Myths about hair care

Shahnaz Husain *

We keep hearing so many beauty care solutions and claims that soon we start wondering which ones are true and which are not. A time comes when you have to separate the facts from the myths, so that we can care for our skin or hair properly. Yes, even regarding hair care there are many myths. So, let’s explode some myths and deal with the facts.

1---Myth: We should brush our hair 100 times a day.

There is one famous myth that has existed for many generations……that we should brush our hair 100 times a day to make it healthy and lustrous. Actually, excessive brushing does the hair no good and can even damage the hair. Brushes with wire bristles can break the hair. Also, if the hair is oily, too much brushing can make it even more so, because brushing activates the oil glands further. On the other hand, if the hair is dry, it can lead to too much static and “fly away” hair. Actually, it is best to use a wide toothed comb, especially if there is hair loss. If you use a brush, use one with natural bristles.

2---Myth: Frequent washing of the hair is harmful.

This is, perhaps, one of the most common myths. We wash our faces several times a day, but neglect to wash the hair. Yes, as Hair Expert, Philip Kingsley has said, our face and hair go to the same places. But, we wash our faces several times a day, but neglect to wash the hair. The hair attracts dirt and pollutants too and these, along with stale oil and sweat tend to cling to the hair much more. Washing does not harm the hair, if you use a mild shampoo. Apply less shampoo and rinse well with water. Wash the hair more frequently in hot and humid weather and also if the hair and scalp are oily.

3---Myth: Hair loss can be controlled with vigorous head massage

This is another common myth……that vigorous head massage with oil can check hair loss. Actually, if there is hair loss, the roots are already weak and vigorous head massage can cause more hair to fall out. The hair should be treated gently. Avoid rubbing and vigorous massage. Using only the finger tips actually move the scalp in small rotary movements to stimulate the hair follicles.

4---Myth: Henna colours black hair into red.

This is also a myth. It is true that henna imparts a reddish colour. However, it colours white hair a reddish brown. It does not colour black hair. On the other hand, it can add shine and attractive highlights to black hair.

5--Myth: Use “Black Henna” to make the hair black, instead of red

There is no such thing as “black henna.” The natural colour that henna imparts is reddish brown. What is known as black henna may contain chemical dye. So, one should be careful. Coffee and catechu added to the henna paste can provide a darker colour, but not black. We have formulated Colourveda, a 100% natural hair colour, which contains amla, henna, catechu and indigo. It is available in three colours brown, blackish brown and burgundy.

6---Myth: People who colour their hair with chemical colourants should apply henna regularly for its benefits.

This is not so. Those who colour their hair with chemical colours should not apply henna. Actually, henna coats the hair and therefore, it can coat coloured hair and disrupt the colour. One should wait for the chemical colour to wear off and then apply henna, if one wishes to.

7---Myth: Frequent shampooing and conditioner makes hair brittle and leads to hair loss.

Frequent shampooing does not make the hair brittle. It is the product one uses and the amount of shampoo used that can make the hair dry and brittle. Conditioning does not make the hair brittle. It protects the hair by forming a protective film over the hair.

8---Myth: Dandruff does not affect the skin

Actually, dandruff not only affects the hair by clogging the pores of the scalp, but can also affect the skin and lead to acne. In fact, severe dandruff can cause acne on the back, shoulders and upper arms. If there is severe dandruff, combs, brushes, pillow covers and towels should be washed daily, in hot soapy water, adding a few drops of an antiseptic solution.

9---Myth: Oiling the hair does not help the hair in any way.

This is not true. Oil does help the hair by softening and improving hair texture. It relieves dryness. Different oils also have specific benefits. For dandruff, apply warmed olive oil or til oil. For severely damaged and dry hair, heat two teaspoons each of castor oil and pure coconut oil. Heat and apply on the hair.

10---Myth: Dry and dull hair can be cured only by deep root conditioning.

Root Conditioning delivers greater amounts of caffeine and other active ingredients directly to the hair roots. The entire hair should be conditioned if it is dry and dull. Other therapies like hot oil therapy would also help. You can try deep conditioning. Mix one egg to one tablespoon mayonnaise and one teaspoon olive oil. Apply the paste on the hair. Then do the hot towel wrap. Leave on for half an hour and then wash the hair.