Over the years many myths or misconceptions have formed around the topic of hair. Some are obvious and humorous where others require a bit of research and thought. I have come across many and have divided them into 8 categories:
Part 1: Hair Growth
Part 2: Split Ends and Brushing/Combing
Part 3: Baldness/Hairloss and Gray Hair
Part 4: Texture, Dandruff, and Scalp Problems
Part 5: Short Hair and Coloring Your Hair
Part 6: Thin/Thinning Hair and Summer Hair
Part 7: Hair Products
Part 8: Shampooing and Misc.
Texture
If you shave the hair off a baby's head, you can change the texture of his/her hair.
The texture, color, and growth rate are all determined by genetics, not by how long or short the child's hair is or isn't.
The texture of your hair right now will be the same when you are in your 80's.
There are many, many examples of where this just isn't true. Do you know anyone who has undergone chemotherapy and his/her hair has come back entirely different? Or how about the woman who had very straight hair, had a baby, and then had curly locks? A person's hair texture can change with age as well, so texture is definitely not something set in stone.
Dandruff
Dandruff just looks ugly but it doesn't do you any harm.
Dandruff should be attacked with frequent shampooing and thorough brushing of the scalp to get rid of it. If left to itself, dandruff, along with dirt and oil on your scalp, can creat an airtight cap or covering over your scalp that can literally strangle and kill off the hair follicles. This results in permanent hairloss.
Dandruff is contagious.
No dandruff is not contagious, but it is still not a good idea to pass around your comb in the locker room. You can pick up other nasty things from other peoples' hair.
Scalp Problems
Problems on my friend's scalp aren't contagious. I don't have to worry.
You don't need to worry about your friend's dandruff, but you do need to worry about his/her lice or any other parasite s/he might have. These pests can be very easily transferred from one head to the next by sharing combs and brushes. Just slip your comb discreetly back into your purse when you are finished with it rather than offering it to your friend. You could be doing yourself a favor.
If you sleep with a wet head, you can get fungus on your scalp.
Scalp or fungal diseases come from direct contact with the source, not from sleeping with a cold, damp head. These diseases (such as ringworm) can come from contact with infected people, animals, or hair care tools.
