Hair Experts Debunk 15 Hair Myths | Debunked

Insider Science
9 Jan 202214:56
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThis video script debunks common hair care myths with expert insights from a trichologist and a dermatologist. It clarifies that hair growth rate is constant and not affected by cutting, dandruff is oil-related, and daily shampooing isn't harmful. The discussion also covers the realities of hair loss, the effects of stress on hair color, and the importance of proper hair and scalp care, emphasizing that many beliefs are misconceptions.

Takeaways
  • ✂️ Hair grows at about half an inch per month, and cutting it does not speed up growth.
  • 🧴 Dandruff is not caused by a dry scalp but by an oily scalp, often due to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast.
  • 🧼 Washing your hair daily is not inherently bad; it depends on your hair type and activity level.
  • 🪒 Shaving does not make hair grow back thicker or darker; it just makes the ends blunt.
  • 💇‍♀️ Both air-drying and blow-drying can be damaging depending on the method used; proper technique is key.
  • 🚿 Shampooing does not cause hair loss; it helps to dislodge hairs that are ready to fall out.
  • 🔍 Plucking a gray hair does not cause more to grow in its place; this is a common myth.
  • ✂️ Split ends cannot be repaired; they need to be cut off.
  • 🧬 Baldness can be inherited from either parent and involves various genetic and hormonal factors.
  • 🌿 Oils do not make hair grow faster; however, a diet rich in oils can support scalp health.
Q & A
  • Does cutting your hair make it grow faster?

    -No, cutting your hair does not make it grow faster. Hair grows around half an inch per month regardless of trimming.

  • What causes dandruff, and is it related to having a dry scalp?

    -Dandruff is not caused by a dry scalp; it is typically caused by an overgrowth of the Malassezia yeast, which thrives on oily scalps.

  • Does shampooing your hair every day cause hair loss?

    -No, shampooing does not cause hair loss. It helps dislodge hairs that were already ready to fall out.

  • Does shaving cause hair to grow back thicker and darker?

    -No, shaving does not make hair grow back thicker or darker. It only makes the hair ends blunt, which can give the appearance of being thicker.

  • Is air-drying your hair always better than blow-drying?

    -Not necessarily. Both methods can be damaging if done improperly. It's important to use the correct technique for each method.

  • Can you repair split ends without cutting them?

    -No, once a split end occurs, the only way to repair it is to cut it off.

  • Is baldness only inherited from your mother?

    -No, baldness can be inherited from either your mother's or father's side of the family.

  • Does brushing your hair more often make it healthier?

    -Overbrushing can cause microtears along the hair shaft and potentially damage your hair. Gentle detangling is recommended.

  • Do oils make hair grow faster and longer?

    -No, oils do not make hair grow faster or longer. Eating a diet with enough oils is important for scalp health, but applying oils to the scalp does not stimulate hair growth.

  • Are wigs, weaves, and braids always protective for your hair?

    -Not always. They can cause damage if they are too tight, too heavy, or if the scalp is neglected while wearing them.

  • Does stress cause gray hair?

    -Stress can speed up the graying process, but when you go gray is largely determined by genetics.

  • Can waxing cause ingrown hairs?

    -Yes, any hair removal method that breaks the hair instead of pulling it out from the root can cause ingrown hairs.

Outlines
00:00
💇 Debunking Hair Care Myths

This paragraph delves into common hair care misconceptions with the help of Anabel Kingsley, a trichologist, and Dr. Howard, a dermatologist. They clarify that hair growth rate is constant and not affected by cutting, and that dandruff is caused by an oily scalp due to the Malassezia yeast, not dryness. The paragraph also addresses the myth of hair loss from shampooing, explaining that it only removes loose hairs, and the misconception that washing daily is harmful. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of scalp health for hair growth and the need for proper cleansing and hydration. Additionally, it dispels the myth that shaving makes hair grow back thicker and darker, highlighting the natural tapering of hair and the appearance of thickness post-shave.

05:03
🚿 Hair Washing and Care Techniques

This section discusses the appropriate methods for hair care, including washing and drying. It refutes the myth that air-drying is always better than blow-drying, stating that the method's impact depends on how it's done. For instance, air-drying with constant tugging can be damaging, while blow-drying with a heat-protectant and proper technique can be less harmful. The paragraph also addresses the myth of shampooing causing hair loss, explaining that it merely dislodges hairs already in the shedding phase. It advises focusing on scalp health during shampooing and mentions the causes and treatments for ingrown hairs, as well as the role of stress and genetics in hair graying.

