The myths about hair care circulate almost as fast as celebrity gossip. I am sure you have heard a few, and might even swear that some are the “truth.” Here are a few of the most popular myths to help you separate fact from fiction.

1.       True or False : Trimming your hair often makes it grow faster?

False. Your hair grows from the root not the tip. A trim removes split ends to prevent the shaft or the hair from splitting further up, saving you from cutting off more hair to remove all the damage. Saurabh Desai, principal scientist at Aveeno Nourish+, says keep your hair healthy to avoid those split ends. Use a good conditioner along with sun and heat protectors.

2.       True or False : Brushing your hair more often makes it healthier?

False. Did your mom tell you to brush your hair 100 times before bed? Well I hate to break it to mom, but that can actually cause more damage to your hair. “Over brushing can dull your hair by destroying the cuticle, as well as causing split ends and breakage,” says Desai. And what brush you choose can also help or hurt. In general plastic and metal bristles can weaken the cuticle and cause static or flyaways.

3.       True or False : Massaging your scalp stimulate hair growth?

False. A scalp massage can increase blood circulation, help distribute the scalp’s natural oils, and decrease stress. Now this may lead to your hair follicles functioning better, it will not increase how fast your hair grows. As a rule, hair grows about a half inch every month.

4.       True or False : Wearing a ponytail in the same area can give you a bald spot?

True. This is called the alopecia effect. “The contestant tugging by a tight band can scar the hair follicles and cause them to stop growing new hair,” according to Dorris Day, a New York City dermatologist. She suggest moving the ponytail slightly to alleviate tension or use a looser fitting hair tie. Also, it’s not just ponytails, headbands, braids, and barrettes can cause similar damage when work repeatedly in the same location.

5.       True or False : A cold rinse will tame fizz and add shine?

True. A quick blast of cold water at the end of your shower can make your hair behave and appear shinier because it temporarily flattens the cuticle down onto the shaft. But the results are only temporary, especially if you do not properly dry your hair. Desai suggests adding a deep conditioner or silicone based product to seal it.

6.       True or False : Chemical straighteners change your texture permanently?

False. Serge Normant of John Frieda Salon says your hair’s natural texture returns as it grows out. After a chemical treatment, the visible hair is changed but nothing can penetrate the root, so as the hair grows, your hair returns to it’s original state. This also holds true for you curly haired women. If you blowout your curls everyday, you might think after a while that you have taken the curl out of your hair, because it is not as curly as it used to be. Actually this is damage to your hair. Stop the daily blow dryer treatments. Your hair is telling you it needs time to recover.

7.       True or False : Your hair can become immune to shampoo?

False. Shampoo will always clean, but why does your favorite brand seem to stop working after a while? “Build up,” says Desai, “shampoo contains ingredients that condition and provide styling benefits but it leaves a residue.” If you start to notice dullness, use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month to pull any accumulated product out of your hair.

8.       True or False : Coloring can change your hair’s texture?

True. It is only temporary, but it can be beneficial. Permanent colors remove a protective layer on your hair and lifts the cuticle so the dye can penetrate. Semi permanent dye deposits color onto your hair. Both methods have their advantages because they can cause the hair to swell and give it body. This is especially noticeable in women with fine hair or gray roots.

9.       True or False : Getting your hair colored while pregnant is dangerous?

It’s your call, but check with your doctor first. It’s probably not harmful but you should wait until the second half or your pregnancy, when the baby if fully formed. Also, avoid going to the salon during peak hours so you are not breathing in all those chemicals.