Hair Myth’s

MYTH #1

The alcohol contained in products is damaging to hair.

There are many kinds of alcohol within most products, both professional and drug store. No, not the kind of alcohol that is in a martini, but a few different kinds of alcohol. These alcohols serve a function within the product and are not harmful to your hair. Most products contain SD 40 conditioning alcohol. This alcohol’s primary use is to create a barrier and lock in moisture at the hair cuticle. Cetyl Alcohol is another you may find in your shampoos and conditioners. Cetyl alcohol is extracted from coconut and palm oils and works as an emollient to help retain the SD 40 alcohol. Stearyl Alcohol is used as a thickener in most products. Cetearyl alcohol is a combination of Stearyl and Cetyl alcohol that provides the thickness of a product and helps moisturize and add volume to the hair cuticle. These alcohols attribute to the long lasting, healthy look of your hair.

MYTH #2

Baking Soda can be used as a leave in shampoo.

Baking soda is very abrasive and can damage the cuticle of the hair by drying it out and causing breakage. Baking soda will remove build up on the hair, as well as damage the cuticle of your hair. If you still would like to attempt using baking soda you MUST remove it with a deep conditioning treatment. If you feel the need to remove build up on your hair we recommend using REDKEN Hair Cleansing Creme. Hair Cleansing Creme is made to remove residue without stressing or damaging the hair cuticle. However, baking soda is great for cleaning brushes and combs when mixed with warm water.

MYTH #3

Coloring hair during pregnancy is harmful.

Many women, not pregnant and pregnant, color their hair. There have been no infant deaths or illnesses that can be linked to the chemicals in hair color. The article, “Dying For A Change: Hair color and Your pregnancy” by Colette Bouchez states that several experts believe that most dyes are safe and women do not need to give up their hair color when pregnant (Bouchez, 1). Most doctors will tell you not to color your hair in the first trimester, and resume coloring in the second and third trimesters. If you have concerns about coloring your hair during pregnancy talk to your doctor about what is best for you.

Bouchez, Colette. “Dying For A Change: Hair color and Your Pregnancy.” Pregnancy.org. 2001-2009. http://www.pregnancy.org/article/dying-change-hair-color-and-your-pregnancy

MYTH #4

Hair develops immunity to the same shampoo over time.

Like most myths, there is no documented evidence to prove that humans can develop immunity to shampoo. Each time you use your regular shampoo it will always cleanse the hair. It will never lose its purpose. Different seasons can alter the way your hair will behave; therefore, your shampoo does not have the desired reaction. Humidity, dry air, cold, and warmth, all have diverse affects on your hair. For example, if you use your regular shampoo in the summer and then notice fly aways and dryness in the winter, it is not that your shampoo is not working; it is that you need a shampoo designed to add additional moisture. If you are feeling that your shampoo is not working well for you now, then ask your stylist to recommend a new shampoo for the new season!

Do you know any other hair myth’s that you would like busted or confirmed? Comment and let us know!