Hair Myths That Are Actually True
Published date 28 July 2025
As hairdressers, it’s our role to do more than cut, colour, and style; it’s also our role to educate. With so much misinformation being spread about our hair through social media and word of mouth, it’s our job to guide our clients towards healthy, sustainable hair habits based on the truth, not just the trends.
We teamed up with our Alan Howard Educator, Sara Simpson, to debunk some common myths that are actually true, and why sharing these facts can help build trust, improve your clients’ hair results, and most importantly, keep your clients coming back.
Regular trims really do help hair look healthier
No, trimming the hair won’t make the hair grow faster. Although, it does prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft and reducing breakage. Over time, this will help the hair look longer, thicker, and a lot more healthier.
Sara’s Pro Tip: You should be recommending trims every 6-8 weeks to maintain the shape and reduce damage to your clients’ hair.
Silk pillowcases can prevent hair breakage
As silk causes less friction than cotton, this means fewer tangles, less frizz, and reduced breakage, especially for clients with curly, fine, or textured hair.
Sara’s Pro Tip: Suggest this to clients who are struggling with breakage or serious bedhead!
Product build-up can block moisture & affect hair growth
If your clients are still using drugstore products, this will be the reason they stop! Heavy silicones and non-water-soluble ingredients can coat the scalp and strands, blocking hydration and nutrients.
Sara’s Pro Tip: Educate your clients on the importance of using a clarifying shampoo every couple of weeks to reset the hair and scalp. We recommend the [wa]shed from Shed Clean Slate shampoo to completely detoxify the hair.
Genetics determines texture, density, and growth rate
It’s all in the DNA! Hair texture, density, and growth rate are all determined by this, however, the way the hair is cared for and maintained can either enhance or worsen what we’re given.
Sara’s Pro Tip: During your client consultation, manage expectations by explaining what can be improved with hair care and what is down to genetics.
UV Rays can damage the hair
Hair is extremely vulnerable to UV damage, just like our skin. The sun can fade colour, weaken strands, and cause dryness or brittleness.
Sara’s Pro Tip: Recommend a UV-protectant spray for the summer months and your clients' holidays, especially those who get their hair lightened or coloured. We recommend the [wa]shed from Shed Vivid Bloom Colour Lock UV Protect shampoo for ultimate colour protection, as well as the Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Sun Protect Travel Set, which includes an SPF spray for your clients’ scalp.
Your diet shows in your hair
Unfortunately, this is true! Hair is made of protein, ie. Keratin, so what you eat really does matter. A lack of protein, iron, zinc, or vitamin B can lead to shedding or hair thinning.
Sara’s Pro Tip: Gently remind your clients that a healthy scalp and strong hair starts from within, so definitely recommend your clients some staple vitamins to add to their daily routine.
Plucking grey hairs doesn’t make more grow back
Tale as old as time! Plucking out one grey hair won’t make more greys grow back. However, it can irritate the follicle, so it is best to leave them be and have them coloured professionally if needed.
Stress can trigger hair loss
Chronic stress can actually push hair into a shedding phase, known as Telogen effluvium, and unfortunately, can catch clients off guard.
Sara’s Pro Tip: It’s important to be gentle when raising or discussing this topic with clients, and to offer support when referring them to a trichologist if needed.
Extensions don’t have to damage the hair
When applied and maintained correctly, extensions can be safe and non-damaging. It’s all about the professional application, regular maintenance, and using the right hair care at home.
Sara’s Pro Tip: Offer your clients a care guide for those who have extensions, with best practices to keep the hair healthy.
Split ends don’t just stay at the ends
Once a hair strand is split, it continues to unravel upwards, weakening the hair shaft, and affecting the overall length and health of the hair.
Sara’s Pro Tip: Going back to booking in for regular trims, this can explain why a delayed trim can lead to more damage, and therefore explain why the stylist may have to trim more of the hair than usual.
Sharing these truths not only helps your clients make better choices once they’ve left the salon chair, but it also shows that you genuinely care about your clients, which builds trust as well as strengthens your professional credibility.
Got any hair myths you’re constantly debunking? Share them in the comments below!
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