Think about it – when the very popular ‘Friends’ first featured Jennifer Aniston and her famous haircut everyone wanted to have a similar haircut. Another famous name that springs to mind is Victoria Beckham who recently went blond. No doubt you will soon be seeing a number people copying Victoria Beckam’s hairstyle. Doesn’t it strike you as odd that no matter how many times they change their hair colour or cut their hair it always looks like they have just walked out of a salon after 10 hours of intense hair treatment! How do these celebrities keep their hair so healthy? We take a look at some of the myths surrounding our hair as well as some top tips to keep your hair looking ‘celebrity-like’.
Will cutting my hair make it grow faster or thicker?
Fiction – Cutting your hair will, well, make it shorter. On average hair grows about a centimetre a month, however having regular trims will ensure healthier hair which means you can cut off less of your hair everytime you go to your hairdresser. There are products available that contain caffeine which have been formulated to stimulate the scalp and hair follicles which can increase hair growth. A simple yet effective way you can keep your hair and skin in good condition is to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise. There are hairstyles, cutting techniques and hair products available which your hairdresser can use to help your hair look thicker and healthier which in the end will make your hair more manageable.
Hormones, stress and a poor diet can cause you to loose your hair and turn them grey.
Fact. Yes, unfortunately this is true. Although hair loss and grey hair is usually hereditary, severe stress, hormonal changes and a poor diet can cause sudden hair loss and make the grey hairs appear. Fortunately, this type of hair loss is normally temporary and hair will eventually grow back. Unfortunately the same principle does not apply to grey hair. It is actually not the existing hair that turns grey but rather new hair which grows after the onset of severe stress or hormonal changes. Another interesting fact is that although we refer to hair being grey, its true colour is white. So next time you see those greys appear, book a holiday!
Can I cure my split ends without cutting my hair?
Fiction! The only permanent way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off! Yes there are products that can temporarily seal them, but this will only last for a short while because hair is porous, especially dry and damaged hair, which means it will absorb the product after a while and leave your hair split and damaged again. Get a good trim from your hairdresser – do not attempt to cut it yourself as this may make matters worse. After you have had a haircut ask your hairdresser what products you can use to stop split ends, after all prevention is better than cure!
Colouring your hair can be harmful to your baby when you are pregnant.
Fiction. There is no scientific evidence to support this theory. The only ‘risk’ during your pregnancy is to your hair colour because our hormones has such a big influence on our hair and skin there is always the possibility that your hair can come out a different colour when you are pregnant even though the same formulae is used. It is, therefore, still advised that you consult your physician and hairdresser on this matter.
Brushing your hair when it is wet can cause it to break.
Fiction. When your hair is wet it is more elastic then when it is dry, meaning wet hair will stretch and recoil whereas this is not the case with dry hair. When you do brush your hair when it is wet make sure that you do it with a conditioner or treatment on, take the hair in sections and brush it slowly from ends to roots. It is not wrong to brush your hair when it is dry either, just don’t brush it to much! Remember, brushing your hair a 100 strokes to make it shiny… well that’s just another myth!
Washing my hair everyday will dry it out.
Fiction. The important thing to remember is that you have to use to correct hair products for your specific hair type other wise it will cause your hair to dry out. When you do use the correct high quality products you will achieve great results for your hair, and we suggest that you consult your hairdresser on the hair products which are most suited for you.
Top tips to make you hair look great every day:
1. When you get a new haircut, we know it can be difficult to achieve the same finished look at home, but when your hairdresser blow-dries your hair pay attention to what they do and ask her/him how you could achieve the same look at home.
2. Products, Products and more products. Hairdressers don’t just recommend or talk about it for their health, we do it because it will make your hairs manageability (not just for us but also for yourself) better. By using the correct hair products you ll achieve your desired look and when your hair is in a great condition, your colour will look fresher for longer!!
3. When you rinse out your conditioner or treatment try and do it with cool water because heat opens the hair cuticles and cold closes it. Therefore, rinsing your hair with cool water will cause the cuticles to close, locking in the moisture from your conditioner and treatment which will leave your hair soft and shiny!
4. Always roughdry your hair first to get rid of excess moisture in the hair as this will eliminate structural damage to the hair which causes the hair to over stretch and break. Ensure that you always use a good quality hair straightner combined with heat protector for a beautiful salon-finished look.
5. And last but not least, always try and be on time for your hair appointments! By showing up 5 minutes earlier you get time for an in depth consultation with your hairdresser. These consultations with your hairdresser can be invaluable as it will allow you to discuss the condition of you hair, what you like or dislike about your hair, your lifestyle and much more.
Written by Esmarie Plescia for Doyer and Doyer Hairdesigns
(Qualifications: Vidal Sassoon Cutting and Technical Diploma
NVQ Level 2)