How Many of These Hair Myths Do You Believe?

Posted on September 4, 2018 | by Boston Plastic Surgery

“Eating oysters will help your hair grow faster!” “Redheads have no soul!” We don’t have to tell you that there’s plenty of questionable info on the internet, including myths about hair and proper hair care. As much as we’d like to believe that there is a perfect shampoo or a type of hairstyle that will keep it looking fabulous and healthy forever—well, it’s complicated.

PureWow helps separate some of the most common hair facts from fiction and offers proven ways to take care of your locks. We’ve included our three favorites from their list below, plus one of our own we hear a lot from our Boston hair loss treatment patients. Which of these do you think are bogus, and which are for real?

Myth or Fact: Blow drying is worse than air drying

Surprisingly, this is a trick question. While using the blow dryer until your hair is bone-dry can cause damage to your strands—especially on the highest heat setting—waiting to let it dry naturally can also take its toll. According to one study, blow-drying damages the surface, while air-drying leaves strands saturated too long, which can stress the proteins in your hair that keep it strong and intact.

The takeaway: Most stylists suggest letting your hair air our until it’s ¾ dry and finish it off with a blow dryer on low heat.

Myth or Fact: Your hair grows faster if you trim it more often

Many people have fallen for this one, but it’s actually false! Hair growth is all about the health of the scalp—not the ends—so if you want longer hair, it’s important to focus on your follicles. In addition to treating your hair well (don’t get too aggressive with the brush, and rinse or apply protective conditioner before swimming in chlorine, etc.), considering taking hair growth supplements, which provide your scalp with a boost in proteins, vitamins, and minerals that really can help hair grow.

All that said, receiving a regular trim every two to three months does help your hair look and feel healthier overall by removing weakened, split ends.

The takeaway: Your scalp is the “root” of all hair growth, so be sure to nourish and protect it if you’re hoping for better hair growth. A trim simply helps with appearance.

Myth or Fact: Wearing a ponytail will make you lose hair

This one is partly true, depending on how tight you wear your ponytail. If you regularly pull your hair into a tight band or wear tightly woven braids or top knots, you could be putting a lot of strain on your follicles, especially around the hairline, where hair tends to be finer and more fragile. In fact, wearing overly tight hairstyles day after day, for years, can lead to permanent hair loss.

The takeaway: If you’re going to wear your hair up often, try putting it up with something looser and avoid pulling it tightly.

Myth or Fact: There isn’t a hair loss treatment that really works

Hair loss affects tens of millions of Americans, including millions of women. Unfortunately, many patients have gone years assuming they cannot get their natural hair back, or that they would have to undergo major hair transplant surgery to do so—this is a myth!

The truth is, times have changed, and there is a minimally invasive hair transplant option that doesn’t require a long scar or incisions. NeoGraft® is an in-office procedure that harvests healthy hair follicles in very small units and transplants them to thinning regions of the scalp in a natural pattern. NeoGraft is excellent for treating male or female hair loss, requires only local anesthesia, and patients can typically return to normal activity in about a week.

The takeaway: If you’re concerned about hair loss, you have options to slow hair thinning or even restore a natural head of hair. Talk to an experienced hair restoration provider; it’s the best way to learn what options are right for you.

At Boston Plastic Surgery, our patients have been thrilled with their decision to undergo the NeoGraft procedure. Contact us today to learn more about your options.