5 Popular Hair Myths You Need To Stop Believing in 2022

You have probably had your fair share of hair myths thrown at you, from trimming your hair every 4 to 6 weeks for “faster growth” to avoiding conditioner if you have greasy hair. We have accepted these as facts without question, but just how true are they? I am here to help you separate fact from fiction so that your hair care game is on point this 2022.

Myth #1: Trimming your hair often makes it grow quicker.

Truth: The most logical explanation to debunk this myth is that hair growth occurs at the roots and not at the ends. Cutting your hair every 4 to 6 weeks will not make your hair grow any faster. What it does though is it helps with your hair’s overall growth because you are trimming the split ends, which can make your hair look more damaged (except for those who like to keep the shape maintained).

I recommend going for a trim between 8 to 12 weeks if you are trying to grow your hair out. Keeping split ends at bay will result in healthier hair growth. You can also upgrade your routine by getting products that nourish your hair from the roots to strengthen it. You will want to invest in supplements that help combat stress responses in the body and support hair growth and your general health and well-being.

Try Nutrafol supplements for healthy hair growth. Check out how.

Myth #2: Your shampoo stops being effective after a while.

Truth: This myth probably came from the idea that certain products stop working after you “get used to them.” There is little to no evidence supporting this theory, so you better hold onto that shampoo bottle before you toss it out and replace it with a new one. According to hair experts, switching shampoos too often may actually be worse for your hair. There’s a chance your pH balance will be off and might lead to a dry scalp and even breakage.

Myth #3: Older women should avoid long hairstyles.

Truth: Absolutely not! Hair length is not the issue when we age, it’s the state and health of our hair. As long as your hair health is thriving, then you can style your hair however you want—long, mid-length, or short!

Check out hairstyles for women over 40.

Myth #4: Plucking one gray hair can cause two more to grow back.

Truth: There has been no scientific evidence that plucking one gray strand can cause two to grow back. Each strand is attached to one hair follicle only, so this myth is most definitely busted. Time to let out a sigh of relief!

Myth #5: Air-drying is better than blow-drying.

We touched on this when I wrote about my favorite blow-dryers, but this time, we are getting into the science of it all. In theory, air-drying your hair seems better than blasting it with a dryer. Your hair strands swell when they come into contact with water. This means that the longer your hair is wet or damp, the more pressure it puts on your hair’s proteins.

One way to dry your hair without damaging it is by air-drying between 10 to 30 minutes (depending on your hair length and type) and using a hair dryer on a cold setting to dry completely. 

See my list of best hair dryers!

Which of these busted hair myths surprised you? Tell me in the comments or come over to the salon and let’s talk more about hair care. Book here!

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

My Favorite Hair-Dryers for the Best Blowout Ever: 2022 Edition

Thanks to the latest technology, achieving salon-style hair has never been easier. For instance, hair tools such as dryers have come a long way when it comes to quality. In addition to giving you a gorgeous blowout, some of the best hair-dryers we have today contribute to hair health. 

There's a pervading belief that blow-drying the hair is damaging. Tim Moore, PhD in Microelectronics from Cambridge University and Chief Technology Officer at Good Hair Day, explains, “Hair can absorb up to 30 per cent of its own weight in water. The longer it stays wet, the worse things get, as it continues to swell.” All that water affects the molecular structure of your hair, weakening it. It’s healthier for the hair to be quickly and properly dried rather than prolonging its wet and weakened state. This means having the right blow-dryer can make a huge difference and is more crucial than ever.

Generally, there are five things that I look for in a dryer: weight, length, multiple heat options, a cold shot button, and design (who doesn’t want a stylish hair-dryer?!). I took the liberty to give you a roundup of my favorite blow-dryers so that you have an idea where to start. Check them out below.

What Makes a Great Hair-Dryer?

The first two factors—weight and length—are important if you travel frequently or use a blow-dryer regularly. You want something weighty enough to know it’s good quality but light enough for you to use comfortably. I like using the nozzle that usually comes with a dryer. It directs the airflow exactly where you point it and dries the hair quickly. Length, on the other hand, is crucial as well because when you’re drying your hair, it can be more challenging or even uncomfortable if the barrel is too long.

