Myth #1: Keeping your ends trimmed makes you hair grow faster.
FICTION. Obviously, if you cut your hair, it will be shorter. Having your hair trimmed does not make your hair grow any faster. It is wise to eliminate unsightly split ends because your hair appears healthier without them, but again, it does not make your hair grow any faster from the root.
Myth #2: Having/not having a relaxer helps your hair grow.
FICTION. Your hair will not grow faster or slower with or without a relaxer. Hair grows at the same rate despite the chemicals you put in your hair. What inhibits hair growth is hair breakage, which occurs when you have over-processed hair or otherwise mistreat it. If you have a relaxer, maintain your hair properly (moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!) and your hair will grow just fine. Healthy hair is key. Avoid frying your hair out with over-processing, excess blow-drying, and harsh chemicals.
Myth #3: Oiling your scalp promotes hair growth.
FICTION. Oiling your scalp does not promote hair growth, In fact, having blockage around your roots does not bode well for growth, according to Angela Browner, over at AOL's Black Voices.
Also on Suite101
Tips for Growing Out Your Hair
If you've decided to let your hair grow out, it can be frustrating during the growing out stage and you may be tempted to cut it, again.
Myth #4: There are certain vitamins that help your hair grow.
FACT. These natural vitamins and minerals help hair growth by promoting healthy hair:
vitamin B-complex supplements,
folic acid,
biotin
beta-carotene
magnesium
sulfur
silica
zinc
Myth #5: Hair growth is genetic.
Undecided. While this can be argued either way, there may be more fact to the genetics claim than fiction. If both ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ your parents have hair that doesn’t grow very fast, then the probability ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ you having such hair increases. How you nurture your hair is another factor. Your daily habits, chemical processes, etc. determine how healthy your hair is, which is an indicator ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ how well it will grow. Obviously, if you have bleached, over-processed hair and you don’t properly take care ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ it, your hair will be in worse condition than someone who follows all the correct advice for healthy hair, regardless ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ genetics.
Myth #6: Your diet affects hair growth.
FACT. A healthy diet is imperative to healthy hair. Your hair is just a symptom ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ your overall health. That means:
Drink plenty ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ water.
Take the vitamins and mineral supplements previously mentioned.
Eat lots ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ green vegetables.
Eat lots ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ protein. Hair itself is protein, By eating lots ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ protein, you are promoting hair growth.
In conclusion, remember that your hair grows at the average rate ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ six inches per year, or an ½ inch per month. It can grow a little faster or slower than that, but not much more or less. The healthier your hair is, the better it looks and the better it grows. There are no “quick fixes” or secrets to getting long, healthy hair. That’s the long and short ************SPAM/BANNEAR************ it.
Further information on hair growth:
Tips for Growing Out Your Hair: How to Keep Your Hair Healthy As It Grows
Hair Growing Tips
Read more at Suite101: Hair Growth Myths: The Truth Behind Common Misconceptions About Growing Your Hair.
Hair Growth Myths: The Truth Behind Common Misconceptions About Growing Your Hair.
