You shouldn’t wash your hair every day, plus other beauty myths

Myth one: You shouldn’t wash your hair every day.

Busted. According to Chelcey Salinger at the Australian Trichology Centre, “Daily hair washing is optimal. It removes excess sebum and any dirt, pollutants and sweat. If your scalp is ‘normal’, without any diagnosed conditions, then a gentle shampoo is perfect. The shampoo should have a pH of around 5.5, the natural pH of the scalp, so it helps to maintain the scalp microbiome.

“There is no need to double shampoo if you are frequently washing your hair,” she adds. “Having said that, if you are using a lot of styling products, double shampooing may be helpful.”

Think of shampoo as treating the scalp and use conditioner for the mid-lengths and ends. Try Philip Kingsley Body Building Weightless Shampoo, $44.

Can a cold rinse make your hair appear shinier?Credit: Getty Images

Myth two: You should give your hair a break from hot styling and air-dry it.

Again, Salinger disagrees. “There is no need as long as you aren’t using excessively hot styling tools and always use a protectant when heat styling.” Try the new Dyson Supersonic Nural, $794, which holds heat at 55 degrees Celsius.

If you want to give your hair a total heat break, air-dry your hair with Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Air Dry Styler, $60.

Myth three: Cutting hair makes it grow faster.

False, of course. Hair grows from the scalp and not the ends. Regular trimming (every two to three months) snips off split ends, which will make your hair look healthier. A split end forms when the protective cuticle layer of your hair is damaged and, once formed, cannot be repaired. For a purely cosmetic fix, try Oribe Split End Seal, $75.

Myth four: Plucking one grey hair will encourage thicker regrowth.

No, greying hair is genetic. However, frequent plucking can damage the hair follicle and cause thinning, so resist the urge to pluck.

Myth five: Rinsing hair with cold water makes hair shinier.

A cold rinse closes the hair cuticle and does make hair appear shinier, but for inner health eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and legumes. Also, as a final step in your blow-drying routine, hit the cool air button to help flatten the cuticle and promote shine.

Myth six: Hair gets “used to” shampoo and conditioner.

Hair does not get immune to hair products but can be affected by any seasonal changes and hormonal fluctuations that affect hair and scalp health. While we’re on the subject, dandruff is not caused by a dry scalp but by excessive oil production and a yeast-like fungus and requires targeted products. Try Straand The Crown Cleanse, $28.

Ask Steph

What is the best way to get rid of hair on my upper lip?
The best long-term method is laser therapy – you’ll need three to eight sessions for an 80 per cent reduction. Dark hair on light skin gets the best results; red, blonde and grey hairs respond less well. Try Laser Clinics Australia ($20.40 per treatment). Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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