Hair Growth Myths
The Truth Behind Common Misconceptions About Growing Your Hair.
This article debunks hair growth myths and gives advice on achieving hair that is healthy and long. A must read for anyone trying to grow out their hair.
Having long, beautiful hair growing past your shoulders is something that most women strive for at some point in their lives. Depending on who you ask, you’re told all sorts of different tips and tricks on achieving waist-length locks. Below are the real truths behind myths about hair growth:
Myth #1: Keeping your ends trimmed makes you hair grow faster.
FICTION. Obviously, if you cut your hair, it will be shorter. Having your hair trimmed does not make your hair grow any faster. It is wise to eliminate unsightly split ends because your hair appears healthier without them, but again, it does not make your hair grow any faster from the root.
Myth #2: Having/not having a relaxer helps your hair grow.
FICTION. Your hair will not grow faster or slower with or without a relaxer. Hair grows at the same rate despite the chemicals you put in your hair. What inhibits hair growth is hair breakage, which occurs when you have over-processed hair or otherwise mistreat it. If you have a relaxer, maintain your hair properly (moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!) and your hair will grow just fine. Healthy hair is key. Avoid frying your hair out with over-processing, excess blow-drying, and harsh chemicals.
Myth #3: Oiling your scalp promotes hair growth.
FICTION. Oiling your scalp does not promote hair growth, In fact, having blockage around your roots does not bode well for growth, according to Angela Browner, over at AOL's Black Voices.
Myth #4: There are certain vitamins that help your hair grow.
FACT. These natural vitamins and minerals help hair growth by promoting healthy hair:
- vitamin B-complex supplements,
- folic acid,
- biotin
- beta-carotene
- magnesium
- sulfur
- silica
- zinc
Myth #5: Hair growth is genetic.
Undecided. While this can be argued either way, there may be more fact to the genetics claim than fiction. If both of your parents have hair that doesn’t grow very fast, then the probability of you having such hair increases. How you nurture your hair is another factor. Your daily habits, chemical processes, etc. determine how healthy your hair is, which is an indicator of how well it will grow. Obviously, if you have bleached, over-processed hair and you don’t properly take care of it, your hair will be in worse condition than someone who follows all the correct advice for healthy hair, regardless of genetics.
Myth #6: Your diet affects hair growth.
FACT. A healthy diet is imperative to healthy hair. Your hair is just a symptom of your overall health. That means:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Take the vitamins and mineral supplements previously mentioned.
- Eat lots of green vegetables.
- Eat lots of protein. Hair itself is protein, By eating lots of protein, you are promoting hair growth.
In conclusion, remember that your hair grows at the average rate of six inches per year, or an ½ inch per month. It can grow a little faster or slower than that, but not much more or less. The healthier your hair is, the better it looks and the better it grows. There are no “quick fixes” or secrets to getting long, healthy hair. That’s the long and short of it.
Further information on hair growth:
- http://hair-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/tips_for_growing_out_your_hair
- http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip214.htm