10:06
👵 Hair Loss, Graying, and Care Tips

This paragraph explores various hair-related myths and facts. It starts by dispelling the myth that plucking a gray hair results in two more, emphasizing that hair graying is genetic but can be accelerated by stress. It also addresses the impossibility of repairing split ends, explaining that they are a result of daily wear and tear and can only be resolved by trimming. The paragraph discusses the genetic aspects of baldness, including the roles of both parents and hormonal influences. It also warns against over-brushing, which can cause microtears in the hair, and instead recommends using brushes with rounded plastic prongs and a vented cushion base. Lastly, it touches on the myth of oils promoting hair growth, clarifying that while dietary oils are important, topical application does not accelerate growth.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Hair growth
Hair growth is the process by which hair increases in length. In the video, it is clarified that hair grows about half an inch per month and that cutting hair does not speed up this process. The discussion debunks the myth that trimming hair regularly causes it to grow faster.
💡Dandruff
Dandruff refers to the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp, often resulting in white flakes. The video clarifies that dandruff is caused by an oily scalp and the overgrowth of the Malassezia yeast, not by a dry scalp. This debunks the common misconception that dandruff is due to dryness.
💡Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes scaly patches and red skin, primarily on the scalp. It is identified in the video as the medical term for dandruff, caused by the overgrowth of the Malassezia yeast, which thrives in oily environments.
💡Shampooing
Shampooing is the act of washing hair with a cleansing agent. The video debunks the myth that shampooing causes extra hair loss, explaining that it merely dislodges hairs that were ready to fall out. Regular shampooing is encouraged to maintain a healthy scalp.
💡Split ends
Split ends occur when the hair shaft splits or frays due to damage. The video asserts that split ends cannot be repaired and must be cut off. This emphasizes the importance of proper hair care to prevent split ends from occurring.
💡Androgenic alopecia
Androgenic alopecia, also known as pattern hair loss, is a common form of hair loss influenced by genetics and hormones. The video explains that it can be inherited from either parent's side and is affected by hormonal changes, debunking the myth that baldness is only passed down through the mother.
💡Heat-protectant spray
Heat-protectant spray is a product used to protect hair from heat damage during styling. The video suggests using it during blow-drying to prevent damage, emphasizing the importance of proper hair care techniques when using heat styling tools.
💡Protective styling
Protective styling involves hairstyles that shield the hair from damage and reduce the need for regular manipulation. The video discusses how styles like wigs, weaves, and braids can protect hair but also warns against their potential to cause damage if not done responsibly.
💡Melanin
Melanin is the pigment that determines hair color. The video explains that gray hair occurs when hair bulbs stop producing melanin. Stress can accelerate this process, although genetics play the primary role in determining when a person goes gray.
💡Scalp health
Scalp health refers to the overall condition of the scalp, which is crucial for healthy hair growth. The video highlights the importance of keeping the scalp clean and hydrated, comparing scalp care to skin care, and emphasizing regular shampooing and proper hydration.
Highlights

Hair grows at a consistent rate of half an inch per month, and cutting it does not speed up the process.

On average, there are 120,000 hair follicles on the human scalp, each going through different phases of the hair-growth cycle.

Dandruff is not caused by dry scalp but is actually due to an overgrowth of yeast that thrives in oily conditions.

Seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff, is associated with the Malassezia yeast which is lipophilic and feeds on sebum.

Daily shampooing is not harmful; it's essential for proper scalp cleansing and hydration, especially for different hair types.

Shaving hair does not cause it to grow back thicker or darker; it only appears that way due to the blunt ends created by shaving.

Air-drying and blow-drying can both be damaging depending on the method used; gentle handling and proper technique are key.

Shampooing does not cause extra hair loss; it merely dislodges hairs that were already loose and ready to fall out.

Ingrown hairs can occur with any hair-removal method that breaks the hair instead of pulling it out from the root.

Stress can accelerate the process of hair graying, which is largely determined by genetics and the production of melanin pigment cells.

Plucking a gray hair does not cause two more to grow in its place; it's a myth without scientific evidence.

Split ends cannot be repaired; they are a result of daily wear and tear and require trimming to be removed.

Baldness or hair loss can be inherited from either the mother's or father's side and is influenced by hormone levels.

Overbrushing can cause microtears in the hair shaft and is especially damaging to textured or coily hair.

Oils do not make hair grow faster or longer, and applying pure oil to the scalp is not recommended.

Wigs, weaves, and braids do not always protect hair; they can cause breakage if too tight or worn for extended periods without proper care.

The term 'tender headed' may indicate scalp sensitivity or inflammation and should not be dismissed without proper attention.

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