Haircare Myths You Might Still Believe

From grandma’s remedies to TikTok trends, haircare advice is everywhere. But not all of it holds up under scrutiny. In fact, some of the most common beliefs about how to treat, style, and grow your hair are... well, more fiction than fact.

Whether you’re trying to grow out a pixie, keep your curls hydrated, or finally figure out what shampoo is actually doing, separating myth from reality is the first step to better hair days.

Let’s debunk some of the most persistent haircare myths you might still be hanging onto—and what the truth actually looks like.

Myth 1: Trimming your hair makes it grow faster

Nope. Hair grows from the roots, not the ends—so trimming won’t speed up the process. However, regular trims do prevent split ends from working their way up the hair shaft, which can lead to breakage and make your hair lookshorter or thinner over time.

The truth: Trims help maintain healthy hair and retain length, but they don’t influence how fast your hair grows.

Myth 2: You have to shampoo every day

Daily shampooing might feel clean, but for many hair types, it’s too much. Over-washing can strip the scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, or even an increase in oil production as your scalp tries to compensate.

The truth: Most people can shampoo 2–3 times a week. Curly, textured, or dry hair types may go even longer. It’s all about balance and personal scalp health.

Myth 3: Switching shampoos makes your hair “get used to it”

The idea that your hair becomes immune to a shampoo’s benefits over time isn’t quite accurate. What often changes is your hair’s condition or your environment—like weather, water quality, or hormone shifts—making it seem like the product stopped working.

The truth: You don’t need to switch products just to “shock” your hair. But rotating shampoos based on your hair’s needs (clarifying, hydrating, etc.) can be helpful.

Myth 4: Plucking one gray hair causes more to grow

It’s a spooky thought, but don’t worry—plucking one gray hair won’t cause a gray stampede. That said, plucking can damage the follicle over time and lead to thinner hair or patchy growth in that area.

The truth: Going gray is genetic and inevitable. Embrace it, color it, or blend it—but don’t blame a single strand for bringing friends.

Myth 5: Brushing 100 strokes a day makes your hair healthier

This myth hails from an older era when shine was everything. While brushing can distribute natural oils, excessive brushing—especially with the wrong tools—can cause friction, breakage, and even hair loss.

The truth: Brush gently and only as needed to detangle or style. Quality over quantity here.

Myth 6: Cold water seals your hair cuticle and adds shine

It’s a popular finishing tip, but the idea that cold water “seals” your cuticle like a Ziploc bag is more myth than science. The hair cuticle doesn't open and close like a door—it can be smoothed, but not locked shut.

The truth: Rinsing with cooler water can help reduce frizz and add shine by making the cuticle lie flatter—but it’s not a magic trick. The real key is hydrating products and gentle handling.

Myth 7: Hair oils make your scalp greasy

Oils get a bad rap, especially among people with fine or oily hair. But the right oil—used sparingly—can nourish the scalp, protect the ends, and add shine without making things greasy.

The truth: Application matters. A few drops mid-shaft to ends (or as a pre-wash treatment on the scalp) can do wonders. It’s not about oil = oily. It’s about using the right kind, in the right way.

Myth 8: You can repair split ends

Sorry—no serum or mask can glue split ends back together. Some products can temporarily seal or smooth them, but once a strand splits, it needs a trim to truly resolve the damage.

The truth: Prevention is key—use heat protectants, avoid harsh brushing, and keep hair moisturized. But if ends are fried, a clean snip is the best fix.

Myth 9: Air-drying is always better than blow-drying

While avoiding heat sounds like the gentler route, prolonged wetness can actually swell and weaken the hair shaft, especially if hair stays damp for hours. And for those with thick or porous hair, air-drying can lead to frizz and tangling.

The truth: Both methods can be damaging if done wrong. Use a microfiber towel to blot moisture and, if blow-drying, keep it on low heat with a protectant spray. Balance is everything.

Myth 10: Hair type can't change over time

It absolutely can. Hormonal changes, aging, medications, and even stress can all affect your hair’s texture, thickness, and growth patterns.

The truth: If your hair suddenly behaves differently, don’t panic—it’s normal. Update your routine as needed and consult a professional if you're unsure what's behind the shift.

Final Thought: Haircare Doesn’t Have to Be a Myth Minefield

At the end of the day, healthy hair comes down to understanding your own strands, not blindly following advice from decades ago (or that one viral video). Ditch the myths, listen to your scalp, and give your hair what it actually needs—not what the old wives’ tales say it wants.

Because real results come from real care—not folklore in a bottle.