5 Hair Myths Debunked

Between the Internet, your friends, and that one hairstylist you used to see 10 years ago there’s a lot of information (and opinions) about hair care. I am here to set the record straight on some of the most popular hair myths.

Myth 1: Go to your color appointments with dirty hair.

False. A common misconception is that you are supposed to go to your hair color appointments with dirty hair. Dirty hair traps dirt, oil, and mineralization which could potentially cause inconsistencies in the way your hair takes to the color or lightener. I recommend washing your hair one to two days before your appointment. Light natural oils in your hair will help prevent the scalp from feeling itchy or tingly when color touches it whether you are getting a root touch-up or toner. Also, if you are getting balayage this provides a little “give” to the hair, as opposed to washing the day of and having it super slippery. Listen, you know when you are really pushing it and your stylist will decipher whether a wash is truly needed but at the end of the day coming to your color appointment with cleaner hair gives the color the greatest opportunity for success.

Myth 2: It’s ok to go to bed with wet hair. 

Going to bed with wet hair is a big no, no! I think we’ve all heard the old wives' tale that if you go to bed with wet hair you’ll wake up with a cold. While there is no evidence of this, there are concerns about the health of your scalp and strands. Pillowcases can ruin the fiber of our hair as we toss and turn at night and our hair is most susceptible to damage when it’s wet. However, remember the article I wrote on silk pillowcases? If you invest in one, I’ll let this rule of thumb slide. In addition to hair breakage, the wetness of your hair combined with a damp pillowcase could create the perfect place for yeast or bacteria to grow. I recommend only going to bed with slightly damp hair and frequently swapping out your pillowcases. 

Myth 3: Purple shampoo can lighten your hair.

False. Purple shampoo creates ashier tones, but only on pre-lightened hair at a level 9 or 10 (think like the color inside of a banana). Overuse of purple shampoo can actually make your hair appear darker, so stop using it or scale it back if you feel this is happening to you. Additionally, if you have brassy tones in your hair, you should be using a blue shampoo to neutralize those tones, using a purple shampoo when your hair is not light enough will not do anything for you. 

Myth 4: If I pluck out gray hair, more will grow back.

This is false. I suggest leaving that hair alone and letting it grow to its full length to lay flat on your head. Plucking the hair will only result in that hair growing back, but now it’s shooting straight up from your head like a little dandelion on the first day of spring. If you are an excessive plucker, I want you to think about when we all over-plucked our eyebrows in the 90s…enough said. 

Myth 5: Hairstylists hate when you bring in photos.

Actually, it’s the complete opposite! We love when people bring in photos and we usually will ask for them! With lots of hair buzz words that get tossed around a photo can truly show us where your mind is at in terms of what you are trying to achieve with your hair. 

Have another one that needs busting? Let me know! I’d love to talk about it and possibly do a part 2 of this article.