If there’s one thing the world of hair care has plenty of, it’s unwanted advice—whether from friends, family, or that random influencer on social media. But not all advice is created equal. Over the years, certain hair myths have become so ingrained in our routines that we follow them without question.
At Rendezvous Barbers, we’ve heard it all: “Cutting your hair makes it grow faster!” or “Wearing hats causes baldness.” But are these statements fact or fiction? Let’s find out which ones of these myths is actually true, so you can make smarter choices for your grooming routine.
Myth 1: Cutting Your Hair Makes It Grow Faster
Your hairline is creeping back, and your friend tells you, “If you get regular trims, your hair will grow faster.” Before you know it, you’re sitting in the barber’s chair, hoping it’s true. But is it?
The Truth: Hair growth happens at the scalp, not the ends. Trimming your hair doesn’t affect how quickly it grows—it simply removes split ends, making your hair look healthier. What does help your hair grow? A healthy scalp, proper nutrition, and good hair care habits.
The Science Behind It: Hair grows at an average rate of about half an inch per month, regardless of how often you trim it. Regular trims keep your hair looking neat and prevent damage from creeping up the shaft, but they won’t accelerate growth.
Myth 2: Wearing Hats Causes Baldness
You’ve probably heard someone say, “Stop wearing hats so much—you’re going to go bald!” It’s a statement that’s made many men hesitate before reaching for their favorite cap.
The Truth: Wearing hats does not cause hair loss. Hair loss is primarily influenced by genetics, hormones, and age—not your choice of headwear. Unless your hat is so tight that it’s pulling out your hair (and who wears hats like that?), your hair is safe.
The Science Behind It: Male pattern baldness is caused by a combination of genetics and the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which shrinks hair follicles over time. Hats simply cover your hair—they don’t impact the follicles underneath.
Barber’s Tip: If you wear hats frequently, make sure your scalp stays clean and hydrated. Hats can trap sweat and oil, which might lead to irritation if left unchecked.
Myth 3: Shampooing Every Day Is Bad for Your Hair
You’re standing in the shower, shampoo bottle in hand, and you pause. “Am I overdoing it?” you wonder. Maybe you’ve heard it from a friend or read it online—shampooing every day strips your hair of its natural oils and leaves it dry. But is this advice fact or fiction?
The Truth: Shampooing daily isn’t necessarily bad—it depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and the products you’re using. For men with oily hair or active lifestyles, washing daily helps keep your scalp clean and fresh. But for those with dry, curly, or textured hair, daily shampooing can strip away the oils your hair needs to stay healthy.
How to Know What’s Right for You:
- Oily or Fine Hair: Daily washing with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo helps control grease without over-drying.
- Dry or Textured Hair: Wash 2–3 times a week to maintain moisture. You can rinse with water or use conditioner on non-shampoo days to keep hair manageable.
- Normal Hair: Washing every other day strikes a good balance for most men.
Barber’s Tip: Use a conditioner after shampooing to replenish moisture and keep your hair soft. If you’re unsure about your routine, ask your barber at Rendezvous Barbers for a product recommendation tailored to your hair type.
The Science Behind It: Shampoo cleanses by removing dirt, oil, and sweat from your scalp. While this is great for hygiene, using harsh shampoos too often can disrupt your scalp’s natural oil balance. That’s why choosing the right product is key.
Shampooing isn’t the enemy—it’s all about finding the frequency that works best for your hair and sticking to high-quality products that support your routine.
Myth 4: Stress Causes Gray Hair
We’ve all joked about stress turning our hair gray, but is there any truth to this? Can a tough day at work really impact your hair color?
The Truth: Stress can contribute to gray hair, but it’s not the sole cause. Genetics play the biggest role in determining when and how quickly your hair turns gray. However, chronic stress can deplete stem cells in hair follicles over time, potentially speeding up the process.
The Science Behind It: A 2020 study showed that stress can activate certain pathways that impact melanocytes—the cells responsible for pigment in your hair. But unless you’re experiencing severe, long-term stress, it’s unlikely to cause a sudden shift in your hair color.
Gray hair is natural, and more men are embracing the “salt-and-pepper” look as part of their style. At Rendezvous Barbers, we can help you find cuts that highlight your grays and make them a stylish part of your look.
Myth 5: Split Ends Can Be Fixed
We’ve all seen ads for products claiming to “repair” split ends, but is it possible to truly fix them?
The Truth: Once your hair splits, it’s split for good. The only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. Products can temporarily smooth and seal the ends, but this is just a cosmetic fix.
The Science Behind It: Split ends occur when the protective outer layer of your hair (the cuticle) is damaged, exposing the inner layers. No product can fuse these layers back together.
Barber’s Tip: Regular trims are the best way to prevent split ends. If you’re growing out your hair, ask your barber to “dust” the ends to remove damage without sacrificing length.
Smarter Hair Care Starts At Rendezvous
When it comes to hair care, knowledge is power. By debunking these common myths, you can take control of your grooming routine and make choices that truly benefit your hair.
Still have questions or looking for personalized advice? At Rendezvous Barbers, we don’t just cut hair—we create hairstyles that suit your needs and provide guidance to keep you looking sharp long after you leave the chair. Because when you look good, you feel good.
Book your appointment today at the best Toronto barbershop, and let’s talk about what really works for you.
