The 7 biggest haircare myths debunked.

Before you start rinsing your hair with beer or making like Rapunzel and brushing it 100 times a day there’s a few things you should know. Read on as the mamamia beauty team debunk some of the biggest and most popular hair myths.

Myth #1: Beer does something to your hair other than make it drunk.

There’s a theory that the proteins and vitamins in warm beer will give you shiny, voluminous hair. The yeast is meant to add volume and softness, and the malt is meant to nourish and condition.

But before you pick up a six-pack you should know that washing your hair with beer isn’t going to do much more than make your hair smell like a brewery.

              FYI: You should know this post is sponsored by Pantene.

The drying effect of alcohol outweighs any benefits from the proteins, which makes complete sense because when you think about it, a ‘beer rinse’ does sound like something a drunken person made up.

Myth #2: You can’t dye your hair when you’re pregnant.

This one causes a lot of stress for pregnant women. The bottom line is you can, but it comes with a few caveats: stay away from formaldehyde-based dyes (these aren’t around much anymore but check with your salon first), don’t do it in the first trimester (this is the period called ‘organogensis’ when the baby’s organs are being initially formed) and it’s better to go for a graduated ombre colour that is painted on to the lower part of your hair rather than in direct contact with your scalp. It’s also a good idea to visit the salon before making a booking to make sure it’s well ventilated.

Pantene ambassador, Barney Martin, says: “If you want extra reassurance on colouring your hair while pregnant, it’s best to speak to your doctor, obstetrician or midwife to ensure you have all the facts. If you’re still hesitant about colouring hair, opt for highlights or ombre as these techniques don’t touch the scalp.”

Myth #3: Cutting your hair will make it grow faster.

The flawed logic in this makes me wonder how we ever fell for this in the first place. Your hair grows from the roots, not at the ends. Cutting it will only make it shorter, not grow at rapid rates.

Keep in mind that if you do want to grow it long, regular trims will keep it in good condition otherwise you’ll wind up with long hair with inches of split ends.

Myth #4: If you pluck out one grey hair a forest will soon grow and take over your entire head.

It’s natural to panic at the first sight of grey hair. You’re thinking: I want this sucker zapped from my head pronto. And just as you’re on the precipice of plucking it, you remember something about an old wives tale predicting that removing one will only cause two or three to grow in its place.

Go forth and pluck my pretties, this one – thankfully – is a myth. Plucking doesn’t create more grey hairs; it’ll only irritate the scalp. If you don’t have grey roots but just a few strays use a colour corrector pen or if you’re worried book in for a semi-permanent colour.

Myth #5: You should brush your hair 100 times a day.

Your mother probably told you that you should brush your hair 100 times a day to keep it healthy and if she did, there’s something you should know…she was wrong.

Look, it’s possible she just wanted some time to herself, or maybe her mother told her it was good for stimulating the scalp. Either way, 100 strokes is too much folks. Over-brushing can cause friction, causing breakage and cuticle damage.

On the upside, if you kept this up beyond childhood just think of the impressive upper arm strength you’ve built over time from all that brushing.

Myth #6: Sitting in the sun is the healthiest way to lighten your hair colour.

Your skin isn’t the only part of your body that can get sunburnt. As bald men know, the scalp is highly sensitive to UV rays. Prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight is not only harmful; it will also dry out the hair follicles, leaving it dry and damaged.

Apply a protective spray at the beach, and leave lightening your hair to the professionals.

Myth #7: Always wearing your hair in a ponytail will make you bald.

Do you remember hearing ‘If you sit too close to the tv, you’ll get square eyes?’ as a child? Yeah, this one also isn’t true.

If you regularly pull wet hair into a tight ponytail you will cause some breakage but you won’t go bald from it.

Tip: Avoid hair brands with metal (as they can pull on the hair) and opt for snag-free bands instead.

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Designed to care for hair that feels weighed down, looks lifeless and lacks shine the Pantene Ice Shine collection works to smooth the hair’s cuticle providing intensive nourishment and allowing hair to shine from within;

Pantene Ice Shine shampoo – with no added silicone – cleanses oil and dirt residue gently, whilst the conditioner – with no added dye or paraben – leaves hair conditioned and rinses away quickly.

To join the conversation on Pantene and find out more about Ice Shine, please go to www.facebook.com/PanteneANZ.

*shampoo only