Hair Myths and Truths with Blaine Schlaudt

Blaine Schlaudt with www.blainescolor.com meets the top hair truths and myths head-on. Should you change your shampoo? Quit the conditioner? He's got the answers!

Combing Wet Hair from Roots to Ends
A comb is easier on fragile wet hair than a brush is, but tugging it from scalp to tips can cause breakage. First, smooth out knots with a leave-in detangler. Then start to comb at ends, working up in sections.

Is it true that it is bad to brush your hair when it is wet?
It's always bad to brush your hair wet or dry if done incorrectly. Healthy hair can stretch quite far when wet and not incur damage but it's never a good idea to yank or pull on your hair. Use a detangler or treatment oil on damp strands, than work slowly in small sections starting at the ends. Brush or comb in the direction that it grows and working through a bit at a time until you reach the roots. If you prefer a brush make sure it's good quality with no rough spots that can snag your hair. A wide toothed comb is definitely a better idea if you have curly, thick or coarse hair.

Bad to Blow-Dry Dripping Wet Hair?
Not only will this make it difficult to style your hair, it will cause a ton of heat damage. A blow dryer should be used on damp - not wet - hair for 20 minutes, tops . Before applying heat, wrap hair in a towel for five minutes, then let hair air-dry for another five. "styling" of the hair doesn't come into play until the hair is 90% dry

Myth: Frequent trims make hair grow faster.
Hair grows a half-inch per month, whether you cut it or not. Hair may grow slightly faster in the summer, but that has nothing to do with the stylist's scissors and everything to do with hormones, which do speed growth a little. One thing a trim will do: Eliminate split ends, making hair look better

Myth: If you have greasy hair, skip conditioner.
Greasy hair is caused by the overproduction of sebum, a waxy, oily substance that comes from the tissues of the scalp-so skipping conditioner altogether is not going to cure the problem. Instead shampoo the roots with a clarifying shampoo and the ends with a moisturizing shampoo. Apply conditioner to the middle and ends of your hair only, steering clear of the scalp.

Do shampoos stop working?
Your hair isn't a cornfield-no need to practice crop rotation. It may look dull if you don't rinse out your conditioner well.

Myth: Hair will always remain the same texture
Although you may be born with straight, curly or wavy locks, there are many circumstances under which your hair's ultimate texture can be permanently altered. Pregnancy, medication, chemotherapy, age.
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