When it comes to hair care, misinformation is sometimes abundant. From old wives' tales passed down through generations to trendy tips on social media, distinguishing fact from fiction can be challenging.
But if you want hair that is truly healthy and happy, you need to bust all those myths and understand the facts.
At indē wild, we have spent ample time and resources to figure out how hair needs to be taken care of. We have combined modern science with ancient Ayurvedic practices to create a range of products that will give your hair the love, protection, and nourishment it really needs.
Now let’s take a look at some of the most common myths related to hair care!
Myth vs. reality in hair care practices – the top 10 (according to us!)
We've grown up hearing countless hair care tips—whether from our mothers and grandmothers or age-old myths passed down through generations. But how often have we stopped to question them?
Here are the 10 most common myths and the truth behind them:
Myth 1: Regular trims make hair grow faster
The Truth: Hair growth originates from the scalp, not the ends. Trimming your hair regularly doesn’t make it grow faster, but it does help maintain healthy ends and prevent split ends from traveling up the shaft, which could lead to breakage. So, while trims are essential for healthy-looking hair, they don’t influence hair growth rate.
What Works: Maintain scalp health with nourishing oils or scalp serums that promote growth and vitality.
Myth 2: Daily shampooing is necessary for clean hair
The Truth: Over-shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Your scalp produces natural sebum, which nourishes and protects your hair. Washing too often can disrupt this balance, leading to an overproduction of oil as a compensatory response.
What Works: Wash your hair 2-3 times a week or as needed, based on your hair type and lifestyle. Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos infused with botanical ingredients to cleanse without harsh effects.
Myth 3: Oiling your hair overnight is the only way to get complete nourishment
The Truth: Well, this is one of those hair care truths that is part fact and part myth. While oiling your hair is definitely a good way to nourish and hydrate your hair, leaving it on overnight isn’t a necessity. If you are using our Champi Hair Oil, you can leave it in for 30-45 minutes and gain immense benefits. While the oil has a role in nourishing your hair, it is the act of massaging your scalp that stimulates blood flow to the scalp.
What Works: For best results, warm the Champi Hair Oil and massage it into your scalp and hair, leaving it on for 1-2 hours before shampooing. The handpicked ingredients in our oil will offer hydration, nourishment, and shine to your hair.
Myth 4: Your hair will get used to your shampoo over time
The Truth: Your body can build a resistance to certain medicines, but your hair doesn’t build a resistance to shampoo. However, your hair’s needs could change due to seasonal shifts, hormonal changes, or product buildup and at that time, you may notice a difference in how your shampoo performs.
What Works: If your shampoo feels less effective, try clarifying treatments to remove buildup or switch to formulas suited to your current hair needs.
Myth 5: A cold-water rinse makes hair shinier
The Truth: While cold water can help close the hair cuticle, making it lie flatter and reflect more light, the effect is not that massive. The shine primarily comes from healthy, well-moisturized hair.
What Works: Focus on hydration through conditioners and leave-in treatments with natural emollients. You can also add our Moonlight Scalp Serum to your hair care routine to boost natural shine and incredible volume!
Myth 6: Plucking grey hair causes more greys to grow
The Truth: Plucking grey hair will not cause more grey hairs to appear, because each hair follicle functions independently. So, removing one grey hair doesn’t affect its neighbors. However, plucking hair can damage the follicle, potentially leading to thinning or scarring.
What Works: Embrace your natural grey strands or explore natural hair dyes free from harsh chemicals, if you prefer to cover them.
Myth 7: Natural products are always better
The Truth: Not all natural products are created equal, and some natural ingredients may not suit every hair type. Conversely, some synthetic ingredients are carefully formulated to provide specific benefits without harm.
What Works: Choose products with a balance of natural and effective ingredients backed by science. Take our products for instance; we have combined chemical actives with natural ingredients to create potent products.
Myth 8: Dandruff means your scalp is dry
The Truth: Dandruff is often caused by an overgrowth of yeast or other factors, not necessarily dryness. In fact, an oily scalp can also contribute to dandruff.
What Works: Treat dandruff with products containing anti-fungal ingredients like tea tree oil or witch hazel. Regular exfoliation and maintaining a clean scalp can also help.
Myth 9: Diet has no impact on hair health
The Truth: Hair health is deeply connected to nutrition and a lack of essential vitamins and minerals can lead to dull, weak hair or even hair loss.
What Works: Incorporate a balanced diet rich in vitamins like biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Holistic wellness combines internal health with external products leading to whole beauty.
Myth 10: Hair products alone can fix damage
The Truth: Hair products, especially the products we offer, can help with improving hair health, but you need to remember that there are several factors at play, including your diet and how you treat your hair.
What Works: Prevent damage by minimizing heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental stressors. Invest in products that protect your hair and give it gentle care.
Understanding what really works for hair care is step one to better hair and at indē wild we simplify the process of hair care for you! Now go out and shine, because that is what you were born to do!