Detangling some common hair myths
27/07/2007
For some reason, myths about our hair seem to get handed down, unchallenged, from generation to generation. But are they true? Anita Cox, hairstylist and salon owner, untangles some of the most popular ones - with a little licence from the Mature Times editorial team.
1. Beer is good for your hair
Beer running through your hair will only have an effect if you use traditional ale hops and yeast. The best type of beer will not have been through too may processes, as key minerals will still be preserved. And it is these minerals that can, on the right hair encourage high shine. So for best results find a real ale pub or contact the Campaign for Real Ale!
2. Vinegar makes your hair shiny
Vinegar as a diluted rinse will close the follicle very tightly; and as these are the hair protectors, the goodness will be kept in whilst giving a great light reflective surface. However it is not the most widely used substance as the fragrance is perhaps not too alluring - unless, of course, you are prone to wasp and bee stings, in which case, having a head full of vinegar will certainly help the pain!
3. Split ends can be repaired without cutting
Generally speaking, you would initially need to have your split ends cut, as once they have started to split they can work there way up the hair shaft and cause further problems, however once dealt with there are products available that can seal the ends of the hair and therefore give them added protection. Or you could go for the unkempt, split-end look.
4. Adding lemon juice to your hair will lighten it
It has been claimed that if you add lemon juice to your hair it may have a lightening effect in the sun. There is no definite guarantee how much the hair will lift if at all - especially if you are replying on the weather in this country. But if when squirting it on your head and it runs into your eyes, you can guarantee temporary pain.
5. Cutting your hair makes it grow faster
Having a regular haircut doesn't make your hair grow faster. This is generally affected by diet etc. On average hair grows between 1/4 to 1/2 inch every 4 weeks.
6. Rinsing with cold water makes it shinier than with warm water
Cold water rinse gives a feeling of freshness to the scalp and also a clean feeling. It’s more than likely that it’s this that we enjoy as it does not aid shiny hair. And if it's deep winter, the frozen cold water affect will send the blood hurtling to your scalp - and if you can stand that, you deserve shiny hair.
7. Swimming pool chemicals can turn your hair green
It has been known that swimming in pools with heavy chlorinated water can turn blonde hair (the colour which is most affected), to various shades of khaki. This happens when the hair's condition is perhaps not at its best.
8. Raw egg can improve your hair’s condition
Raw egg is high in protein, so it certainly would not do any harm to your hair but how much improvement would entirely depend on the condition of the hair initially. No research, unfortunaely, has been carried out to determine whether free range eggs are more effective than the battery variety!
9. Colouring your hair during pregnancy is harmful
There are no known adverse effects from colouring whilst pregnant, however it is strongly advised to have a skin test prior to your colour. It is also important to remember that even if you have been tested once during your pregnancy, you need to be tested again if it has been over three months since your last colour.
10. Hair needs protection from the sun, just like our skin
This is true however we wouldn’t recommend applying your usual sun screen to your hair! As the sun has a natural lightening effect, coloured hair will fade more quickly in the sun. And then when the long winters come back you've got hours of fun fiddling with dark roots.
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