5 Hair Myths That Keep Circling the Salon (and the Truth You Can Trust)

TL;DR

Even the best stylists have heard these myths a thousand times. They usually have just enough truth to sound convincing, but they can quietly steer clients into the wrong habits. Here’s how I set the record straight every time so you can keep hair healthier and clients better informed.

Let’s Talk Myths

I’ve spent years behind the chair and alongside some of the most skilled salon owners and stylists in the country. One thing never changes: hair myths travel fast. They get passed from client to client like an old stylist’s tale, often with just enough science-sounding logic to stick. The problem? They can quietly chip away at results.

Here are the five that pop up most in my world and how I explain the truth.

1. Trimming Makes Hair Grow Faster

I hear this one weekly. The reality is hair grows from the root, about half an inch a month on average, whether you cut it or not. What trims really do is remove split ends before they travel up the hair shaft, preventing breakage and keeping the hair looking fuller and healthier. Faster growth? No. Better-looking growth? Absolutely.

2. Dandruff Means You Have a Dry Scalp

A dry scalp can cause flaking, yes, but that’s not dandruff. True dandruff is usually caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus that feeds on scalp oils. That’s why dandruff flakes are often larger, a bit oily, and sometimes itchy. Dry scalp flakes tend to be smaller, lighter, and come with tightness instead of itch.

3. Switching Shampoos Keeps Hair Healthy

Hair can’t “get used to” shampoo. What really happens is buildup from styling products, hard water minerals, or pollution starts to dull results. A clarifying shampoo every so often will hit the reset button, allowing your regular shampoo to perform like new. The win isn’t in switching brands constantly; it’s in using the right one for your hair type and keeping buildup under control.

4. Baldness Comes Only from Your Mother’s Side

Clients love to reference their mom’s father when talking about future hair loss. Genetics do play a huge role, but it’s not only mom’s side calling the shots. Baldness can come from either parent, and it’s influenced by multiple genes. The androgen receptor gene on the X chromosome is one player, but far from the only one.

5. Cold Water Rinse Equals Long-Lasting Shine

Cold water can make the cuticle lay flatter for a short while, so hair can look smoother and shinier after the rinse. But it’s temporary. Lasting shine comes from healthy cuticles, which means heat control, the right products, and a balanced diet. Cold rinses can help in the moment, but they won’t rescue dull, damaged hair on their own.

In the Chair and Beyond

The best stylists know the real magic happens when skill meets science. Busting myths isn’t just about sounding smart; it’s about giving clients the truth they can use. Every time you replace a half-truth with the real deal, you’re building trust and better results.

FAQs

Does trimming your hair make it grow faster?

No. Hair growth happens at the root. Trims prevent split ends from traveling upward, which makes hair look and feel healthier, but they don’t speed growth.

Is dandruff always caused by a dry scalp?

No. True dandruff is usually caused by a scalp fungus called Malassezia, which thrives on natural oils. Dry scalp flakes are different and usually smaller.

Should I switch shampoos every few weeks?

Not unless you want to. Hair doesn’t adapt to shampoo. The key is removing buildup occasionally with a clarifier and sticking with a formula that works for your hair type.

Does cold water make hair shinier?

It can smooth the cuticle temporarily, but real shine comes from healthy hair and good care habits.

Checklist for Healthy Hair

• Get trims to remove split ends

• Treat dandruff with targeted scalp care

• Use clarifying shampoo to remove buildup

• Choose the right shampoo for your hair type

• Control heat and maintain cuticle health for lasting shine

Check out this video to learn even more…