Busting those hair myths: What actually helps your hair grow
Does cutting your hair more, really make it grow more? And do any hair oils or supplements actually work? Beauty expert Keeks Reid is here to bust the famous hacks, and find out which ones could actually give you stronger longer hair.
1) Cutting your hair makes it grow faster? - FALSE
Hair grows from the scalp, not the ends. Trimming doesn’t affect the follicle or growth speed. It does remove split ends, which makes hair look thicker and healthier.
2) Massaging your scalp encourages growth? - TRUE
Massaging your scalp 2–3 times a week stimulates blood flow and encourages growth.
3) Shampooing less makes your hair grow more? - FALSE
A dirty scalp doesn’t stimulate growth. Buildup, oil and inflammation can interfere with a healthy scalp environment. A clean scalp is a better condition for hair growth.
4) Hair grows faster at night? - FALSE
Hair growth happens in cycles and is influenced by overall health, hormones, and genetics - not the time of day.
5) Having a dry / flaky scalp affects growth? - TRUE
Ongoing scalp irritation can interfere with hair growth. Hair grows out of follicles in your scalp. If the skin environment is inflamed, flaky or irritated, follicles don’t thrive.
6) Hair oils can make your hair grow longer? - FALSE
Oils (castor, rosemary, coconut) do not change growth rate. They can reduce breakage, Improve scalp health and make hair appear thicker and shinier.
7) Supplements improve growth? - TRUE (ONLY IF DEFICIENT)
Only if you’re deficient. Biotin, collagen, zinc, iron help if levels are low. If not deficient, they will have little to no effect.
8) Brushing 100 strokes a day is good for your hair? - FALSE
Over-brushing causes friction and breakage. Use a gentle brush and avoid brushing wet hair unless it has conditioner in to help detangle.
9) Expensive shampoos work better? - FALSE
Shampoo cleans; it doesn’t change follicle behavior. Scalp health matters but the price of shampoo doesn’t.
What really helps prevent hair loss?
Minimize heat styling, use heat protectant when you do.
Avoid tight hairstyles, traction causes hair loss.
Sleep on silk/satin pillowcases.
Detangle gently, starting from the ends
How to protect your scalp health:
Wash regularly.
Treat dandruff or irritation early.
Don’t fall for quick fixes:
Hair responds slowly. Changes show after 3–6 months.
Anything promising results in weeks is not true.
Advertisement. We earn commission from some links on this page. When you click on a link, our affiliate partner sets cookies - you can opt out here. Our full disclosure notice is here. Prices are correct at time of publishing.
Products:
1) Hair + Me Hair Loss Treatments, From £14.99
2) Cécred Restoring Hair & Edge Drops, £51
3) Glowwa Hair Food Vitamins, £34.99
4) K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask, From £30
5) Philip Kingsley Anti-Dandruff Toner, £25
6) Vichy Dercos Densi-Solutions Thickening Shampoo, £16.50
7) Aveda Invati Ultra Scalp Serum, From £21
8) Manta Original Hair Brush, £30
9) Champo Pittagrowth Serum Oil, £34
10) Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil, £46
11) Umberto Giannini Rosemary Oil, £9.95
If you click on a link on this page, you'll be opening an external website. ITV has no control over these external websites and has no responsibility for the content, subsequent links and how your data might be used therein. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.