When it comes to heating options, simple is best. You only need three settings: hot, medium, and a cool shot button to set your style. You can spend $99 on a dryer or splurge on fancier ones that cost $400 and up. At the end of the day, it’s about finding a blow-dryer that works for you.

Here are my recommendations:

1. Bio Ionic GoldPro Travel Dryer

For professional-quality results that last, check out the Bio Ionic GoldPro Travel Dryer. You can't beat the price point on this one. It's stylish and has the Bio Ionic Moisturizing Heat™ Technology that keeps your hair soft and healthy. This dryer also folds up, making it easy to pack for a quick weekend getaway (are we doing that yet?).

Shop Bio Ionic dryers.

2. Ergo TT2000 Blow Dryer

The Ergo TT2000 Blow Dryer is a godsend for those who want an ergonomic design that delivers. I haven't tried it personally, but I know many stylists who have this as their holy grail hair tool. It has a small body, so it’s easy to hold and is portable, plus the 10-foot cord allows you to move around and style with ease. It’s definitely a must-buy if you want an everyday dryer that gets the job done in a jiff.

Shop Ergo dryers. Use the code ERGOLOVE10 to get 10% off your first order!

3. IQ Perfetto Hair Dryer by Gama Professional

The IQ Perfetto Hair Dryer is what I use in the salon every day. Its sleek and ergonomic design is comparable to popular dryers available today. This dryer delivers incredible power with a 110,000 RPM motor, giving maximum results with little effort. It’s also light enough for me to use all day long without any discomfort on my wrist. If you’re willing to pay more for an everyday tool that can stand daily usage, this will be perfectly sufficient for you, along with the Ergo and Bio Ionic dryer.

Shop Gama Professional dryers.

Disclosure: Some of the links on this post contain affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. Please keep in mind that I included these companies and their products because of their quality first and foremost. The buying decision is always yours.

Hair Drying Tips

Have your ever wondered why your hair never looks like when you left the hairdressers?  Most clients haven't been taught proper hair drying tips!  Here are a few.

Think of hair as fabric.  What is the texture of hair you are starting with, and what is the "finish" you are trying to achieve?  The answer to these two questions will help decide what finishing product to use on the hair.  For most textures of hair, I would start off with a primer like Mythic Reinforcing Milk or Volumetry Spray by L'Oreal Professionnel, Prep Spray by Bumble and Bumble, or Shu Uemera Depsea Water, throughout the hair, and brush gently with the Wet Brush.

Then apply your styling product.  Some of my favorites are Liquid Fabric for texture to fine hair, Satin Design for soothing the cuticle by Shu Uemura, or any of the Thermiques by Kerastase for a conditioning, softer finish on the hair, or Texture Spray for hold and substance, or Curl Satin Mousse for shine, condition and volume without frizz, by L'Oreal Professionnel.  Apply throughout and distribute through the hair with a comb or soft cushion brush.

Now, for the pre-dry!  It may sound like we are adding an extra step, but truly, this will make your life easier.  Using your hand, and blow dryer, think about drying the scalp versus the ends of your hair to dry the hair in the cuticle direction to create smooth hair or against the cuticle of the hair if you desire volume.  Dry all your hair 80-90% with a medium to hot dryer.  Then, brush your hair using a soft cushion brush like the Mason Pearson.

Mason Pearson Popular Mixture Bristle/Nylon Mix Hair Brush

Then dry the hair, continuing with Mason Pearson, or round brush for volume, using concentrator nozzle a blowout, using high heat and moving in an arc movement, heat moving over the strand of hair, and cool before releasing.  Section your hair, separating the front from the back, securing with clips, the hair in front of the hair towards your face.  Then section out a 2-inch section at the nape, and clip the rest either to the sides for smooth style or up for more volume.  Continue this parting and clipping away hair until you have no hair left to section off.

Use Infinium #3 hair spray by L'Oreal Professionnel to ends, or smoke a Dry Shampoo into the hair, like True Grip by L'Oreal Professionnel or Pret a Powder by Bumble and Bumble.

Happy Drying!