Hair and Myths to Dispel

Generality

The clichés and myths to debunk about hair are definitely many and are more widespread than one might expect.

In fact, strange folk beliefs are heard of all colors, especially when it comes to hair and their health. As if that were not enough, real urban legends are fed by word of mouth and deviant advertising information. On the other hand, the psychological situation of many subjects affected by baldness only makes them more susceptible to those who, without any scruple, foment false, illusory and sometimes dangerous news to their health. It is well known, in fact, that anxiety and the fear of losing hair often lead to trusting any promise that can bring them back to their former glory. Let's see then to unmask the main "buffaloes" that circulate in this environment.

The myths to debunk

Below are some of the most common clichés and myths to debunk about hair and their well-being.

Cutting hair makes them stronger

A belief as common as it is without foundation. The portion that emerges from the skin, called the hair shaft or stem, is actually the dead part of the same, because it is made up of cells without a nucleus. The vital portion is instead located in the dermis, is called hair follicle and is in no way affected by the cut of the stem.

It is possible to transplant hair from a donor or to use synthetic ones

False, hair transplantation consists in taking small fragments of skin with the related hair follicles from a specific hormone-independent region (generally the nape of the neck) to another affected by thinning. For a whole series of reasons, this surgical technique does not in any case foresee the grafting of synthetic follicles or coming from a donor (for example due to the well-known problems of rejection). If the autograft is not viable, it is possible to use other techniques, such as the implantation of synthetic fibers on the patient's scalp or on a layer of "artificial skin". In both cases, periodic reinforcement programs are necessary to compensate for the inevitable wear and tear.

If those with greasy or dandruff-colored hair wash them every day make the problem worse

Nothing could be more wrong, because the excess of sebum tends to "suffocate" the hair follicle subtracting vitality; not by chance seborrhea and oily dandruff are often associated with baldness. In these cases it is necessary to intervene with suitable products, possibly recommended by a dermatologist.

To avoid losing them, the hair must be washed a maximum of three times a week

False; if it were true the hairs of the beard or the rest of the body should also fall, as in most cases they are washed once or more a day. This, however, must not in any way diminish the fundamental importance of using adequate products, especially in the presence of dry and brittle hair (in this case too frequent washing is not recommended).

There are drugs or cosmetic treatments that can regrow fallen hair

False, once "fallen" the hair can no longer grow back. Drugs such as finasteride or minoxidil, together with the wide range of cosmetics and various supplements, can be effective only in the presence of follicles which, although suffering, still have a certain degree of vitality. When the hair has already fallen (in reality it has become so short, thin and transparent as to be imperceptible) there are no remedies able to make it grow again.

The invitation for everyone is to search for information with a critical sense, without trusting "explosive and revolutionary" messages. Miraculous claims about definitive and definitive treatments for baldness are never credible. Hair is treated with drugs, with certain cosmetics, with attention to correct lifestyles (nutrition, little sunshine, smoking reduction, careful hygiene and stress control).

Lice take root more easily in dirty and tousled hair

False, as both factors hinder the adhesion of the parasite to the hair shaft.

Balms and sunscreen products prevent hair loss, while the gel makes them fall

We have already said, the stem is a dead part, which can naturally crumble and worsen its appearance following inadequate treatments. Various cosmetics, such as balms, improve the appearance of the hair shaft, protect it from atmospheric agents and wear over time, but do not perform any defensive action against the hair follicle.

The same goes for the heat of hair dryers and plates, which can ruin the protein bonds at the base of the hair structure, worsening its appearance. All this can cause considerable aesthetic damage, but does not affect the vitality of the follicle.

For the same reason, gels, dyes, perms and the like do not affect the physiological and periodic fall phenomenon, unless they cause allergies (an excessive use of gel could aggravate seborrheic or irritative states due to its occlusive effect on the follicle). Also in this case, of course, it is necessary to use quality products to prevent various types of residues from causing damage to the follicles.

During the summer it is important to protect the scalp with capellini or bandanas, because the sun can cause burns that negatively affect the health of the bulb; the same applies to tanning lamps.

Motorcycle hats and helmets cause hair to fall out

Also in this case there is nothing scientific. In summer, headgear protects the scalp from the sun, preventing burns that promote hair loss.

Tearing off a white hair causes two, three or five others to grow back

In all its variations, this urban legend is absolutely false. There is no intact scientific basis that confirms the fact that if a white hair is torn off it will grow back a larger number in its place.

Rinsing your hair with cold water makes it shine

Although this popular belief is widespread, rinsing hair with cold water in no way affects the brightness of the hair, on the contrary, it can be a rather annoying practice.

One hundred brush strokes every day to get more beautiful hair

Again, the myth in question is more than false. In fact, so excessive brushing of the hair can damage the stem, obtaining decidedly bad aesthetic results, in contrast to those desired.