Hello, my dear hair enthusiasts! I’m Elena Grishina, a hairstylist, owner of a beloved salon, and trusted confidante to a roster of celebrity clients. In my years, I’ve heard every piece of hair advice under the sun – some golden, and some that are pure fantasy.

Today, let’s blend science with a friendly chat and debunk some of the most common hair myths. My goal is to empower you with knowledge, so you can give your hair the intelligent, loving care it truly deserves.

Myth 1: Frequent Trims Make Your Hair Grow Faster.

The Truth: I wish this were true! However, hair growth happens at the follicle level, deep within your scalp. The rate is genetically set at about 0.35 mm per day, with a slight potential boost in the summer. A trim can’t speed that up.
So, why does it feel like it does? Regular trims are crucial because they eliminate split ends. Think of a damaged hair cuticle like a frayed rope; its rough scales catch on neighboring hairs and your brush, causing breakage. By cutting off these damaged ends, you prevent breakage up the hair shaft, which helps you retain length and achieve a fuller, healthier-looking volume. It’s not about growing faster; it’s about keeping what you grow!

Myth 2: You Shouldn’t Wash Your Hair Every Day.

The Truth: This is one of the most debated topics! The old-school rule was to wash as infrequently as possible. But modern life and advanced haircare have changed the game.

With today’s gentle, sulfate-free shampoos, daily washing is perfectly fine for many – especially if you have an oily scalp or live an active lifestyle. The key is to listen to your scalp. Washing “as needed” is the golden rule. If it feels greasy, wash it! The real harm comes from using harsh products or from the buildup of sweat, oil, and pollution. If you’re on a treatment plan from a trichologist, that’s a different story – always follow their professional advice.

Myth 3: Blow-Drying is Always Damaging.

The Truth: It’s all about technique and protection. Yes, blasting sopping wet hair with the highest heat setting daily is a recipe for dryness, brittleness, and loss of shine.

But a smart blow-dry can be quite safe. Start with a towel-dry or air-dried base. Use a heat protectant spray – this is non-negotiable in my salon! These products create a protective shield around the hair. Begin with a warmer setting to remove the bulk of the moisture, and then switch to a cool setting to set your style and add shine. This method is efficient and minimizes heat exposure.

Myth 4: You Can’t Color Your Hair During Pregnancy.

The Truth: You can, but you must be strategic. The main concerns are unpredictable results due to hormonal shifts and increased skin sensitivity, which can lead to reactions.

My top recommendation is to opt for plant-based dyes like henna or a gentle, ammonia-free demi-permanent (toning) color, which has a very low peroxide volume. It’s always best to do a patch test and, most importantly, have a conversation with your obstetrician. When in doubt, consulting with your stylist for a safer alternative like balayage (which avoids direct contact with the scalp) is a brilliant move.

Myth 5: Any Shampoo Will Do in a Pinch.

The Truth: I always say, “You wouldn’t use a body cream on your face, so why use the wrong shampoo on your hair?” Your hair type and texture are unique. Using a shampoo formulated for your specific needs – be it moisture, volume, or color protection – ensures a proper cleanse without stripping or weighing hair down.

While an occasional use of a random shampoo won’t cause disaster, making a habit of it can lead to a lackluster mane that never quite looks its best. Invest in the right professional products for you; your hair will thank you.

Myth 6: Split Ends Can Be “Healed” with Products.

The Truth: This is a heartbreaker, but it’s a fact: once a hair strand is split, it cannot be fused back together permanently. Certain serums and creams containing heavy silicones can temporarily glue the ends together, smoothing the appearance. But the first wash or brush stroke will break that seal.

The only true cure for split ends is a trim. “Hot scissors” or thermal cutting is an excellent service we offer; it cauterizes the end of the hair, delaying future splitting and giving you more time between trims.

Myth 7: Sun, Salt, and Chlorine are No Big Deal.

The Truth: They are a triple threat! UV radiation breaks down your hair’s protein, keratin, leading to dryness, weakness, and color fading. Chlorine is especially aggressive, acting like a bleach.

Protection is key. Before swimming, wet your hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner or a protective spray to create a barrier. After, rinse thoroughly. And for daily sun defense, use leave-in products with UV filters—they are far more effective than rinse-off shampoos that claim to have SPF.

Myth 8: Plucking One Gray Hair Makes Two Grow Back.

The Truth: The old tale isn’t true – you won’t get two. But you should still put the tweezers down! Plucking can traumatize the hair follicle, potentially damaging it so that the new hair grows back distorted, coarse, or even curly, making it more noticeable. It’s better to snip it at the base or, better yet, embrace your silver or cover it with color.

Myth 9: Diet Has No Connection to Dandruff.

The Truth: Your scalp’s health is a direct reflection of your overall health. While dandruff has multiple causes, diet can play a significant role in inflammation and oil production. If you’re prone to flakiness, try reducing your intake of sugary foods, spicy dishes, fried items, and certain dairy products like hard, fatty cheeses. You might be surprised by the improvement.

Myth 10: A Brush is Always Better Than a Comb.

The Truth: Not always! A brush is fantastic for stimulating the scalp and distributing oils on short to medium hair. However, for long, tangled, or color-treated hair, a wide-tooth comb is your best friend. Start by gently detangling from the ends and work your way up to the roots. This prevents tearing and breakage. Only once the knots are out should you run a brush from root to tip for styling.

Remember, beautiful hair is a journey of consistent, intelligent care. Listen to your hair, treat it with kindness, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.

With love and good hair wishes, Elena Grishina