personal experiences rather than facts. So, if you’re growing weary of those age-old hair care stories, it’s time to separate fact from fiction.

Some hair myths have been blindly accepted for so long that we forget to question them. In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most popular hair care misconceptions you’ve probably believed to be true. Let’s unravel these myths so you can make better choices for your hair—and help others do the same!

# Regular Trims Boost Hair Growth

This is a classic myth. Hair grows from the roots—not the ends—so trimming has no effect on how fast your hair grows. While regular trims help prevent split ends and keep your hair looking healthy, they don’t actually speed up growth.

# Daily Shampooing Weakens the Product’s Effectiveness

Your shampoo doesn't lose its magic with daily use. If your shampoo suits your hair type, feel free to use it as needed. The effectiveness isn’t diminished with frequency.

# Over-Shampooing is Beneficial

Not true. Washing your hair once and rinsing thoroughly is sufficient. Shampooing multiple times in one go can strip your hair of natural oils and lead to dryness.

# Sunlight Naturally Lightens Hair Safely

While it’s true that sun exposure can lighten your hair, it does so at a cost. UV rays can damage hair follicles, dry out your scalp, and leave your hair brittle and lifeless.

# 100 Brush Strokes a Night Promote Hair Growth

Brushing your hair gently can stimulate the scalp and improve blood circulation. However, the "100 strokes a night" rule is outdated and harmful. Excessive brushing can cause breakage and stress your strands.

# Animal Protein Is a Must for Healthy Hair

Hair health isn't limited to meat eaters. Vegetarians and vegans can have healthy hair too by consuming plant-based proteins like leafy greens, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and spirulina.

# Stress Causes Gray Hair

While stress can impact overall health, premature graying is mostly influenced by genetics. Blaming stress alone is just another myth.

# Food Makes the Best Hair Conditioner

Rubbing your hair with mayonnaise, beer, or olive oil may sound appealing, but it can leave your hair greasy and attract dirt. Use products specifically formulated for hair care instead.

# Plucking a Gray Hair Leads to More Gray Hairs

Nope, pulling out one gray hair won’t cause several more to appear. However, plucking can damage the follicle and lead to weaker regrowth or irritation.

# Always Comb From Tip to Root

While starting at the tips helps to gently detangle knots, aggressively combing all the way to the root can cause breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb and be gentle.

# Hair Products Can Thicken Hair

No product can instantly make your hair thicker. True hair health comes from within. Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamin D, zinc, iron, protein, and healthy fats to support natural growth.

# Dry Scalp Equals Dandruff

Not necessarily. Dandruff is often caused by a yeast-like fungus that thrives in oily scalps, not dry ones. So don’t confuse flakiness from dryness with actual dandruff.

# Oils Are Bad for Oily Hair

This is misleading. Natural oils like coconut or argan oil can actually balance scalp oil production and improve hair texture. When used correctly, they benefit all hair types—including oily ones.

# Wearing Hats Causes Hair Loss

Hair loss has more to do with genetics and hormonal factors than with your choice of headgear. Wearing a hat won't make your hair fall out unless it’s too tight and causing friction.

# Towel Drying is Essential Post-Wash

Rubbing your hair with a towel can roughen the cuticle and lead to breakage. Instead, gently pat it dry or let it air-dry whenever possible to avoid damage.