Helping Clients Put Old Wives’ Tales About Hair Care to Rest

We've all heard this classic piece of advice from a loving grandmother or worried parent: “Don’t go outside with wet hair or you’ll catch your death of cold.” Clients have heard the same. But, there really isn’t much truth to the warning. When our clients repeat these misnomers, it’s best to share the science. Let’s explore the more common old wives’ tales about hair care you might hear behind the chair and uncover whether there’s any truth behind them. 

Going Outside with Wet Hair Will Make You Sick 

One of the most common myths is that going outside with wet hair will make you catch a cold. The idea is that being wet and cold somehow makes you more susceptible to illness. However, this is not true. According to the Mayo Clinic, colds are caused by viruses, not by being cold or wet.¹ You need to come in contact with a cold-causing virus to catch a cold, so there’s no need to stress about wet hair when the weather is chilly, besides it being uncomfortable. 

Shampooing Will Make Hair Healthier and Grow Faster 

Shampooing regularly is essential for maintaining a healthy scalp and hair, but shampooing alone won’t magically make hair grow faster. Healthy hair growth depends on a variety of factors, such as genetics, nutrition, and hair care practices.  

To encourage growth, instruct clients to gently massage the scalp when shampooing to stimulate blood flow to their hair follicles. Advise them to use lukewarm water to rinse, since hot water can dry out the hair. They could also consider incorporating products with ingredients like biotin, caffeine, or other growth activators. Nutrition also plays a key role—have clients do their research into the benefits of eating foods rich in vitamins and nutrients like biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy hair. Finally, certain medications can affect hair growth too, so encourage clients to first read the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) data sheet that accompanies any prescriptions they take, and then talk to their health-care provider about any concerns. 

Plucking Gray Hairs Will Cause More to Grow Back 

Many people believe that plucking one gray hair will cause several more to grow in its place, but this old advice is false. Gray hair occurs when a follicle’s pigment cells produce less melanin. Plucking gray hair will not make more gray hairs appear, but it can damage the hair follicle and lead to permanent hair loss in that area. So, if your clients are trying to avoid thinning hair, tell them it’s best not to pluck. 

Several factors contribute to gray hair including genetics, aging, stress, and certain medical conditions. For example, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can reduce melanin production, leading to premature graying. Similarly, stress can lead to hair shedding and make gray hair more noticeable. 

Shaving a Baby’s Head Will Make Their Hair Grow Back Thicker 

A common myth about babies is that shaving their heads will make their hair grow back thicker and longer. The truth is that baby hair is typically replaced by thicker “terminal” hair by the time they’re around 2 years old. However, the texture or color of this new hair is largely determined by genetics, not by shaving. Shaving a baby’s head has no impact on how their hair grows. 

Trimming Your Hair Will Make It Grow Faster 

It’s a common belief that trimming hair regularly will make it grow faster. In reality, trimming only affects the appearance of hair. Hair growth occurs beneath the scalp, and trimming only removes split ends, making hair look healthier. Explain to clients that hair goes through a growth cycle that includes shedding, resting, and regrowing phases. While trimming helps prevent breakage, and is an important part of hair health, it won’t change the speed at which their hair grows. 

If You Have Greasy Hair, Skip the Conditioner 

Clients with oily hair often admit they skip conditioner, thinking it worsens their issue. Truth is, that’s not the case. Conditioner isn’t responsible for oily hair; rather, it’s the overproduction of sebum (the scalp’s natural oil) that makes hair greasy. Skipping conditioner can leave hair dry and brittle, which can lead to more oil production as the scalp tries to compensate. Instead, advise clients to use a clarifying shampoo to remove excess oil and follow it with a lightweight conditioner to keep the hair hydrated. 

While these old wives’ tales may seem harmless, many are rooted in myths that don’t hold up to modern science. Understanding what works, and what doesn’t, can help clients make informed choices about their health and beauty routines. Remind clients that it’s always best to question the old wives’ tales (and the too-good-to-be-true TikTok recommendations) and focus on evidence-based advice from their hair pro or barber. 

By Josephine Granato

Josephine Granato has over 24 years of experience in the beauty industry and has cultivated a deep love for both practicing and teaching the art of cosmetology. In practice, she specializes in makeup, hairstyling, and cutting, and her work as a cosmetology educator, trainer, and administrator has included roles for Empire Beauty Schools and Tricoci University.  Whether in the salon or classroom, Granato says she is “dedicated to empowering individuals to discover and express their unique beauty through the art of cosmetology."

Notes 

1. Mayo Clinic Health System, Carmen Dargel, “Can Wet Hair Make You Sick,” September 20, 2022, https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-healt...